[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 105 (Friday, June 21, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E817-E818]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INSTRUCTING THE VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION TO PRIORITIZE FUNDING 
  FOR THE MODERNIZATION OF MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION PROGRAMS FOR RURAL, 
                    UNDERSERVED AND FEMALE VETERANS

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                          HON. TERRI A. SEWELL

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 21, 2019

  Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Madam Speaker, my amendment instructs the 
Veterans Health

[[Page E818]]

Administration to prioritize funding for the modernization of medical 
transportation programs for rural, underserved and female Veterans.
  According to the American Hospital Association, 3.6 million people in 
the U.S. do not obtain medical care due to transportation barriers. And 
another report tells us that missed healthcare appointments cost the 
U.S. health system $150 billion each year.
  The underlying committee report includes a pilot program to address 
transportation barriers for rural Veterans.
  In light of this and the Veterans Transportation Program, the VA can 
play a critical role in collaborating with other federal agencies to 
reduce duplication and modernize medical transportation programs across 
public programs.
  As we work to address rising health care costs, our federal agencies 
collaborate to modernize and expand public medical transportation 
programs.

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