Nugent votes to continue gag order on VA doctors denying access to and advice concerning the use of medical marijuana for veterans, in states where it is legal.
Veterans groups across the nation are fighting for the right to the same medical treatments as civilians. In states where medical marijuana is legal veterans who seek medical care through the VA system do not have access to medical marijuana and it looks like it will stay that way.
As part of the FY2016 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill the Veterans Equal Access Amendment (VEAA), was reintroduced and put to vote. This amendment would lift the gag on VA doctors from discussing medical marijuana use with patients or to recommend its use. in states where it is legal.
The bill was rejected bya vote of 210-213. One of the members of Congress that voted no was the Congressman for Florida’s 11th District, Rich Nugent. The 11th District has one of the largest populations of veterans not just in Florida, but in the U.S.. Nugent has repeatedly promised to take care of veterans but this is one more example of Congressman Nugent turning a deaf ear to the pleas for help from the veterans in his district and across the nation.
Veterans groups across the nation have lobbied Washington and asked that they be given access to medical marijuana. They see medical marijuana as an alternative to highly addictive opiates. The availability of medical marijuana for the treatment of PTSD is an issue that is life-changing for many of our veterans. To deny them this treatment in states where it is legal, is unfair and wrong.
The amendment lost by 3 votes. Some say that the closeness of the vote shows progress, but it still does not help the thousands of men and women who fought for our country, to get access to a treatment that can help them live a better life and future here at home.
Mr. Nugent, you cannot continue to say that you represent the military veterans of America and then vote against their wishes. Do you really feel that you understand the needs of vets better than the scores of health care professionals and advocacy groups that supported this legislation? You don’t have to look very far to find further examples of your continued betrayals of your promise to serve our veterans. Many are vulnerable and suffering, they need and deserve a Champion, not just another tower of the party line! You continue to prove that you do not care about our nation’s veterans by voting for deep cuts to a long list of critical benefits and vital services that are already underfunded. These are lifelines that help our growing number of wounded and desperate veterans. Your lack of support is evident in your Congressional voting record.