Media

Bad Veterans Bill Defeated After Vets Groups Voiced Strong Opposition

July 25, 2017
Press

New York, NY (July 24, 2017) — Following is a statement released by IAVA in response to tonight’s flawed “Choice” bill in the House of Representatives that was opposed by the nation’s leading veterans organizations. This bill would have, for the first time, forced veterans, even disabled veterans, to pay for their own health care when delivered through the Choice program.

“IAVA and the nation’s leading veterans organizations were clear — the “Choice” bill proposed in the House of Representatives today was unacceptable. It was attempt to exploit a funding crisis to push a political agenda. This attempt toward privatization should have never come to a vote, but thankfully, enough Members stepped up and vets won with its defeat tonight.

“Tonight’s failure hopefully opens up room for a Senate compromise that vets groups can support. This should not be a partisan issue, but you can count on tonight’s “Choice” fight being the first of others to come. It will be important in subsequent debates that people across America listen to the trusted voices that represent our 21 million veterans. If ordinary citizens allow themselves to be distracted by Washington rhetoric and special interest spin, veterans will lose.”

A full Roll Call vote of those rejecting the calls by America’s veterans for a more responsible bill can be found here.