Senate passes $5.2 billion bill to expand VA private sector care, boost telemedicine

The Senate overwhelmingly approved the VA Mission Act on Wednesday, overhauling private sector care options for veterans.

Passing with a 92-5 vote, the bill cleared just one week after passing in the House with a 347-70 vote. Its passage meets the White House’s deadline to act on the issue before Congress leaves for a week-long recess and heads to the President’s desk where it is expected to be signed into law in the next few days.

The $52 billion reform legislation will overhaul the Department of Veterans Affairs, including how veterans can access healthcare in the private sector...