Hultgren, Roskam Support Veterans Department Reform Bill

A press release from Congressman Randy Hultgren:

Hultgren Supports Compromise Bill to Overhaul VA

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today supported House passage (420-5) of the H.R. 3230, the Veterans’ Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act, a compromise bill between the House and Senate to overhaul the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Randy Hultgren

Randy Hultgren

“After meeting with veterans and their representatives from throughout the 14th District and discussing the VA’s deep-seated problems with leaders of Illinois VA facilities, it’s become clear the VA is in need of reforms to ensure it is serving the needs of our veterans,” said Rep. Hultgren.

“The ongoing bureaucratic nightmare has hurt our servicemen and women, and I am pleased the House and Senate have worked together to overhaul the way veterans receive care.

“But we must continue to hold the administration accountable for implementing these reforms and rooting out corruption and ineptitude at the VA. We will be listening to our veterans and watching closely as the VA works to fix its deep problems.”

Among other provisions, H.R. 3230 would:

  • Allow veterans to seek private care if they live more than 40 miles from the nearest VA facility, or are unable to get an appointment at a VA facility within 30 days. It also extends two pilot programs to help veterans receive care closer to their homes, and to improve rehabilitation services for those who have suffered a traumatic brain injury.
  • Incorporate the House-passed VA Management Accountability Act (H.R. 4031), legislation backed by numerous veterans groups that makes it easier to fire or demote senior VA managers who are not doing their jobs.  The bill also prevents senior managers from receiving bonuses during their removal process.
  • Ensure that there will be an independent review of VA medical care, and it establishes a congressional commission to evaluate access to care. These measures will help identify long-term reforms necessary to improve the quality and accessibility of care for our veterans.

For more information on the bill, please click here.

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A press release from Congressman Peter Roskam:

Roskam Votes to Restore VA Accountability and Provide Veterans Emergency Access to Care

WASHINGTON, DC– Today, Congressman Peter Roskam (IL-06) released the following statement after House passage of H.R. 3230, the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014:

Peter Roskam

Peter Roskam

“Ever since the Department of Veterans Affairs scandal broke in late April, the reports of systemic abuse and mismanagement have only gotten worse.

“Today, the House acted on bipartisan legislation to begin the process of reforming the VA and restoring accountability throughout the entire system.

“This measure will make it easier for VA leaders to fire employees for misconduct and ensure veterans are able to receive emergency access to private sector care if they experience long wait times at a VA hospital, or if they live more than 40 miles from a VA facility.

“We must continue to work together to ensure that the brave men and women who serve in our armed forces receive the best care and support available, and I look forward to President Obama signing this important bill into law as soon as possible.”


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