Washington, D.C. – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) today released the following statement after supporting House passage of H.R. 4810, the Veteran Access to Care Act of 2014:
“Today’s overwhelming passage of the Veteran Access to Care Act is a good step forward in addressing the unacceptable treatment many of our veterans have been experiencing within the Department of Veterans Affairs system. By granting veterans facing extensive wait-times – as well as those who live over 40 miles from a VA facility – the much-needed flexibility to seek care outside the VA system, this legislation helps to honor our sacred obligation to those who have served our nation so selflessly.
“Our veterans have served this nation with honor and distinction, and I will continue to work toward a cultural and managerial transformation at the VA to assure that they are able to receive the care that they have earned and deserve.”
The Veteran Access to Care Act of 2014, of which Congressman Wittman is a cosponsor, directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to contract with non-VA facilities so that certain veterans can receive care outside the VA system, including those who live over 40 miles from a VA facility and those who have experienced excessive wait-times. The legislation also prohibits the awarding of bonuses to VA employees for a period of two years.
Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee where he is the Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.
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