[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 93 (Wednesday, June 6, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3002-S3003]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                             VA MISSION Act

  Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I am proud that today President Trump will 
sign into law a piece of legislation that I fought for called the VA 
MISSION Act.
  This important legislation will help fix many of the problems 
plaguing the VA Choice Program and will work to ensure that our Nation 
keeps the promises it has made to our veterans.
  This bill is badly needed.
  Take Hank, for example, a Montana veteran. Last year it took him more 
than 3 months to get an appointment and then another month to get the 
glasses he needed. It was clear to him that the Choice Program 
representatives were completely unaware of the distance issues that 
Montana veterans have to deal with.
  And it is not just Hank. All across Montana, we have heard about how 
the VA Choice Program has consistently fallen short. It has missed the 
mark. Payment delays take up to 8 months. In fact, sometimes we have 
bill collectors coming after our veterans for something they should not 
be responsible for.
  Veterans suffer hours-long waits to talk with representatives about 
claims, and veterans get the runaround on receiving the most basic 
services. This is unacceptable.

[[Page S3003]]

  Our veterans deserve better. That is why the bipartisan MISSION Act 
is so vitally important. It helps fix many of the problems our veterans 
still face as they try to access the healthcare services they need.
  Rural veterans will get greater, easier, and quicker access to 
healthcare. Telemedicine services will be strengthened. The oversight 
of opioid prescriptions will be increased. There will be greater 
accountability in how companies like Health Net manage this new 
program. Finally, it will help the VA's medical professional shortage 
through scholarship and loan repayment programs for medical and dental 
students who commit to serving in the VA.
  The problems plaguing the VA aren't just occasional news stories; 
they are the daily reality for Montana veterans.
  Enough is enough.
  Our Nation has a lot of work to do to fulfill the promises we have 
made to our veterans. The MISSION Act is an important step forward. I 
am proud I have helped get this bill across the finish line and on to 
President Trump's desk.
  I look forward to honoring our veterans' service by standing with 
President Trump today as he signs this important bill into law.
  Thank you.
  I yield the floor.