U.S. Reps.
John Rutherford (FL-04) and
Al Lawson (FL-05) recently
issued a joint statement praising the passage of S. 114 in the U.S. House of
Representatives. S. 114 is a bipartisan bill that extends funding for the
Veterans Choice Program, improves VA employee hiring and retention, and
authorizes long-needed leases for 28 VA medical facilities.
Importantly, this measure authorizes $18.6 million for a
replacement outpatient clinic in Jacksonville.
This future clinic would consolidate services offered at the Southpoint
and University locations and expand services for veterans.
“I have been encouraged by the progress being made the at
the VA; however, too many veterans face long lines and receive inadequate
care.
That is why extending funding for
the VA Choice Program at this time is essential to ensure that our veterans
receive the care that they require and deserve,” Rutherford said.
“I also enthusiastically welcome the
announcement of the authorization for a replacement outpatient clinic in
Jacksonville.
This is long overdue since
Northeast Florida is home to over 150,000 veterans who rely on these services.”
Lawson shared Rutherford’s excitement.
“Congress took an important step in improving the quality of
health care for our nation’s veterans by passing S. 114,” Lawson said. “This
legislation is extremely important to our veterans in North Florida, including
Jacksonville, which has a significant veteran population. I am pleased that
this bill included authorization for a replacement VA outpatient clinic for the
city of Jacksonville and I look forward to continuing to work with Congressman
Rutherford to guarantee that veterans have the resources they need and
deserve.”
