Congressman Biggs Introduces the "Phoenix VA Congressional Oversight Act"

GILBERT, ARIZONA – Today, Congressman Andy Biggs introduced the Phoenix VA Congressional Oversight Act, which authorizes a pilot program to improve constituent services in Arizona. He released the following statement:

"The Phoenix VA Health Care System (PVAHCS) is still one of the most-poorly run VA facilities in the country. A recent report from the VA indicates that the PVAHCS remains a high-risk center, while many other health care systems around the nation show improvement. Despite Congressional actions to bring accountability to the VA, my constituents still encounter the same bureaucratic challenges they faced throughout the previous administration, including the struggles to receive proper medical treatment and obtain timely doctor appointments.

"The ‘Phoenix VA Congressional Oversight Act' addresses the challenges that are impeding progress at the PVAHCS. My bill establishes a dedicated, full-time congressional relations team within the PVAHCS, allows Members of Congress to provide veterans services inside the PVAHCS, and requires a report from the VA Secretary on the findings of the pilot program, including whether the program should be expanded to other regions in the country.

"This bill helps expedite veterans' casework, reduce bureaucratic mismanagement, and enhance oversight and accountability. This is a small, but necessary, step in our efforts to help our veterans receive the care that they deserve."

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Congressman Andy Biggs is a first-term Representative from Arizona's Fifth Congressional District, representing parts of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Queen Creek. Congressman Biggs is a member of the House Judiciary and Science, Space, and Technology committees, and is the chairman of the Environment Subcommittee. He lives with his wife, Cindy, in Gilbert.