Senators introduce Restoring Veterans’ Trust Act of 2014

WASHINGTON (WAVY) – Sen. Tim Kaine has joined 13 senators to introduce the Restoring Veterans’ Trust Act of 2014, a bill that would fix problems at the VA.

Kaine (D-VA) introduced the bill with senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Mark Begich (D-AK), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Martin Henrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Jack Reed (D-RI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Jon Tester (D-MT), John Walsh (D-MT) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The bill would give the VA authority to remove any senior executive based on poor job performance immediately, and would allow Veterans the opportunity to go to community health centers, military hospitals or private doctors if they couldn’t get timely appointments with VA doctors. Additionally, emergency funding would be authorized to hire new doctors, nurses and other providers.

“This legislation is an important step toward restoring the confidence of our veterans and the American public,” said Kaine. “By providing the VA with direct hire authority, ensuring veterans receive timely care, and sending patients to private community providers when VA medical services are unavailable, we can begin to fix the systemic issues that have plagued the VA.”

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