WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today attended the bill signing ceremony for the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act at the White House. The bill will guarantee timely funding for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) so it can continue to improve the medical care it provides to our nation’s veterans.
“With all they have sacrificed for our nation, we owe America’s veterans the best quality medical care,” Brown said. “This bill locks in the funding needed to ensure veterans receive the quality health care they need and deserve.
The legislation will authorize VA funding one year in advance of the start of each fiscal year, ensuring reliable and timely funding for VA programs. Expedited funding will allow the VA to improve the delivery and quality of care to our nation’s veterans, bypassing funding delays. Last year was the first time in 12 years that this appropriations funding for the VA was passed on time.
Brown, a member of the U.S. Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, is the author of two legislative initiatives that would strengthen our nation’s commitment to veterans by improving education reimbursements and expanding employment protection for former service members. Brown’s Veterans Education Tuition Support (VETS) Act of 2009 would foster new educational support for service members whose higher education is suspended due to service. In addition, Brown’s Wounded Veteran Job Security Act would improve employment protections for veterans in their civilian careers.
