A resolution recognizing community care as an essential tool for meeting the health care needs of the veterans of the United States.
Term Dictionary
If you come across any unfamiliar words while reading, these resources can help make everything clearer. Pick whichever one works best for you!
- Congress.gov Legislative Glossary - Comprehensive congressional terms
- NVFC Congressional Terms Glossary - Concise, easy-to-understand definitions
The gist
- Senate resolution endorses letting veterans use private community doctors when the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can't provide timely care.
Who wins, who loses
- Wins: rural veterans, veterans needing oncology or mental health care, private community providers serving veterans.
- Loses: no one materially; symbolic resolution with no funding cuts or legal changes.
What it does
- Recognizes community care as essential to meeting veterans' health needs.
- Urges the VA to fully implement the 2018 VA MISSION Act 'in letter and spirit.
- Affirms community care complements, rather than threatens, the VA's mission.
- Creates no new programs, funding, or binding requirements.
Why should I care?
Supporters say community care saves lives for rural veterans who can't reach VA hospitals and cuts dangerous wait times. Critics worry expanding private referrals drains money from VA facilities and slowly privatizes veteran healthcare. An alternative being debated: boost VA staffing directly instead of outsourcing. Where do you land? Vote below and use "Tell Your Rep" to make sure your voice reaches Congress.