Published: March 30, 2007 11:56 pm      

Hill: Washington ‘fell asleep at the wheel’ on veterans’ care

On the same day that President Bush visited Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Rep. Baron Hill, D-Ind., was in town Friday taking a tour of area facilities.

The congressman was in New Albany and Louisville on Friday visiting veterans’ hospitals and clinics in the area. The visits were a result of what happened at Walter Reed, he said.

“People fell asleep at the wheel,” Hill said about the Walter Reed situation.

The Department of Defense, Congress, the president and the Veterans’ Administration — “I think we’re all to blame,” he said.

About six weeks ago, a media investigation revealed moldy walls, rodent infestations and other problems at the Virginia Army hospital — considered one of the Army’s premier facilities for treating the war wounded.

The revelations were an embarrassment to Bush, who routinely speaks of the need to support the troops and praises the care they receive back home.

Hill said he was pleased with what he saw at the New Albany clinic. Speaking with veterans there, he said, most were satisfied with the care they were receiving.

Most veterans’ hospitals likely are in good shape, he said. A few bad eggs are likely spoiling the bunch, he added.

For his visit, Bush carried a promise of better treatment for neglected war veterans. Before leaving, the president spoke to about 100 medical workers to explain what his administration is doing to improve care for veterans at facilities nationwide. He declared the situation at Walter Reed unacceptable and ordered a full-scale review of care for veterans.

Hill — who was initially unaware of Bush’s visit to Walter Reed — commented that he was happy to see that the president was visiting the hospital, but questioned his timing.

“I would have preferred that he did it sooner rather than waiting ’till right now,” Hill said.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.