Associated Press
Senate Majority Leader Promises Immediate Action on VA Reforms
Reid says the chamber will vote as soon as a bill is ready.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid vowed Monday to take action imminently on expected reforms to the Veterans Affairs Department.
The legislation, which was agreed to in principle last week, is still being drafted by Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Arizona Republican John McCain.
But Reid promised Monday to bring the bill to the floor as soon as it's ready.
"I look forward to this legislation coming to the floor, and I would be happy to schedule a vote on it as quickly as possible," said the Nevada Democrat. "American veterans are depending on us completing this legislation, showing that our veterans are getting the care and resources they are promised by a grateful nation."
Reid praised the intention of the bill to reduce wait times for veterans' medical care, but noted that much of the specifics still need to be fleshed out.
"The details of the agreement are not in writing yet. At least they weren't a few minutes ago. They're being drafted.… Much will depend on the details of the final bill, but Senators Sanders and McCain put together an agreement, which is good for Americans and veterans in our country."
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