WASHINGTON D.C. – Today,  U.S. Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), Ranking Member of the U.S.Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, released the following statement after the passage of H.R. 3230, the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014.  H.R. 3230 passed the Senate on a vote of 91-3.

“I am pleased that both the House and Senate came together and voted on this crucial piece of legislation that will help begin to address some of the problems faced by the Department of Veterans Affairs,” said Senator Richard Burr.

“The Veterans Choice Card empowers veterans to take their healthcare into their own hands, finding care in their communities when they face long delays or distances.  A veteran qualifies for the Choice Card when they are not able to be seen within the VA’s wait time goals or if the veteran lives more than 40 miles from a VA facility.” 

“Additionally, this legislation contains an important provision that I’ve long championed affecting veterans seeking an education.  The instate tuition provision I sponsored will provide veterans with a powerful reason to attend one of our nation’s many public colleges and universities and will at the same time benefit schools seeking high quality students.  For years I’ve believed this was a no-brainer, so I’m glad Congress has finally taken this step for veterans who are transitioning to civilian life.” 

“It is important to remember that this legislation is only the first step in rooting out a dysfunctional culture at the Department of Veterans Affairs that has persisted for far too long and ultimately took a national scandal for Congress to act.  I am proud of last night’s achievement, but the work continues on.”