Recently, veterans from all over the country arrived in Washington for Concerned Veterans for America’s Vets on the Hill project! These vets spent the week speaking with members of Congress about the issues that matter most to them and their families – specifically reform of the Veterans Health Administration.
Since the first wave of Vets on the Hill in March, these dedicated volunteers — along with countless other supporters — have had more than 150 meetings with Congressional offices, and successfully pushed Congress to pass the VA MISSION Act, which will expand access to health care outside the VA. This legislation has overwhelming, bipartisan support and is expected to be signed any day.
Take a look at some highlights from May’s Vets on the Hill:
**CVA staff met with members of the House and Senate, on both sides of the aisle. There’s plenty of great support for the VA MISSION Act!
**CVA held a panel on the importance of access to care outside the VA and what is being done by VSOs and nonprofits to bridge the gaps in VA care and innovate to fit the special needs of veterans. We were joined by leading experts in VA health care and community health options.
House VA Committee Chairman Phil Roe has been instrumental in pushing accountability and choice legislation through Congress. Bob Carey of the Independence Fund is working to shed light on the options and innovations for veterans’ health care. Darin Selnick, CVA’s senior adviser and former domestic policy adviser to the White House, has a deep knowledge of how the VA works and what the next steps are for implementing the VA MISSION Act. You can WATCH the full panel session here.
**The major win from Vets on the Hill was that the VA MISSION Act passed the Senate while our vets were on the ground. Senators and representatives alike have heard the voices of veterans and their families and moved this legislation closer to the finish line.
Veterans have earned their VA health care benefits. They should have access to that care when and where they need it. The VA MISSION Act will ensure access to outside care is available for more veterans and the VA is strengthened to better serve those who need it. Thanks to the veterans who’ve engaged on VA reform, both in Washington and around the country. Your hard work is recognized and paying off!
Keep the momentum going! Tell President Trump to sign the VA MISSION Act into law without delay.