Shea-Porter Statement on VA Reform Compromise

Statement

Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) released the following statement after the announcement of a bipartisan, bicameral VA reform bill:

"I am pleased that the Conference Committee has reached a compromise agreement that begins to address the systemic failures at the VA and improve care for veterans here in New Hampshire and across the country. I am especially pleased that the bill includes language that will accomplish the aims of a policy I developed in 2008 to improve care for New Hampshire veterans, who do not have access to a full-service in-state veterans hospital. This policy will enable veterans who live far from VA facilities or cannot access full-service treatment to receive private care. However, in the current bill, that access would only last for a maximum of three years. It should be permanent, like it is in my proposal.

"It is our basic duty to ensure that that our country fulfills its promises to the men and women who serve. I call on both chambers to meet this obligation by passing a final VA reform bill before going out of session."

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