“A deal collapsed Wednesday to include multiple Department of Veterans Affairs reforms in a spending bill that Congress formulated to prevent a government shutdown.”
“Earlier this week, the bill was set to contain a measure to overhaul the VA Choice program, which veterans use to access private-sector medical care. A deal reached between key House and Senate lawmakers on VA oversight also included an expansion of benefits for veteran caregivers, as well as a plan to initiate a systematic review of VA infrastructure, with the intention of disposing of aging and underused facilities nationwide…”
“When Congress unveiled its $1.3 trillion, 2,232-page bill Wednesday evening, the VA reforms had been omitted…”
“Arguably the most pressing measure — and most debated — is the proposed change to the Choice program…” Read the full article here.
Source: VA Reforms Removed from Massive Spending Bill – By Nikki Wentling, March 22, 2018. Stars and Stripes.
