‘We will vote you out’: Veterans speak out on consequences if their concerns are not addressed at Rep. Chavez-DeRemer’s hearing

(Update: Video, commentary from veterans, Rep. Chavez-Deremer and Janelle Bynum added)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Rep. Lori Chavez-Deremer was in Bend today speaking with veterans about the issues they face.

She hosted a veterans policy forum at the Bend Elks Lodge on Tuesday and brought staff from the House Veterans Affairs Committee to meet with area veterans.

Veterans had the opportunity to voice their concerns to the Department of Veterans Affairs and ask questions to the House Veterans Affairs Committee. The goal is to bridge the communication gap and address veterans’ concerns.

Chavez-DeRemer noted that she recently sponsored legislation to increase funding for the VA and passed the HOME Act to assist homeless veterans.

“We need to make the community heard because a lot of people talk in circles,” said James “Bill” Gabriel, a Vietnam veteran.

“We strive for efficiency and continuity and we need responsiveness,” said James Russell Carmean.

Chavez-DeRemer heard from veterans who were dissatisfied with their health insurance benefits, lack of providers and long wait times.

“This is a veterans issue. All Americans deserve it if they have served their country and its congressional leaders,” the congresswoman said. “As legislators, we need to make sure the policies are implemented.”

One of the biggest problems veterans face, according to Chavez-DeRemer, is government bureaucracy. She wants to see things made less complicated so that veterans’ quality of life can improve.

“It’s bureaucracy, bureaucracy, bureaucracy,” Chavez-DeRemer said. “I want to make sure that we cut the red tape the less restrictive the regulatory framework there is to do it.”

Many veterans were grateful that Chavez-DeRemer took the time to listen to them, and they hope it can lead to real change.

“The most important thing about an event like this is the personal contact with your congressman because it gives you the opportunity to talk to them and feel like you are really being listened to,” Carmean said.

Democrat Janelle Bynum, Chavez-DeRemer’s opponent in the November election, says the whole thing is basically a campaign stunt.

“What she’s doing is bullshit, bullshit, window dressing,” Bynum said. “She’s trying to make up for the fact that she knows I’m on her tail and that our office has always been known for serving the constituents.”

She wants to offer our soldiers more opportunities when they are at home.

“I have been committed to ensuring that we have housing, that we have educational opportunities for returning veterans and that we make it as easy as possible for them to return to civilian life,” Bynum said.

Veterans told NewsChannel 21 that they were hurt by politicians’ false promises and were not afraid to voice their frustration at the ballot box.

“I told Lori, if you don’t fix our problems, we’re going to vote you and everyone else out of office,” Gabriel said. “Republicans, Democrats, independents, it doesn’t matter. If we find out you’re hurting veterans, you can kiss yourselves out of office.”

Of the 25 people in attendance, about 10 spoke about the issues that concern them. Chavez-DeRemer’s goal is to bring the message of Oregon veterans to Washington.