Wichita Standard

The U.S. Senate has approved a bill led by Senators Jerry Moran and Jon Tester to authorize new construction projects for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities across the United States. The legislation, known as the Fiscal Year 2024 Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Authorization Act, includes plans for 11 VA construction projects in states such as Washington, Texas, Maryland, Oregon, Nevada, California, Puerto Rico, Missouri, and Connecticut.

Senator Moran expressed satisfaction with the Senate's decision: “I am pleased the Senate passed this legislation to allow VA to renovate older medical facilities and start construction on new facilities to meet veterans’ everchanging and increasing needs.” He added that this act would ensure high-quality services are delivered through new and updated VA medical centers nationwide.

Senator Tester emphasized the importance of quality infrastructure in delivering veteran care: “Delivering veterans the quality care and benefits they earned starts with ensuring VA has top-notch facilities in place to serve them.” He noted that their bipartisan bill would enhance veterans' access to health care throughout the country.

The bill received cosponsorship from several senators including Patty Murray, John Cornyn, Jacky Rosen, Catherine Cortez Masto, Richard Blumenthal, Chris Murphy, Ron Wyden, Jeff Merkley, Alex Padilla, and Laphonza Butler. It now awaits the President's signature to become law.