Greenville Reporter

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. introduced H.R. 5377, a bill to extend authorities of the Department of Veterans Affairs to continue providing essential services.

"I'm proud to introduce legislation to extend congressional approval of the Department of Veterans Affairs' authority to carry out effective, well-received policies that improve the quality of life of our nation's veterans,” said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. “North Carolina is a military-friendly state and about one in nine individuals in the Third District is a veteran. I'm proud to represent these fine individuals and their families and continue to work hard to improve the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on their behalf." 

“I’m grateful to my colleague and friend, Dr. Murphy, for leading a vitally important bill for veterans and their families. H.R. 5377 would extend a number of VA programs that work to better the lives of our veterans,” said Committee on Veterans' Affairs Chairman Mike Bost. “Dr. Murphy's bill would allow VA to continue restoring GI bill benefits if a veteran’s school closes, ensure that contract doctors and nurses who provide compensation and pension exams can continue practicing across state lines, and improve the Department’s emergency preparedness, each of which will allow us to continue keeping our promises to those who have served by providing them with the care and benefits they’ve earned.” 

The legislation extends three key authorities:

1. Allowing physicians and nurses who work for contractors that do veterans’ compensation and pension exams to practice across state lines. If this authority were to expire, these medical professionals would be required to be licensed in the state where the veteran lives or the exam will take place, resulting in increased wait times for veterans. 

2. Continuing the VA’s authority to restore veterans’ GI Bill benefits if they use them at an educational institution that closes or gets decertified from the GI Bill program.

3. Continuing the Veterans Health Administration’s emergency preparedness measures, including to protect staff and veterans during a public health emergency, chemical or biological attack, or other terrorist attack, provide mental health counseling, track pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and equipment, as well as participate in the National Disaster Medical System to provide aid to other government agencies and the public. 

Original source can be found here.