Kaine Statement On Passage Of The VA Mission Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on final passage of the VA Mission Act, legislation he supports to consolidate all community care programs under the Department of Veterans Affairs, which includes the VA Choice program, and provide an additional year of funding for the Choice program until the consolidation. The legislation passed the Senate today by a bipartisan vote of 92-5:

“The VA Mission Act is a step in the right direction to ensure that veterans in our community receive the high quality care they have earned. I’ve heard from veterans across Virginia who have struggled with long wait times for appointments and from private health care providers in the community that struggle to get their bills paid in a timely manner. This bill will address those challenges by improving how veterans receive community care, helping the VA hire more doctors and nurses, and providing needed support to veterans’ caregivers.”

Kaine has been an advocate in the Senate for policy changes that improve health care access and reduce unemployment among veterans. He has strongly opposed efforts to privatize the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA Mission Act now goes to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

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