Altmire Welcomes Signing of Historic VA Medical Bill
October 22, 2009
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) -- U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-04) today issued the following statement after President Obama signed the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act (H.R. 1016) into law. Altmire was an original co-sponsor of this legislation, which allows Congress to approve funding for veterans’ medical care one year in advance. Altmire also joined 16 members of Congress and sent a letter to President Obama last week urging him to sign this important legislation into law as quickly as possible.
“This new law will enhance the Department of Veterans Affairs’ ability to anticipate and proactively plan for how best to meet veterans’ health care needs,” Altmire said. “This law will also ensure that lengthy budget debates in Washington never stand in the way of VA hospitals getting the full funding they need in a timely manner. America’s veterans have made tremendous sacrifices for our country, and I am glad that we have taken another important step forward to ensure they have access to the best health care our nation can provide.”
The issue of advanced funding is a top priority for veteran service organizations. More than 40 groups, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, support this legislation.
