Rep. Hoyle Calls on Congress and VA to Fund Roseburg State Veterans Home, Expand State Veterans Home Construction Program

Rep. Hoyle Calls on Congress and VA to Fund Roseburg State Veterans Home, Expand State Veterans Home Construction Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Last week, Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04) testified before the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, urging the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Congress to fully fund the Roseburg State Veterans Home and strengthen the State Veterans Home Construction Grant Program, which she said has been chronically underfunded and delayed critical care for rural veterans.

"Veterans in my district have been advocating for this home since 2011," said Rep. Hoyle. "Our veterans have served, sacrificed, and shown the ultimate commitment to our country. In return, it is our responsibility to make sure they are taken care of and can get the health care they need."

Rep. Hoyle's district is home to more veterans than any other district in the state, many of whom live in rural and remote communities. The lack of a funded state veterans' home in Roseburg has forced veterans and families to travel long distances or go without needed long-term care.

Under the State Veterans Home Construction Grant Program, states are required to provide 35 percent of project funding, with the VA responsible for the remaining share. The Oregon State Legislature has repeatedly secured state matching funds, including in 2011 and again in 2024. Despite the state's preparedness, Rep. Hoyle said the Roseburg application has been repeatedly overlooked, causing project costs to rise due to inflation and construction delays. The current state funding is set to expire in 2027, creating added urgency for immediate federal action.

Rep. Hoyle also highlighted that Congress has underfunded the State Veterans Home Construction Grant Program by nearly $1 billion, limiting the VA's ability to approve new construction and forcing the agency to prioritize smaller repair and renovation projects instead.

To address these shortfalls, Rep. Hoyle submitted an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to increase funding for the program. However, House Rules Committee Republicans blocked the amendment from receiving a vote.

"I call on my colleagues on the House Veterans Affairs Committee to work with the VA to prioritize the State Veterans Home Construction Grant Program and ensure our aging veterans across the country can live with the dignity they've earned and deserve," said Rep. Hoyle.

Rep. Hoyle's full testimony can be viewed on the HVAC website here.

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