Ranking Member Michaud Calls on Department of Veterans Affairs to Act Aggressively on Reform

Michaud says veterans shouldn’t have to wait for implementation of new law increasing timely access to VA health care

WASHINGTON, DC – The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held a hearing earlier today on the progress of implementing the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014. Congress passed the overwhelmingly bipartisan and comprehensive reform package this past summer, and President Obama signed it into law in early August. Sloan Gibson, who served as Acting Secretary at the time of the bill’s passage, testified at today’s hearing.

Following this morning’s proceedings, U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud (D-ME), Ranking Democrat on the Committee, issued the following statement about the current status of the law’s implementation:

“We’ve heard a lot recently from the Department of Veterans Affairs about much-needed reforms.  I am encouraged by the ideas I am hearing, but talk alone isn’t what will improve things for America’s veterans.  It is action that will make for easier access to the quality care and benefits veterans earned through their service.  I expect the Department to act expeditiously and aggressively on all aspects of reform, including implementing the provisions of the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 (PL-113-146).  If VA is struggling to meet any of the requirements, they should communicate with Congress in a transparent manner so we can work together on finding solutions.

“There are many good men and women working at VA – and many are veterans themselves.  For the few who are putting their own interests above those of veterans, it’s time for them to go.  Today’s announcement of the dismissal of the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System Director is a step in the right direction, and hopefully an indication that VA is moving forward with disciplinary action for those who deserve it.”

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