NFFE OPPOSES "Shameful" Bill to Privatize Veterans’ Care
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
Washington,
D.C. – Today, the National Federation of
Federal Employees (NFFE) expressed outrage at a
bill scheduled for a vote this week in the U.S.
House that, if passed, would allow for the
privatization of veterans’ care and services
to private providers inexperienced at treating
veterans. In addition, the bill would
allow for the disposal or transfer of
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) assets to
private entities with little or no meaningful
accountability and transparency.
The VA MISSION Act (H.R. 5674, scheduled as a substitute amendment to S. 2372 on the House floor) grants expansive, unchecked new authorities to transfer and dismantle large parts of the VA health care system to private entities without oversight from Congress or stakeholders such as the Veterans Service Organizations.
“This legislation is one of the biggest giveaways to the private sector we have seen in decades, and it is a huge slap in the face to the veterans of this country,” stated Randy Erwin, NFFE National President. “Disguised as a bill to give veterans more options for care, the obvious intent of this bill is to privatize VA services and assets, nothing more. No thought or consideration was given to ensure the quality of care for veterans. The legislation does nothing to support VA facilities and personnel. It is a bill designed by the private sector for the benefit of the private sector. It is a disgrace.”
The VA MISSION Act, hastily assembled and supported by groups that promote privatized veterans’ care, will evade open debate through a closed rule on the House floor this week. Supporters hope to avoid debate in the Senate entirely by substituting the text of the bill for another unrelated bill already passed by the Senate, S. 2372. This parliamentary maneuvering can allow the VA MISSION Act to dodge committee and floor debate in the Senate.
“Everything about
this bill is shameful,” continued Erwin,
“The authors of this bill received ample
input on how to further improve care and access
to VA services but it was ignored
entirely. Instead, it will place a dollar
sign on the forehead of every
veteran.”