Duckworth Votes for Bipartisan Veterans' Access to Care Through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act

Statement

Today, Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (IL-08) voted in favor of H.R. 3230, the Veterans' Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014, which passed the House of Representatives. The bipartisan legislation provides $10 billion to allow Veterans to seek private medical care if they have unreasonable wait times or if they reside more than 40 miles from a facility. It will also provide additional doctors, nurses, medical staff and leases for 27 medical facilities across the country. Hines VA Medical Center is also receiving $22 million to help improve care for Veterans.

"Like all Americans, I am deeply disappointed in the issues identified at the VA in recent months," said Duckworth. "Our Veterans sacrificed so much for our nation and they deserve the best care possible. This legislation and the confirmation of Robert McDonald as Secretary are important steps towards rebuilding trust and confidence in the Department of Veterans Affairs and making sure that Veterans are never again subject to unacceptable wait times to receive care."

"That said, there is no silver bullet to improving care at the VA and these steps are only the beginning. We must continue to have an unrelenting commitment to providing our Veterans with the level of care that they deserve."

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