WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) introduced the Strengthening VA Patient Advocacy for Rural Veterans Act to enhance the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) patient advocate program to better support veterans receiving care in rural communities outside of the medical center setting – such as community outpatient clinics and other providers. The patient advocate serves as a bridge, working directly with VA staff to facilitate resolutions on behalf of all veterans. The measure also contains reporting provisions to enhance accountability and Congressional awareness of the issues veterans face when seeking care.
“Far too many veterans in rural parts of Nevada face barriers to receiving the VA medical care and support they deserve,” said Senator Rosen. “Our bipartisan legislation would help improve access to care and resources by establishing VA patient advocates specifically for rural veterans, helping to make sure that they can fully benefit from the VA and get any issues resolved no matter where they live.”
“Patient advocates really play an important role in helping our veterans navigate the incredible VA red tape, it’s just outlandish, as it is with most bureaucracies,” said Senator Cramer. “What our bill does is it recognizes the unique challenges that are faced by particularly rural veterans, and then it provides targeted support through dedicated patient advocates to ensure they are able to access the healthcare they’ve earned, both in and from their more rural homes.”
The Strengthening VA Patient Advocacy for Rural Veterans Act is supported by several organizations, including the Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion, and America’s Warrior Partnership.
Senator Rosen has been working to deliver for Nevada’s veterans. She has sent letters demanding that the VA reverse harmful plans to reduce its workforce, calling on the VA to permanently reverse layoffs, and pushing for answers regarding mass employee terminations at the VA. Earlier this month, Senator Rosen helped introduce legislation to reinstate veterans wrongfully fired by President Trump and Elon Musk. She also took to the Senate floor to oppose the actions of the Trump Administration and Musk to mass fire employees working at the VA.
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