Blackburn Resolution Recognizing Importance of Community Care for Veterans Passes Senate

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) released the following statements after their resolution recognizing community care as essential to meeting veterans' health care needs unanimously passed the Senate:

"Federal government bureaucracy should not get in the way of America's veterans getting the health care they need," said Senator Blackburn. "This resolution reaffirms my commitment to ensuring veterans in Tennessee and across America can access high-quality, affordable health care."

"Veterans deserve prompt, high-quality care and greater flexibility in choosing when, where and how to use the healthcare benefits they have earned through their service," said Senator Moran. "This resolution reaffirms our commitment to making certain that veterans have a choice in where they receive care - whether at VA or in the community - while acknowledging the essential role community care partnerships play in strengthening the VA health care system. I thank Sen. Blackburn for leading this resolution and for her continued dedication to supporting our nation's veterans."

"Our veterans deserve the best care possible, and that means ensuring they can access timely, high-quality treatment through VA facilities and trusted community providers," said Senator Tillis. "This resolution cuts red tape and makes sure no veteran is forced to wait for the care they've earned."

"Mississippi's veterans rely on community care providers," said Senator Wicker. "The VA health system cannot meet every imaginable need, and these providers stand in the gap for those who have given so much to our country."

This resolution is also co-sponsored by Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.).

BACKGROUND

• A decade ago, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) faced a nationwide access-to-care crisis that left many veterans waiting too long for essential medical services. In response, Congress passed the VA MISSION Act, a bipartisan reform designed to ensure that veterans could access timely, high-quality care, including through community providers when the VA could not meet veterans' needs.

• Community care has become an indispensable part of the VA health care system, expanding veterans' options and improving access, especially for those living in rural areas, facing mobility or transportation challenges, or requiring specialized treatment.

• Specifically, this resolution:

Click here for resolution text.

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