Bennet Statement in Support of Senate-Passed Bill to Improve Veteran Care

Statement

Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today issued the below statement following the passage of the VA MISSION Act.

"Veterans and community leaders across Colorado have voiced concerns with the VA Choice program. Today, we passed legislation to address the issues they've raised," Bennet said. "Based on feedback from Colorado veterans, this bill puts in place policies to bring down wait times, reduce barriers for community providers, and recruit and retain medical professionals. This is an important, bipartisan step toward ensuring Colorado veterans have timely access to quality health and behavioral health care in a manner that makes sense for them."

The VA MISSION Act will consolidate VA community care programs, including the Choice Program, and establish a program that makes more sense for veterans, VA employees, community providers, and taxpayers.

The bill also will bolster the ability of VA facilities to better serve veterans and expand caregiver benefits to veterans of all eras.

Bennet has introduced legislation to reform the VA Choice Program, including the Veterans Choice Program Improvement Act and VA Performance Accountability and Contractor Transparency Act. Bennet also introduced the Military and Veteran Caregiver Services Improvement Act to expand caregiver benefits to veterans of all eras. The VA MISSION Act builds on provisions in these bills.

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