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Bilirakis Applauds Passage of Bill to Continue Veterans Choice Program

April 5, 2017

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) today applauded the passage of bipartisan legislation to continue the Veterans Choice Program beyond its previously set expiration date. Bilirakis took to the House floor in support of the bill, S. 544. See below for an excerpt of his remarks.

"While the Veterans Choice Program is by no means perfect, many of the men and women who wore our nation's uniform rely on it for increased access to quality health care.

"I strongly support S. 544 because Veterans should have certainty that their care will continue, and I am optimistic that our efforts to reform and build upon the Choice Program will yield positive results going forward."

The Veterans Choice Program, established in 2014, allows Veterans to seek health care from providers outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The legislation passed today eliminates the program's initial August 7, 2017 sunset date, to ensure Veterans continue to receive care under the program and allow Congress to push for further improvements. S. 544 has already been passed by the Senate, and now heads to the President's desk for signature.

Issues:Veterans