Chairman Bost Leads Hearing on Veteran First VA Reauthorization Initiative to Modernize the Delivery of Healthcare, Benefits, and Infrastructure at VA

Chairman Bost Leads Hearing on Veteran First VA Reauthorization Initiative to Modernize the Delivery of Healthcare, Benefits, and Infrastructure at VA

Today, House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (R-Ill.), delivered the following opening remarks, as prepared, at the start of the Committee's legislative hearing on 27 bills included in the Committee's reauthorization initiative to update expired authorities, strengthen oversight, modernize the delivery of healthcare, benefits, research, and improve infrastructure for veterans - many of these areas of VA have not been comprehensively reviewed in 30 years. To read more about the three series of bills the Chairman and House Republicans are leading as part of the Committee's reauthorization strategy, click here (first series), here (second series), and here (third series). Last year, POLITICO exclusively reported on Chairman Bost's reauthorization plans.

Good morning.

The Committee will come to order.

Without objection, the Chair may declare a recess at any time.

Before we begin today, I would like to take a moment of silence for the servicemembers currently serving in the Middle East, in our thoughts, as well as for the families of the servicemembers who recently gave their lives, in our prayers.

I also want to take a moment to pray for the V.A. employee who was shot yesterday in Jasper, Georgia.

We are asking for strength, healing, and a full recovery.

We are thinking of their family and V.A. colleagues who were impacted by this incident during this difficult time.

We stand with them and hope for their quick recovery.

Today's hearing is about one central responsibility of this Committee: ensuring that V.A. works for the people it was created to serve-our nation's veterans.

The Constitution places that responsibility squarely on Congress.

Under Article I, Congress writes the laws, authorizes the programs, and exercises oversight over how those policies are carried out.

That authority exists to make sure V.A. remains accountable-to veterans and to the American taxpayer.

When programs fall short, it is the duty of this Committee to ask questions, demand answers, and make the legislative changes necessary to fix the problem.

Reauthorization is not simply a procedural exercise.

It is how Congress evaluates whether programs are working as intended and whether the Department is using its authorities responsibly.

In many cases, the statutes and policies governing V.A. have not been meaningfully updated since the mid-1990s-well before the post-9/11 generation of veterans began their service.

Reauthorization also provides Congress with the means to modernize V.A. so it can better meet the needs of veterans today and in the future.

I do not expect the Members of this Committee to agree with every policy proposal before us today.

I know there are some proposals that on their face I do not support.

But, that is precisely why, as Chairman, I called this hearing-to debate the merits of each and determine where improvements are needed.

As Chairman, I also want to recognize Secretary Collins for the work he has undertaken to improve and reform V.A.

The legislation we are considering today is not about placing obstacles in the way of the Department-it is about strengthening it.

These bills are intended to ensure that the Secretary, and future V.A. Secretaries, have the tools necessary to deliver the care, benefits, and services veterans have earned and eligible for.

Today we will examine several proposals introduced by members of this Committee on both sides of the aisle that are designed to restore accountability, improve transparency, and ensure that V.A. remains focused on veterans.

For example, my legislation addresses the VISN structure by aiming to improve how V.A. organizes and manages its health care system across the country.

The goal is simple: better coordination, stronger accountability, and better outcomes for veterans.

Other bills we will discuss today address a wide range of reforms across the Department.

Rep. Bergman's V.A. Contracting and Procurement Act would strengthen congressional oversight of major V.A. contracts by ensuring that large procurement agreements receive proper review from Congress before significant taxpayer dollars are committed.

Dr. Miller-Meeks' V.A. National Formulary Act would codify key elements of V.A.'s national drug formulary process into statute, improving transparency, consistency, and congressional oversight over how medications are managed.

Dr. Murphy's V.A. Research Reform Act would modernize how V.A. manages and tracks its research programs through a centralized data system designed to improve coordination and accelerate the translation of research into better care for veterans.

Several of my colleagues also have proposals that aim to improve accountability, strengthen benefits administration, and streamline V.A.

Taken together, these proposals reflect a shared goal of this Committee: making sure V.A. programs are transparent, accountable, and responsive to the veterans they serve.

However, V.A. must also recognize that responsiveness to Congress is part of that accountability.

When this Committee conducts oversight or requests information, we are fulfilling our constitutional responsibilities under Article I.

It is a Task…Not an Ask

With that, I want to thank our witnesses for appearing before the Committee, and I look forward to today's discussion on how we can continue strengthening V.A. for the veterans we are all here to serve.

Ranking Member Takano, you are recognized for your opening statement.