McMorris Rodgers: Tireless Advocate for Eastern Washington Veterans

Mar 05, 2015
Press
Veterans

WASHINGTON D.C. –Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement today after co-sponsoringH.R. 577 the Veterans Access to Community Care Act of 2015, which would ensure Eastern Washington veterans are not denied access to quality care because of where they live.

“Not a day goes by when I don’t hear from Eastern Washington veterans who are struggling – struggling to access good quality care, and struggling with a bureaucratic system that is failing our heroes. This is unacceptable. These men and women dutifully served our country, and they have earned reliable, effective treatment when they need it most. I’m proud to co-sponsor legislation that will help veterans from Colville to Walla Walla access that care. By clarifying the 40-mile rule, we will make sure more Eastern Washington veterans can utilize the Choice Card program and get the care they need.”

In July, Congress passed the bipartisan Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act to improve transparency at the VA and provide veterans the choice to access health care outside the VA.Unfortunately, many veterans are still unable to access the care they need because of the VA’s flawed interpretation of the law.

The Veterans Access to Community Care Act of 2015 clarifies the 40-mile rule to mean forty miles ofdriving rather than a point-to-point radius. It will take into account the physical needs of the veteran, enabling Eastern Washington veterans to seek care locally if they do not live within forty miles of a VA facility that provides the care they need.

Recent Posts


Sep 24, 2024
Standing with Israel

Abraham Accords Caucus Introduces Bipartisan Resolution to Promote Peace and Tolerance in Education

Washington, D.C. – The Co-Chairs of the Abraham Accords Caucus, Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Ann Wagner (R-MO), and David Trone (D-MD), have introduced a bipartisan resolution encouraging the U.S. Department of State and civil society organizations to further the goals of the Abraham Accords by promoting peace and tolerance through education across […]



Sep 19, 2024
Clean Energy

ICYMI: McMorris Rodgers Leads Energy and Commerce Committee to Advance 15 Bills to the Full House

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) led the Energy and Commerce Committee in advancing 15 bills to the full House of Representatives. These bills would extend telehealth services for seniors, repeal harmful regulations that are jeopardizing America’s economic and energy security, and provide significant protections and safeguards to date for […]



Sep 18, 2024
Environment & Climate Change

House Committee Passes McMorris Rodgers’ MALDEN Act to Improve Disaster Coordination in Rural Communities

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee unanimously passed Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers’ (WA-05) Making Aid for Local Disasters Equal Now (MALDEN) Act. This legislation, which is named after the town of Malden, Wash. that was devastated by the Babb Road Fire in 2020, would improve coordination between federal, state, […]