Federal regulations stand in the way of common sense solutions and reforms. The federal government has added regulations over time, making it difficult for Americans to access basic services. More than 9 million veterans depend on the Veterans Administration (VA) to receive medical treatment for war-related injuries. However, the VA cannot afford to meet its current demand. In an effort to create more options for veterans while limiting government spending, my Congressional colleagues and I have started reforming the laws regulating veterans' services.
This summer the House, with my support, passed HR 5693, the Long-Term Care Veterans Choice Act. If this bill passes the Senate and is signed by the President, it would allow more disabled veterans needing community and long-term care to access Medical Foster Homes. Veterans eligible for nursing home care cannot use foster homes as an alternative under current law. The VA reports that foster homes have provided similar care as nursing homes for other groups of veterans, and the cost of foster homes is generally less than nursing homes. With reforms like HR 5693, Congress can improve Americans' options and reduce government spending at the same time.
Additionally, I have been supportive of the President's efforts to reform the VA so patients' wait-times are reduced. The President and Congress recently enacted a new law, the VA Mission Act, which removed unnecessary burdens for more private healthcare providers to enter into long-term contracts with the VA. In April, I also introduced the VA Hiring Act. This bill would allow the VA to begin recruiting and hiring physicians before their training concludes, placing the VA at the same pace as the private sector. I believe these recent reforms will improve the quality and efficiency of veterans' healthcare.
Moving forward, I plan to continue reforming the VA so that veterans can access timely, affordable healthcare without having to worry about unnecessary regulations. In addition to the Veterans Department, much work remains to be done in other federal departments. Please consider supporting my campaign, and together we can bring regulatory reform and relief to all parts of America.
Onward,
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