Rep. Curbelo on Passage of H.R. 3236

Statement

Today, the House passed H.R. 3236, the Surface transportation and Veterans Health Care Choice Improvement Act of 2015. Rep. Carlos Curbelo (FL-26) issued the following statement in support of its passage:

"Today's passage of the Surface Transportation and Veterans Health Care Choice Improvement Act of 2015 will extend the Highway Trust Fund expenditure authority through October 29, 2015. The passage of this bill will allow Congress additional time to work towards a long-term deal that will provide certainty to those tasked with building and rejuvenating our nation's infrastructure. Though a three-month extension is not ideal, it will give the House more leverage when collaborating with our colleagues in the Senate to craft a bill that incorporates the policy ideas of both Chambers.

H.R. 3236 will also allow the Veterans Affairs Department greater flexibility to use choice-funds for Non-VA care and provide greater eligibility for the existing Choice program. Having met veterans throughout FL-26, I've heard firsthand their complaints with the VA process and understand the importance of this flexibility. By passing this bill, our veterans will have easier access in navigating the cumbersome VA bureaucracy.

As a Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I look forward to working with Chairman Bill Shuster to use this temporary extension to produce meaningful and long-term reform to fixing our nation's infrastructure."

Source