U.S. President Barack Obama signed the US$16.3-billion law on Thursday that will grant veterans more timely healthcare benefits and address the scandals surrounding the Veterans Affairs (VA) department.

Last week, Congress submitted a plan to fix what Obama called an "outrageous" practice at VA health establishments that included tampering with records that reflect delayed care and expand the veterans' benefits, according to a Reuters report.

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In a speech addressing service members, army veterans and their families at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Obama said the reform will expand survivor and educational benefits. It also aims to implement better care for veterans with traumatic brain injury and for victims of sexual assault.

The VA came under fire this spring when reports erupted about the cover-up of veterans' waiting time for their medical care, with some stretching up to a span of several months.

In late May, former Veterans Affairs chief Eric Shinseki stepped down from his post when the scandal was publicly exposed. Just last week, the Senate confirmed Robert McDonald as the new VA head. McDonald was a former CEO of Procter & Gamble Co.

Obama said they have to ensure that the VA system can keep up with the demands as the new set of veterans come home from battle and shift to their new lives as civilians. He added that they will implement disciplinary actions against those responsible for the cover-up.

The U.S. president said some of those who exhibited "misconduct" in the department were already relieved from their positions. He also mentioned that there is an ongoing probe into the department over the scandal.

The law allocates US$10 billion to allow veterans to consult private doctors if the waiting time for their VA health appointment goes beyond 30 days. The same is applicable if the location of the nearest VA facility exceeds 40 miles (64 kilometers).

The bill also has a fund that the VA department can use to hire more doctors and nurses and open 27 new facilities.

Obama said the U.S. will properly repay the veterans for their heroism and patriotism.

"Their service and their sacrifice, that's in our hands," Obama said.

TagsBarack Obama, Veterans Affairs, Congress, Reuters, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Eric Shinseki, Robert McDonald, Procter & Gamble Co