Ann Kirkpatrick: “I am pleased that we are bringing up a bill that I introduced, along with the chairman of the Oversight and…”

“I am pleased that we are bringing up a bill that I introduced, along with the chairman of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, Representative Coffman. This bill takes aim at two of the VA's most chronic problems: accountability and efficiency. It is also an attempt to make real reforms in the VA construction process. This bill may not have all the answers, but it is a step forward in a discussion we must have on addressing the facility needs of the VA and ensuring that we are addressing the access requirements in a timely and cost-effective manner. We have seen time and again how VA has underperformed in the management of its multibillion-dollar construction budgets. Last year, the Government Accountability Office testified to the committee on a number of significant cost overruns and completion delays. There may be some disagreement on the metrics and the magnitude of VA shortcomings in this area--and I do wish to note that VA has made steps in the right direction--but in the end, we are faced with a very real issue that VA needs additional expertise with construction management and the acquisition of major medical facilities. I believe that asking the Army Corps of Engineers to provide the expertise they have to the VA is a step we should explore. I am hopeful that we will pass this bill today and continue the discussion with the members of this committee, the VA, and the Army Corps of Engineers.…”