WASHINGTON, D.C. –  The Veterans Choice Program allows U.S. military veterans stuck on patient waiting lists, or who live far from VA facilities, to seek private care. Today, the House of Representatives passed a Senate bill (S. 544) to extend the program.

     After whistleblowers exposed negligence and mismanagement at the Veterans Administration, the program became law in the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014. However, despite ongoing problems at VA facilities, including lengthy wait times, it is set to expire this year. Congressman Scott DesJarlais, M.D., voted to free funding in an available VA account.

    “The bureaucracy is slow to reform, protecting under-performing employees and wasting taxpayer money on administrative costs. Last month, I voted to streamline hiring and firing procedures, and it’s necessary to extend relief for veterans waiting too long for care,” said Rep. DesJarlais (TN-04), a member of the GOP Doctors Caucus.

    Also a member of the House Oversight Committee, which investigates agency wrongdoing, the Congressman said, “The federal bureaucracy might be the biggest Washington special interest there is – and outdated civil service rules the number one obstacle to improving veterans health care and other essential services.”  

    “American heroes deserve better. We all expect greater efficiency and effectiveness from our federal government.”

    President Obama, whose VA Secretary resigned after the scandal emerged, attempted to defund the Choice program. Today’s bill, which President Trump is likely to sign, has received bipartisan support in Congress.     

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