Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) today joined a group of 16 other senators in reintroducing the Providing Veterans Overdue Care Act, legislation that would authorize pending leases for 24 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities in 15 states, including five in Florida. The bill seeks to improve veteran’s access to healthcare through the approval of medical leases, which would allow the VA to open much-needed healthcare facilities.

“Our veterans have fought selflessly to defend our country and protect our freedoms, and they deserve easy and convenient access to quality healthcare” said Rubio. “I will do everything it takes to ensure Florida’s veterans get the care they need, when they need it. These outpatient clinics in Daytona Beach, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Ocala and Tampa will allow veterans in Florida to receive outpatient care close to home, and I urge my colleagues in Congress to help us pass this legislation as soon as possible.”

The bill would authorize the following leases in Florida:

• Daytona Beach – Outpatient Clinic
• Gainesville – Outpatient Clinic
• Jacksonville – Outpatient Clinic
• Ocala – Outpatient Clinic
• Tampa – Outpatient Clinic

Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced the legislation, along with cosponsors Michael Bennett (D-CO), Richard Burr (R-NC), Steve Daines (R-MT), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Ed Markey (D-MA), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Gary Peters (D-MI), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Jon Tester (D-MT), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).