Cramer Supports Passage of the VA Mission Act

Statement

Congressman Kevin Cramer praised the passage today of a major piece of legislation to improve veterans' care. The VA MISSION Act strengthens and improves the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system for the benefit of the nation's veterans. The bill consolidates VA's multiple community care programs and authorities and provides further funding for the Choice Program.

"The VA Choice Program is a vital service for many of our veterans, particularly those in rural states like North Dakota," said Cramer. "We owe it to the men and women who have served to make sure this program is running effectively to meet their needs. The VA MISSION Act passed today will fund the Choice Program while providing timely access to care."

H.R. 5674, includes $5.2 billion for the VA Choice Program to keep it running, and improves community care programs while creating a fair process for reviewing the Department's assets to ensure veterans are receiving the care they have earned.

The legislation, passed as an amendment to S. 2372, consists of three bills that have been considered by the House or Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs and are supported by major veterans service organizations. They include the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, The American Legion, AMVETS (American Veterans), the Vietnam Veterans of America, and 33 other groups who signed a letter of support.

Cramer has consistently supported improving the Choice Program and funding for vital health services. Since being elected to Congress, Cramer has had a Veterans Advisory Board, made up of North Dakota veterans organization leaders who provide guidance on important issues for retired service members.

Additional Highlights in the Legislation:

Requires the VA to grant veterans access to health care in the private sector if they and their VA doctor agree it's in their best interest or if their closest VA is determined "deficient" compared to other VA and non-VA facilities.
Contains a gradual expansion of caregiver benefits to veterans injured before the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Creates a commission tasked with reviewing VA buildings nationwide and recommending which ones to keep and where the VA could invest.

Source