Rockefeller Appointed to Conference Committee on VA Health Care Bill

Press Release

Senator Jay Rockefeller this week was named to a bipartisan panel charged with crafting compromise legislation that seeks to improve veterans' access to health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities.

Amid ongoing reports of problems at VA medical facilities across the country, last week, the Senate passed S.2450, the Veterans' Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014. Rockefeller is one of 28 Congressional representatives who will be working to produce one version of the Senate and House of Representatives-approved VA health care bills. The merged legislation will be sent to both the Senate and House floors for final passage.

"My focus for this conference committee is to make absolutely sure the VA system has the resources it needs to properly care for the men and women who've sacrificed so much for our country--including thousands here in West Virginia," Rockefeller said. "Fixing the VA's systemic problems won't happen overnight, but this legislation is a first step in that direction. I look forward to working with my Senate and House colleagues to produce a bill that provides veterans with the services and support they need and deserve."

Background:

Senator Rockefeller is the longest serving member and former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Rockefeller has led the charge for affordable and quality health care, and retirement and disability benefits. Rockefeller has worked extensively to modernize the VA, and has been a strong proponent of legislation to boost educational opportunities and reduce unemployment among veterans in West Virginia and across the country.

To achieve long-term stability in VA health care, Rockefeller has cosponsored legislation to provide advanced funding so veterans can get the care they need. Rockefeller also authored successful legislation to encourage the VA, for the first time, to provide extended care services--such as home health care, adult day care, respite care, and hospice care--to veterans who use the VA health care system.

Rockefeller also has worked to ensure that veterans have full access to health care at West Virginia's four VA Medical Centers and nine Vet Centers, and played an instrumental part in creating 10 Community Based Outpatient Clinics across the state. West Virginia also has a veterans' home in Barboursville, along with a Veterans Nursing Facility in Clarksburg and the Donel Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery in Institute, both of which Rockefeller worked diligently to make a reality.

Rockefeller has fought for adequate resources to pay for and treat veterans suffering from Gulf War illness, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury. Recognizing that PTSD is a serious illness affecting many of our veterans, Rockefeller has continually been a strong supporter of legislation to enhance the treatment and tracking of PTSD and suicide in service members. He believes it is essential to continue initiatives to provide veterans with quality health care--incorporating preventive and early intervention measures.

Rockefeller also understands the importance of helping veterans get jobs through investments in training and hiring assistance, and he helped to champion legislation that created the Post-9/11 Bill.

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