VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA - LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
SEPTEMBER 2, 2016
Commission on Care released final report on transforming VA Health Care
In accordance with In Section 202 of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014, Public Law 113-146 as amended by the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2014 Public Law 113-175. Congress established the Presidential Commission on Care, an independent commission charging it to examine veterans' access to Department of Veterans Affairs health care and to examine strategically how best to organize the Veterans Health Administration, locate health resources, and deliver health care to veterans during the next 20 years.
On June 30, the Commission on Care released the final report on recommendations transforming veterans' health care, in accordance with the law, President Obama, Secretary of Veterans of Affairs and Congress received copies of the final report.
Chairperson Nancy Schlichting, CEO of the Henry Ford Health System, states in the Commission press release on July 5. The Commission recognized that the reforms we're proposing cannot be sustained without fundamentally bolstering governance and strengthening leadership," Schlichting emphasized. "With able leadership and congressional support for these recommendations, VA will be positioned to provide veterans with the quality health care they have earned." https://commissiononcare.sites.usa.gov/ ... elease.pdf ;
On September 1, The Department of Veterans Affairs issued their statement on the final report of the Commission on Care, Read the Secretary of Veterans Affairs views at http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/includes ... fm?id=2815
On September 1, The White House Office of the Press issued the Presidents statement on the final report of the Commission on Care. Read the Presidents views at https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-of ... are-report
House Veterans Affairs Committee
When the House reconvenes on September, 6, 2016, the House Veterans Affairs Committee will be holding a held hearing "From Tumult to Transformation: The Commission on Care and the Future of the VA Healthcare System" on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at 10:30am in room 334 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515 The hearing is open to the public and can be seen live at https://veterans.house.gov/. Only the Commissioner of the Commission on Care will testify at the hearing. Vietnam Veterans of America submitted a Statement for the Record regarding our views on the final report.
Senate Veterans Affairs Committee
When the Senate reconvenes on September 6, 2016, the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee will be holding a held hearing regarding the Commission on Care's report and VA's response on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at 2:30 in room 418 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510. The hearing is open to the public and can be seen live at http://www.veterans.senate.gov/. Vietnam Veterans of America will be testifying at the hearing.
SAVE THE DATES: September 14, 21, 28, 2016 VVA Advocacy Call in Days - Supporting passage of S.2921, the Veterans First Act
Let your voices be heard loud and clear on the hill that you support passage of S.2921, the Veterans First Act in September. This legislation includes S. 901, the Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2015, extend caregiver benefits to catastrophically injured veterans who served prior to 9/11, and it will grant the necessary leasing authority so that development of the West LA Veterans Affairs Campus can proceed apace in providing housing and other services for homeless veterans, men and women who, for decades, have needed these services. This bi-partisan bill with 44 cosponsors was introduced in the Senate by Senator Isakson, Chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and Senator Blumenthal, Ranking Member.
So check your emails and be on the lookout for VVA call in alerts on September 14, 21, and 28 supporting passage of S.2921, the Veterans First Act. And make the CALL
S.2921 -- Cosponsors (http://filemanager.capwiz.com/filemanag ... nsors1.pdf)
S.2921 - Non-cosponsors (http://filemanager.capwiz.com/filemanag ... nsors1.pdf)
