Bridenstine Supports Bill to Build New VA Clinic for First District Vets

Washington, DC, December 10, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Today, the House passed HR 3521 – the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Major Medical Facility Lease Authorization Act. This bill is critical for veterans in the First District. HR 3521 authorizes funding for 27 major VA facilities, including the proposed 140,000 square foot Tulsa Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC).

Congressman Jim Bridenstine said:

I am proud to support this critical legislation. A new outpatient clinic is a top priority for veterans in the First District. As a combat veteran, I know the importance of accessible outpatient clinics that provide high-quality services. If signed into law, HR 3521 would authorize the proposed Tulsa CBOC, a new facility that would greatly expand the square footage and clinical services offered to veterans by replacing the existing Tulsa Outpatient Clinic and Tulsa Behavioral Medicine Clinic. HR 3521 is a sound legislative solution that also protects taxpayers against incurring excessive risk.

Congressional authorization of such VA clinic projects is generally routine and not controversial. In March 2013, however, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) expressed concern that the clinic leases exposed taxpayers to excessive risk and violated House and Senate budget rules. HR 3521 is a bipartisan compromise that should satisfy CBO’s concerns by creating a new revolving fund to protect taxpayers in cases of contract cancellation. While passage in the House is good news, the Senate must pass this bill before the President can sign it into law.

 

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