Political Quotes

“I thank Chairman Roe and Ranking Member Walz for their bipartisan work on this issue on behalf of our veterans and our country. It is very refreshing to see bipartisanship here in this body. Mr. Speaker, veterans have made the incredible sacrifice for our country. The Department of Veterans Affairs has the obligation to ensure that they have access to high-quality and affordable health care. I support the aim of S. 544 to make key improvements to the Choice Program as Congress continues to work on longer term solutions. While I am hopeful that this bill will help eliminate the problems and delays that veterans have experienced with the Choice Program, this program should be the option of last resort for veterans. In Ely, Nevada, a rural community in my district, the VA is considering not renewing its contract with the Ely Community Clinic, forcing veterans to rely solely on the Choice Program for access to care. Just this week, hundreds of veterans turned out at a forum in Ely to voice their opposition to using the Choice Program. Closing the VA clinic in Ely will be burdensome for many veterans in northern Nevada and central Nevada and could force them to travel hundreds of miles to get healthcare services that they rely on. These veterans have already fought for their country. They shouldn't have to fight to keep their VA clinic in Ely open. Mr. Speaker, I support this bill, but it is not enough.…”