U.S. Rep. Martha Roby, R-Ala., has been traveling around the state in recent weeks, and on Wednesday told Troy voters she’s glad “to be home in Alabama.”

Roby was in town for the Pike County Republican Women’s luncheon.

“It’s just great to be home in Alabama, traveling around the district, getting to talk to all of my constituents and hearing from them so I can be their conscience in Washington,” Roby said.

Roby has been a major proponent for the changes within the Veteran Affairs healthcare system. Recently the chief of staff and director for the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System were removed from their positions with CAVHCS. Roby has said numerous times that she feels this is the first step toward change within the VA’s health care system.

“It’s a huge first step in the right direction, but we’re not going to let up,” Roby said. “We, over the course of time, since the story broke in Phoenix, have come to understand a whole lot of mismanagement and malfeasance has taken place in our own backyard … All of these problems in mismanagement and malfeasance do not lie at the feet of one or two individuals. There are bad actors that have to be removed form the VA. Then we have to hold them accountable and responsible, but most importantly we must ensure that our veterans have access to the best medical we can give them.”

Recently, Roby has been mentioned in conversations concerning the 2018 gubernatorial race. Roby said she was flattered, but she would remain focused on her time remaining as a congressmen and re-election to Congress.

“I’m very flattered to be mentioned in the future of Alabama politics, but honestly, right now my focus is getting re-elected to Congress in November and being the best congressmen that I can be for my constituents who have sent me to Washington to do a big job,” “I appreciate, and again, I’m flattered to be included in the conversation about the future of Alabama politics.”

During her speech to the members of PCRW, Roby said “American families are hurting,” and America was “not the America you and I believe in.”

“Americans are being faced with the heavy hand of the government,” Roby said. “Families are trying to make their own decisions for the betterment of their families, and it has been difficult for them. There are political realities that have to be faced.”

Roby also spoke to those present at the meeting about U.S. Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid, calling for more courage from the senator when considering bills affecting middle class families.

“He doesn’t have the courage to do that,” Roby said. “There are bills that go and they’re just sitting in his office collecting dust.”

While the senate is currently out of session, Roby said she hopes to “come back in September and put the needed pressure on them.”