Bill passes House by 220-215 vote without Rep. Steve Buyer's "pro veteran" amendments.

NOTE from Larry Scott, VA Watchdog dot Org ... Rep. Steve Buyer (R-IN), Ranking Member on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, tried to amend the health care reform bill to offer choices to vets who use the VA and to TRICARE beneficiaries, too.

That didn't work ... and Buyer's statement on this is below.

Readers have commented:

"Buyer was screaming on the floor of Congress, because he didn't get his way. His amendments are completely unnecessary--just a way for him to proclaim that he is protecting veterans."

And:

"I would gladly trade my VA health care for private insurance, but the VA knows too many Vets would opt for that, if it were allowed, and they would have to shut down VA medical centers."

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Health Care Bill Restricts Options for Veterans and TRICARE Beneficiaries

Buyer Disappointed Amendments Were Stripped from Final Version

Washington, D.C. —Today, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Steve Buyer expressed deep disappointment that the House passed H.R. 3962 without including amendments that he and House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Howard P. “Buck” McKeon offered to protect health care options for veterans and servicemembers.

Buyer made the following statement on the House floor prior to the vote on the controversial measure:

“I rise in opposition to this bill. In addition to being fundamentally opposed to this sweeping government takeover, I strongly object to restricting veterans’ health care options.”

“Our freedom was paid for by their sacrifices, and I find it outrageous that the government would attempt to dictate where and how they obtain health care. This is not what veterans fought and died for.”

“In July, I offered amendments to ensure that veterans would not be adversely affected--one of which ensured that veterans could access both VA healthcare and the new public program--I am very disappointed that this choice was stripped out. Chairmen Waxman, Rangel, and Miller assured me it would remain.”

“A number of veterans’ and military groups share my concern and supported my amendment. Those groups include: the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Blinded Veterans Association, the Air Force Sergeants Association, AMVETS, the Military Officers of America Association, the Association of the United States Army, the National Military Family Association, and the Retired Enlisted Association.”

“I thank these organizations for their support. Our veterans have earned VA health care as well as the liberty to choose whatever other coverage they prefer.”

To see veteran service organizations’ letters of support, click HERE.

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TOPICS: veterans, veterans' benefits, VA, Department of Veterans' Affairs, Rep. Steve Buyer, health care reform bill