Braley Backs Bipartisan Veterans Administration Reform Compromise

Press Release

Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today voted in favor of the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014--the bipartisan reform package, meant to address problems within the Veterans Affairs Administration--as it overwhelmingly passed the House 420-5. Earlier this week, the package was agreed to by Senate VA Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and House VA Committee Chairman Jeff Miller (R-Fla).

"I'm proud that both parties could come together today and support this legislation aimed at seriously addressing the misconduct that has been exposed at the VA," Braley said. "Our veterans deserve high quality, efficient, and easy-to-access care and this legislation is a big, bipartisan step in that direction. I urge the President to sign this bill as quickly as possible."

The Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 has four main components:

· Strengthen VA to meet veterans' needs: The Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 would bolster VA staffing, add new infrastructure and facilities designated for veterans care, and authorize major medical facility leases for 27 new clinics in 18 states and Puerto Rico.

· Expand access to care: The legislation would allow veterans who have waited more than 30 days for an appointment with the VA, or that live more than 40 miles from a VA facility, to seek care from a private physician, a community health center, a Department of Defense health care facility or Indian Health Center.

· Support veterans and their families: The legislation would improve the delivery of care for veterans who experienced sexual trauma while in the military; survivor benefits will be expanded so surviving spouses can further their education, rebuild their lives, and take care of their families; all veterans eligible for education benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill will qualify for in-state tuition; and the legislation would extend a program (set to expire) which provides housing for veterans struggling with traumatic brain injuries.

· Remove incompetent senior officials: The VA secretary would be granted the authority to immediately remove senior executives based on poor job performance or misconduct and the Merit Systems Protection Board would prevent political firings or other abuses of power including retaliation against whistle blowers.

Braley had previously endorsed the framework outlined in the Senate package formulated by Senators Sanders and McCain (R-Ariz).

Last month, Braley called on Congressional leadership to pass his Veterans Access to Care Act to provide solutions to problems at the VA.

Source