Kelly, Sullivan Introduce VA-DOD Shared Medical Facilities Act of 2019

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Trent Kelly (R-MS), in coordination with U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), introduced the VA-DOD Shared Medical Facilities Act of 2019, which authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DOD) to enter into agreements with one another for planning, design, construction and leasing of shared medical facilities.

“For far too long, these two critical organizations have been legally prohibited from building and sharing facilities and equipment that serve both veterans and currently serving service members,” Rep. Kelly said. “This separation has led to cost increases and gross inefficiencies. If left unchanged, both the VA and DOD medical departments will continue to do double the work for double the cost, which is paid at the expense of taxpayers’ pocketbooks and our veterans’ health.”

This legislation eliminates unnecessary red tape to allow the VA and DOD to combine efforts when they plan and construct medical facilities and equipment, such as buildings, parking facilities, mechanical equipment and accommodations for patients.

Service members and veterans deserve the best and most efficient healthcare available without having to jump through hoops when they transition out of service. This legislation is a huge step in the right direction for the future of veterans’ healthcare facilities.