An Illinois Congressman says the federal government needs to continue to provide funding for rural hospitals.

Representative Rodney Davis indicates there is a need at the federal level to insure rural hospitals receive funding like those in more urban areas. Davis says the issue goes beyond healthcare.

Davis says staffing shortages cannot be solved by government alone. He feels local facilities will need to partner with the government to ensure they have the staff they need.

Davis said he was disappointed in how the Veterans Choice program was implemented and hopes it will improve.