Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4352, the Faster Care for Veterans Act, which I introduced with Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers. The idea behind the bill is simple. Our Nation's veterans deserve the same technological innovations and level of service at VA healthcare facilities as patients in the private market. One such innovation is patient self-scheduling technology. Patients can log on to an app on their phone or on a Web site, indicate the type of appointment they need, select their location, and schedule their own appointments at a time convenient for them--no middle men, no obnoxious hold music, and no unending carousel of options on an automated phone menu; just a quick and easy medical appointment that works for your schedule. This technology is not just beneficial for patients, it is good for medical providers as well. In the private market, the introduction of patient self-scheduling has dramatically decreased wait times, saving time and money. The VA ought to chase these same innovations so our veterans receive the best health care and user experience in the world. As a Member of Congress, I declined congressional health care and pledged to receive my care at the VA. I receive excellent service from terrific doctors and nurses at my home VA facility in Bedford, Massachusetts. However, scheduling an appointment here in D.C. or at home in Bedford has never been easy.…”