WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 16, 2018) — Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after the House passed the Department of Veterans Affairs Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks “MISSION” Act (S.2372).

“We just took another important step to rebuild the VA so it can improve care, restore trust, and roll out the red carpet for our veterans. The VA MISSION Act, which consolidates VA’s multiple community care programs and temporarily extends the Choice Program, will help ensure that our veterans will get the care they have earned when they need it. If veterans are happy with the health care services at their local VA clinic, they should be able to continue seeing their doctors there. But those who have to travel long distances to reach a VA facility or who are facing excessive wait times shouldn’t feel trapped by a system that isn’t meeting their needs. That’s why this bill requires access to community care if the VA does not offer the care or services the veteran needs. 

“For the nearly 70,000 veterans I represent in Eastern Washington, I’m also grateful the VA MISSION Act will create a non-partisan process for reviewing the VA’s assets and infrastructure to ensure the VA isn’t squandering resources on unused or unneeded facilities and instead targets resources on caring for veterans. Additionally, the VA MISSION Act expands the Post-9/11 Caregivers Program to all generations.”

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