July 28, 2017

Roe, Walz Statement on Choice Funding

Washington, D.C. - Today, Chairman Phil Roe, M.D. (R-Tenn) and Ranking Member Tim Walz (D-Minn.) released the following statement on their bipartisan agreement to extend Choice funding for six months, authorize 28 major medical facility leases and enhance the recruitment, retention and training of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) workforce:

“Once again, our committee has shown we are committed to working through our differences to get things done for our nation’s heroes. When our Veterans Service Organization partners raised concerns that in-house VA resources weren’t getting enough attention during the Choice funding debate, we heard their call and acted in good faith to add critical leases to the package being considered by the House this week. Perhaps most importantly, thanks to the leadership of Health Subcommittee Chairman Wenstrup and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Ranking Member Kuster, this package includes provisions that double down on our investment in VA by building on their capacity to hire and recruit the best providers to care for veterans. Our priority is and has always been ensuring veterans have access to the very best health care available, and we will continue to come together to deliver the results veterans deserve.”

S. 114 provides $2.1 billion to continue the Choice Program for six months while Congress works on other reforms to the Choice Program. It would also authorize 28 major medical facility leases and enhance the recruitment, retention and training of the VA workforce.

The House is scheduled to vote on the legislation later today. 

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