House Approves VA Construction,
Research Oversight Measures
October 31, 2003 - The House of Representatives Oct.
29 unanimously approved (417-0) legislation (H.R.
1720) to authorize construction and renovation at certain
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities. Legislators
also attached to the bill a proposal to provide additional
oversight to human subjects research at VA (H.R.
1585).
Specifically, H.R. 1720 authorizes specific projects in Chicago;
San Diego; West Haven, Connecticut; Columbus, Ohio; and Pensacola,
Florida. The bill also authorizes projects at the site of
the former Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Aurora, Colorado,
instructs the VA to develop plans for facilities in southern
New Jersey and far south Texas, and to study the feasibility
of coordination between VA and the new medical center at the
Medical University of South Carolina. H.R. 1720 also increases
from $4 million to $6 million the threshold at which VA construction
projects need specific congressional authorization.
H.R. 1585 provides statutory authority for a new Office of
Research Oversight (ORO) within the Office of the Under Secretary
for Health at the Veterans Health Administration. Under the
bill, ORO shall monitor, review and investigate matters of
medical research compliance and assurance in the Department
with respect to human subjects protections and animal welfare.
Information:
Jonathan Fishburn, Director, Research, Education and Veterans' Legislative Affairs
AAMC Office of Governmental Relations
jfishburn@aamc.org
(202) 828-0525
Get Washington Highlights
in your Inbox!
| 
