Press Releases

Chairman Roe, M.D. (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after the VA AIR Act of 2017 passed out of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs on a 13-10vote:

“Veterans should not have to wait any longer for the care they deserve; the time for Congressional action is now. We must ensure the Department of Veterans Affairs has the tools and resources needed to serve veterans for generations to come, and this legislation follows through on an important recommendation made by the Commission on Care to do just that. I’ve worked with every member of this committee, Veterans Service Organizations and stakeholders every step of the way to craft this legislation. I’m disappointed my colleagues on the other side of the aisle chose not to support this legislation, but I look forward to moving this bill through the legislative process to deliver the kind of reforms to the department our veterans deserve.”

The VA AIR Act establishes a nine-member Asset and Infrastructure Review Commission made up of veterans, subject matter experts, and representatives from Veterans Service Organizations to provide a comprehensive and fair look at VA’s medical assets. The VA AIR Act would require the president to work with VSOs and members of Congress to fill the panel with appointees that would be confirmed by the Senate.

The bill also includes $2.1 billion to fund the Choice program through FY18, $500 million for non-recurring maintenance of VA facilities and rescinds a restriction on VA recruitment and retention.

Read more at republicans-veterans.house.gov/assetreview.

NOTE: On Monday, October 30, Chairman Roe sent a letter to Veterans Service Organizations highlighting the changes made to incorporate their feedback into the asset review legislation. That letter is here.