As we approach August recess, I urge all of you to look at legislation moving through both the House and Senate VA Committees. 

NOVA, alongside our partners in VA healthcare submitted testimony for the record before the Senate VA Committee on July 12. 

We note in our statement for the record, that several bills have the potential to accelerate the outsourcing of veterans’ care to the private sector under the community care program and drain the VA of needed funding for internal programs and services. This would harm Veterans choice, reduce staff, and in turn close medical centers, clinics, and facilities across the country.

We will be advocating against these bills and asking Members of Congress to vote against anything that looks to privatize VA. 

To read the multi-organizational testimony –
For a list of bills of interest and other advocacy information, visit NOVA Advocacy Toolkit

We continue to support legislation that will enhance VA’s efforts to bolster recruitment, retention, hiring and salaries for VHA staff. NOVA testified in May on those very issues before the House VA Subcommittees on Health and Oversight & Investigations and we remain committed to supporting legislation like S. 10, VA Careers Act, and H.R.543, VA CPE Modernization Act which improves processes in hiring a quality workforce.

As always, stay tuned to NOVA’s website and social media for updates on our plans to encourage advocacy during August Recess and how you can help by contacting your Members of Congress about the importance of providing quality healthcare to our Veterans. 

Stay Tuned!