Rep. Takano Statement on HR 4242
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), vice ranking member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, released the following statement after voting against advancing H.R. 4242, the VA Care in the Community Act, out of Committee. The bill would consolidate care in the community but continues the chronic underfunding of veterans’ care, which would have serious and long-term consequences for veterans.
“Consolidating VA’s many care in the community programs is a bipartisan goal that will improve and streamline partnerships between the VA and community providers. Unfortunately, this legislation creates a consolidated program that would be woefully and chronically underfunded, while undermining the financial sustainability of the VA health system.
“The Choice program has demonstrated the cost and uncertainty of such a program. It would be a disservice to veterans to repeat those mistakes.
“It is striking that the Majority would put forward a proposal that so severely underfunds VA health care on the same day that it votes to add $1.5 trillion to the deficit by cutting taxes on corporations and wealthy Americans. I look forward to working in a bipartisan manner on a bill that better reflects our nation’s priorities.”
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