Marco Rubio Praises Jeff Miller, VA Reforms

Count U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., as a fan of the congressional agreement to reform the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. While he does not serve on the Veterans Affairs Committee, Rubio had been part of the team which was trying to find common ground between the various VA agreements emerging from the Democratic-controlled Senate and the GOP-led House.

Rubio gave U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., the chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, high praise for his leadership on the matter.

Despite the dysfunction it exhibited at times, its been my honor to serve on this conference committee, Rubio said. I also want to take this opportunity to commend Congressman Jeff Miller, the lead Republican negotiator on this committee. Ive known Jeff for many years and had the privilege of working with him in the Florida House. Ive always known that Jeff Miller is the real deal when it comes to public service, and this experience further solidified that impression. Floridas Panhandle, our entire state and all our veterans are fortunate to have Jeff Miller championing their causes.

Rubio also gave the agreement high marks.

This VA reform agreement is an important step forward to begin addressing the dysfunction and incompetence that are plaguing our VA system and hurting our veterans, Rubio said. By providing our veterans with more doctor choices outside the VA system, this takes significant steps to make sure that those who have served our country arent condemned to endless waiting times just to get an appointment.

Rubio weighed in on his proposal to allow the VA secretary to fire incompetent employees. Rubios proposal was included in the final agreement though it has been altered to allow more appeals.

I have fought to reform the VA, and a key part of this fight has been to hold bad managers accountable, Rubio said. After the scandal erupted earlier this year, my biggest priority was to make sure that my legislation making it easier to fire incompetent, negligent or dishonest managers was included in any reform. During the conference committee, Im proud that this provision became even stronger than what the Senate passed earlier this year. Its time to end the shameful VA status quo that has made it easier for bad workers to receive bonuses than get fired.