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 The plan passed Congress last week and aims to address what Obama on
Thursday called "outrageous" misconduct at VA hospitals and clinics
that included modifying records of delayed care.
"This bill covers a lot of ground - from expanding survivor benefits
and educational opportunities, to improving care for veterans
struggling with traumatic brain injury and for victims of sexual
assault," Obama said at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, speaking to an
audience of service members, veterans, and their families.
The VA was thrust into the spotlight this spring after allegations
surfaced that it had covered up the months-long wait times some
veterans had to endure before receiving medical care.
Former head of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki resigned in late May
as the scandal mounted, and last week the Senate unanimously
confirmed former Procter & Gamble Co Chief Executive Officer Robert
McDonald.
"As a new generation of veterans returns home from war and
transitions into civilian life, we have to make sure the VA system
can keep pace with that new demand," Obama said.
He said there was a new "culture of accountability" at the VA and
that disciplinary proceedings to address the cover-up were under
way.
"We've held people accountable for misconduct. Some have already
been relieved of their duties, and investigations are ongoing,"
Obama said.
The law sets aside $10 billion for veterans to see private doctors
if the wait time for an appointment at a VA facility exceeds 30
days, or the nearest facility is located more than 40 miles (64 km)
away.
The package also provides funds for the department to hire
additional doctors and nurses, as well as open 27 new medical
clinics.
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"But I want to be clear about something: This will not and cannot be
the end of our effort," added Obama, who has suffered a political
fallout over the scandal after his repeated promises to put a
priority on the needs of veterans as he wound down wars in Iraq and
Afghanistan.
Before signing the bill, Obama briefly addressed the death of Major
General Harold Greene, who was killed on Tuesday in Afghanistan, and
reasserted his commitment to caring for service members in the "9/11
Generation."
"Whether or not this country properly repays their heroism, properly
repays their patriotism, their service and their sacrifice, that's
in our hands," he said.
(Additional reporting by Roberta Rampton in Washington; Editing by
Caren Bohan and Lisa Shumaker)
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