Sponsored by Jeff Miller, the bill passes 421-0 with overwhelming bipartisan support. House passes VA bill

The House approved legislation on Tuesday that gives veterans stuck on long wait lists for medical care the ability to seek treatment outside of the system established by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Sponsored by Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Jeff Miller (R-Fla.), the bill passed 421-0 with overwhelming support from both parties.


The legislation is a response to systemic problems at the VA outlined in an inspector general report. That study found thousands of veterans are waylaid while seeking treatment in VA facilities - a disclosure that cost Secretary Eric Shinseki his post. The VA said on Monday that more than 57,000 new patients are waiting at least 90 days for their first appointments.

“The number of veterans that have received delayed care from VA facilities or were denied appointments despite being qualified for VA care is both shocking and appalling, and the resignation of former VA Secretary Eric Shinseki will not fix these systemic failures,” said Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Ed Royce (R-CA), a co-sponsor of the legislation. “This legislation ensures that veterans who cannot get an appointment will still get the care they deserve. It is the least we can do for those who served our country so bravely.”

Tuesday’s measure closely resembles a deal struck by Sens. Bernie Sanders and John McCain last week that would allow veterans to see private doctors if they experience long wait times or live more than 40 miles from a VA hospital. That bill also funding to hire additional VA nurses and doctors and create 26 new medical facilities for veterans.

The House legislation also requires the VA secretary to give periodic updates on its medical services.

The bill is one in a series of proposals the House will consider addressing the VA — many of which would give veterans private health options.

“This week, there will be a vote that reflects our notion of freedom of health care for our veterans so that our veterans are not tied up on these waiting lists so that they can too have the option of accessing care in the private space if it’s unavailable at the VA,” said House Majority Leader Eric Cantor. “Our position has always been more choice for not only our veterans, but for all Americans when it comes to health care.”