March 30, 2001
House Passes VA Construction Bill
The House of Representatives March 27 unanimously approved legislation to authorize $550 million in construction funding to improve VA health care facilities. The "Veterans Hospital Emergency Repair Act " (H.R. 811) authorizes $250 million in FY 2002 and $300 million in FY 2003. Each project is capped at $25 million (increased to $30 million for two specific projects related to earthquake protection in Seattle) and priority will be given to projects that improve disabilities programs, patient safety, earthquake protection and privacy for female patients. The legislation was amended in the House Veterans Affairs Committee on March 21 to expand project eligibility to include VA health research facilities.
Information: Jonathan Fishburn, AAMC Office of Governmental Relations, 202-828-0525.
