Blumenthal Statement On Bipartisan VA Health Care Deal

(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) released the following statement after a bipartisan deal was reached to advance legislation to increase veterans’ access to medical care and reform VA health centers nationwide.

“I am proud of this broad, historic bipartisan deal that should be approved swiftly and strongly to eliminate unconscionable delays in treatment and hold accountable corrupt or incompetent officials. Fixing a flawed and failing VA health care system ought to be a national crusade, and I look forward to working with Chairman Sanders and Senator McCain to ensure the protections included in this bipartisan deal become a reality for our nation’s veterans.

“Americans are appalled and astonished by reports of unconscionable deadly delays, secret waiting lists, and false records – in effect cooking the books and covering it up. Criminal wrongdoing as well as decades old systemic deficiencies are unacceptable and intolerable. There’s a desperate need for a complete and comprehensive overhaul – which this bipartisan deal begins –with more medical resources and healthcare providers, including expanded access to outside providers where necessary, and aggressive accountability enforced against incompetent and corrupt officials.”