WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) introduced legislation to accelerate upgrades for veterans’ facilities in Nebraska and across the country. The bill would allow the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to enter into public-private partnerships for the planning, design, and construction of new facilities. This legislation would hasten the construction of new health care facilities and find new ways to generate funding.

Senator Fischer released the following statement this afternoon regarding the legislation:

“Nebraska veterans have waited years for improvements to their medical facilities. Across the country, many of these projects have been tangled in red tape and delayed for as many as fifteen years or more. It’s time to bring in experts from the private sector and expedite upgrades to critical facilities like the Omaha VA.”

Across the country, many VA facilities are aging and in need of updating. Senator Fischer’s legislation would create a pilot program authorizing the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to create up to five partnership agreements to assist with VA construction projects. It would also allow the VA to accept donations of money and buildings for the purpose of facility construction.

The bill would require the formation of a board of directors by the private sector entity in order resolve issues that may arise. This board must consist of between 5 to 10 members, including at least one veteran not employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Private sector entities would be required to adhere to VA construction standards as well as federal environmental and historical preservation requirements.

Senator Fischer’s bill includes similar language to a bill introduces by Congressman Brad Ashford (NE-2) in the House of Representatives. Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (NE-1) and Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-3) are cosponsors of that bill.

Click here to view text of the Senator Fischer’s legislation.

 

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