September 28, 2016

Acting Ranking Member Takano and Progressive Co-Caucus Chairs Grijalva, Ellison Introduce Resolution Opposing VHA Privatization

Washington, D.C. – Today, Acting Ranking Member Mark Takano joined Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Raúl Grijalva and Keith Ellison to introduce a House resolution pledging to maintain a robust Veterans Health Administration and oppose the privatization of veterans’ health care.

“The Veterans Health Administration represents our commitment to provide quality health care to America’s veterans, and that commitment cannot be outsourced to the for-profit health care system,” said Acting Ranking Member Takano. “This resolution echoes the voices of millions of veterans who rely on VHA for care that meets their unique needs and is equipped to treat their mental and physical health conditions. It sends a clear message that we will keep the promises we made to those who served.”

A bipartisan survey by Lake Research and Chesapeake Beach Consulting found that four in five veterans oppose turning health care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs into a system of private sector vouchers that may not adequately cover costs.

“The nearly 9 million veterans who rely on our VA Health Care System deserve better than to have politicians gamble with the quality of their medical care,” Rep. Grijalva said. “Our veteran community’s needs vary widely, from complex battle wounds and emotional scars to simple ailments associated with age, and research shows that the current system out-performs the private sector in delivering their care. This resolution is an opportunity for Members of Congress from both sides of the political aisle to stand with our veterans, who by a rate of 80 percent oppose turning VA health care into a system of private sector vouchers.”

The VA completes 101 million outpatient appointments every year. A study recently published by the Rand Corporation, examining a decade of research, found that VHA provided the same, if not better, quality of care than the private sector.

“Veterans serve our country with honor. In return, we promise to provide them with high quality health care throughout their lives,” said Rep. Ellison. “For decades, the Veterans Health Administration has been the center of this care. VA doctors and nurses understand the unique and complex nature of veteran’s healthcare. We must give them the tools they need to serve our veterans effectively. This resolution makes it clear how to do so: by investing in the Veterans Health Administration and opposing proposals that benefit private business at the expense of coordinated veteran care. We must stand with our veterans, and the best way to do that is to ensure lifelong comprehensive care.”

The resolution is supported by the American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans, the American Federation of Government Employees, AMVETS, and the Union Veterans Council.

Full text of the resolution is available here.