President Barack Obama has signed into law a bill aimed at overhauling the Department of Veterans Affairs and the problems plaguing its facilities across the country, according to a Politico report.
In June, the House and Senate both passed legislation concerning VA healthcare, and after more than six weeks of negotiations, lawmakers came to an agreement on the $16 billion bill last week.
The Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 makes it easier for the VA secretary to fire or demote VA executives. The Act also authorizes the VA to lease more than 25 new clinics, hire more physicians and nurses and allows veterans to go outside of VA facilities for care when they are unable to get prompt appointments.
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Lawmakers reach deal on VA healthcare