ICYMI: Capito, Manchin Bill to Prevent Clarksburg VA Abuses Signed Into Law

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito’s (R-W.Va.). Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) bill, The Improving Safety and Security for Veterans Act of 2019, was signed into law by President Trump. The bill passed the House of Representatives in November 2020 and passed the Senate in December 2019.

“Our veterans deserve to feel safe and properly cared for at our VA hospitals, period. The Improving Safety and Security for Veterans Act of 2019 is an important step in improving accountability within the VA system, and I’m thrilled that it has become law. Now that this legislation has been signed into law, a report and timeline will be crafted once the criminal investigations have been concluded surrounding the wrongful deaths at the Clarksburg VA, providing critical information for the families, the veterans, and the community. These required reports from the VA will allow Congress to take the necessary steps to prevent similar tragedies from happening in West Virginia and VA hospitals nationwide,” said Senator Capito. 

“After the seven horrific murders at the Clarksburg VA Medical Center, our Veterans and their families deserve transparency and answers. The victims and their families deserve justice and peace of mind, and I believe that this is the first step to healing our Veteran community and rebuilding their trust in the VA. I am very pleased President Trump signed our legislation into law, helping to ensure that our brave Veterans will receive the great care they deserve,” Senator Manchin said.

The Improving Safety and Security for Veterans Act of 2019 will require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to submit detailed reports on patient safety and quality of care at VA Medical Centers (VAMC) in light of the recent deaths of Veterans at the Clarksburg VAMC. The law ensures that Congress, Veterans, and their families are fully informed on the policies and procedures in place across the VA nationally. Additionally, this bill requires the VA, once the criminal investigations are completed, to submit a detailed report and timeline of events surrounding the deaths at the Clarksburg VAMC.

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