Crapo: Congress must get VA fix right

Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) called on Congress to continue its work to reform the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Last week, Congress passed a $17 billion bill that aims to fix part of the VA healthcare system. The Senate also confirmed Robert McDonald to be the new VA secretary.

{mosads}The reform bill gives the VA secretary more authority to hold employees accountable for long waiting times that may have led to the deaths of some veterans. But Crapo said there is more work to be done.

“The recent exposure of the shameful mistreatment of veterans seeking assistance through the VA again underscores the need to improve the delivery of assistance to our nation’s veterans,” Crapo said Tuesday. “The scandals prove that the stakes are high: Congress must get VA reform right this time. Nonetheless, in Congress’ rush to make improvements, we must be careful not to harm programs that work well.”

Crapo said lawmakers should listen to their constituents before proposing anymore sweeping changes.