Washington, D.C.– The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation with broad bipartisan support to make reforms to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and provide better care for veterans. The Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act would also ensure more oversight by requiring independent assessments of VA medical care.

“Comprehensive fixes to the problems at the VA have languished in Congress for years. This compromise agreement isn’t a magic bullet, but it does provide needed independent oversight to ensure accountability throughout the department. Most importantly, it makes sure that the men and women who have served our country can immediately access quality health care.”

Provisions included in the bill:

·         Requires an independent assessment of VA medical care

·         Authorizes the VA to fire or demote senior level employees for poor performance or misconduct

·         Allows veterans to receive non-VA care if they are unable to secure an appointment at a VA facility within 30 days

·         Expands VA infrastructure and increases number of facilities

·         Increases access to care through the hiring of additional doctors and medical staff

Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus.

For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit paulsen.house.gov. 

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