Political Quotes

“I rise to support H.R. 2571. This bill accommodates the administration's construction spending priorities as well as those projects for which our committee anticipates appropriations will be made. The major construction projects require modest funding but are critical to provide access to veterans in areas where their needs cannot be met or in maintaining patient safety in existing facilities which are deficient in conforming to the earthquake code. I am also pleased with the emphasis this bill places on outpatient projects and development of information resources management centers. Leasing, rather than building, to meet VA's needs is also a move in the right direction. VA has sometimes been criticized for using bricks and mortar to meet its space requirements while facilities in the community stand vacant. The leases this bill authorizes are more flexible than in the past, and the VA can provide the capacity it needs not only for today but it may need maybe tomorrow. The authorizations for construction and for leases also allow the VHA to continue on its course of shifting the care to ambulatory settings and providing increased access to the health care needs of our veterans in 1998.”