In response to the scandal that shook the Department of Veterans Affairs last year, two bills designed to continue to reform the VA passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday. The Long-Term Care Veterans Choice Act will give veterans the ability to transfer to a non-VA medical foster home for long-term health care needs instead of staying in a VA facility. The second bill will allow the VA Secretary to force an employee to repay bonuses, a safeguard against the current practice that awards bonuses even when the actions of an employee lead to substandard care for veterans. The bills now go the U.S. Senate for consideration. The bills were authored by Republican Will Hurd, who represents Texas’ sprawling 23rd congressional district.
Mark Richardson is a multimedia journalist, editor and writer who has worked in digital, print and broadcast media for three decades. He is a nationally recognized editor and reporter who has covered government,... More by Mark Richardson