Press Releases

GOODLATTE: OUR VETERANS DESERVE A VA THAT WORKS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bob Goodlatte released the following statement today after voting in support of the Conference Report on the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014, which must also be approved by the Senate before heading to the White House: 

“Our veterans have sacrificed greatly to serve this nation. These men and women who have fought in defense of freedom deserve a VA system that actually works.  Under the legislation approved today, if a veteran cannot get an appointment at their local VA facility in a timely manner, or lives more than 40 miles away from the nearest VA medical facility, they can seek private care.  It establishes a Congressional Commission on Care to further evaluate the standards of care at VA facilities as well.  The bill would also provide more accountability by giving the Department of Veterans Affairs greater authority to fire senior employees who have failed to serve patients.  

“The substantial delay in service experienced by veterans across the nation is completely unacceptable.  We cannot turn back time to make up for this lapse of care; however, we can move forward today with legislation that will help improve conditions now and in the future. I am pleased that the House and Senate have come together in support of this bipartisan agreement to ensure better access to care for our veterans.  Thank you to our veterans for their service and sacrifice.”