Rigell Supports Long-Term Reform for the VA f t # e
Press Release
Congressman Scott Rigell (VA-02), who has been a consistent advocate for our active duty and veteran service members, supported legislation which offers a long-term vision for reforming the systemic problems plaguing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and ensures our nation's veterans receive the timely and thorough care they deserve. The Veterans' Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014 improves access to and quality of care for veterans, expands the VA's internal capacity to provide timely care, and increases accountability and oversight within the department. This conference report passed in the House and goes to the Senate for consideration.
"The dysfunction at the VA extends well beyond poor patient care, and is the result of mismanagement and a lack of accountability that has become a pattern in this Administration," said Rep. Rigell. "The systemic problems that exist are not going to be solved overnight, but by changing the culture of the department and the mindset of the employees who serve our veterans. This legislation provides real, long-term solutions for our veterans and takes an important step toward ensuring that they receive the best and most timely medical care available."
The Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 3230, the Veterans' Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014, allows the VA to offer non-VA care at the Department's expense to any enrolled veteran who cannot get an appointment within VA wait time goals or who lives more than 40 miles from a VA medical facility, authorizes the VA to fire or demote Senior Executive Service employees for poor performance or misconduct, and increases access to care through the hiring of physicians and other medical staff and by improving VA's physical infrastructure.
Rigell, who represents the district with the highest concentration of active duty and retired military personnel in the country, continued: "We have a deep obligation to defend those who have worn our nation's uniform and speak boldly on their behalf. I'm proud that Congress has acted to protect the men and women who have made a heavy sacrifice in defense of our freedoms."
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