Heinrich Votes To Reform VA System, Improve Health Care Access For New Mexico Veterans

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), released the following statement today after voting to pass the Conference Report for the Veterans' Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act. The proposal, cosponsored by Senator Heinrich, will improve veterans' access to health care services and address serious systemic problems facing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). 

"I'm pleased we were able to work together and pass a bipartisan compromise that addresses the chronic mismanagement and systemic problems facing VA facilities nationwide. I'm also encouraged that the proposal includes the resources needed to hire more medical staff and allows veterans to utilize other medical facilities if timely VA care isn't available. This will help give veterans, especially in rural Western states, greater access to care.

"It's critical that we restore confidence and accountability in the VA health care system and keep our nation's promise to our veterans. Even one veteran slipping through the cracks is one too many."