(Washington, DC) - Yesterday afternoon, President Obama signed into law the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency.  Congressman Baron Hill supported the legislation when it was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives two weeks ago.  The Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act authorizes Congress to approve veterans’ medical care funding one year in advance to better anticipate, and meet the demand for, veterans’ health care services. The advanced funding will give the VA up to a full year to plan for the most effective and efficient way of delivering medical care.

The issue of advanced funding is a top priority for veteran service organizations. More than 40 groups, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, have come out in support of the legislation.

In response to enactment of the bill, Hill issued the following statement:

“Our veterans have served this nation with honor and distinction, and they deserve the best services we can possibly offer.  But, far too often, critical VA funding gets held hostage by bureaucratic red tape.  This is completely unacceptable, and thankfully, addressed by the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act.  This legislation will make it easier to address the medical needs of our veterans, ensuring they have full access to quality health care even if funding is delayed.  I’m very pleased the Congress and President took such swift action on this bill.”