Blake Farenthold: “Since first being elected to Congress, I have been fighting for our veterans to get the care they were promised and…”

“Since first being elected to Congress, I have been fighting for our veterans to get the care they were promised and earned. After hearing veterans tell horror story after horror story of long wait times, canceled appointments, and having to travel miles to distant cities to get treatment, Congress got something right when they passed the Veterans Choice and Accountability Act in 2014. It created the Veterans Choice Program that allows any veteran who is unable to obtain an appointment with the VA within 30 days or has to travel more than 40 miles to a VA facility for care to see a private doctor who can see them faster and closer to home. Though the implementation of the Veterans Choice Program has not been without hiccups, it is proving very helpful for getting veterans faster, more quality care. I hear time and again from veterans in the district that I represent that this is working for them. Soon, in fact later today, the House will vote on H.R. 369, to eliminate the sunset of the Veterans Choice Program and ensure the program continues after August 7. I encourage all my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill to continue Veterans Choice. I look forward to continuing to hear the great successes it provides for our veterans and for our doctors. ____________________”