Va Billing Accountability Act

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I, too, rise in support of H.R. 1972, but I would once again like to note we are here again with the most productive committee in the United States Congress, the most bipartisan committee, the most open, and it is fitting, going into Memorial Day, that the question of the shared commitment to this Nation's veterans is never in question. So I am grateful.

I would also like to extend thanks to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Emmer), for his work on this piece of legislation, bringing it to light and continuing to carry this until we got it to the floor.

This committee has heard from veterans across the country that have experienced harassment from debt collectors or experienced adverse credit reporting through no fault of their own.

The bill simply requires VA to waive any of those copayments due by a veteran when VA makes an error that causes significant delay in notification of the copayment. It is a very simple solution to a problem that can significantly impact nearly every aspect of a veterans' life. This can add unnecessary stress for veterans when they are trying to pay their medical expenses and make ends meet. Veterans shouldn't be hung out to dry when the VA is at fault. This legislation would mitigate the harm a delayed copayment notification could create for a veteran.
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Mr. WALZ. Mr. Speaker, again, I too, would like to thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania, Representative Smucker, and Representative Emmer for their tireless work for care of veterans not just in Minnesota, but across the country. I also thank the gentleman from Florida.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to please join me in passing H.R. 1972, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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