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CVA Statement on Failure of Choice Funding Bill

By Concerned Veterans for America

Arlington, VA — Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) Executive Director Mark Lucas released the following statement after the House failed to pass a practical solution to funding the Veterans Choice Program, which is currently facing an urgent budget shortfall:

“The Veteran Service Organizations and members of Congress who used this as an opportunity to advance a misleading anti-choice agenda are standing directly between millions of veterans and their health care. They spread false information about Chairman Roe’s proposal in a transparent attempt to tie this bill to unnecessary VA spending. It didn’t look like they were opposing the Veterans Choice Program several months ago when they happily stood behind the President for a photo op as he signed an extension without the funding increases they are demanding today.

“It’s incredibly disappointing that Rep. Walz, who supported this measure as early as last week, flip-flopped on his position at such a critical moment. He let veterans down.

“Secretary Shulkin has repeatedly stated that the Choice Program will run out of money unless Congress acts immediately. It is imperative that Congress arrive at a fiscally responsible solution as soon as possible to avoid lapses in care for those who are able to use the program successfully. We will continue pushing for that.

“In the long term, not only should the Veterans Choice Program be saved, it should be reformed and permanently expanded. What we care about is getting veterans access to the care they need.”

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