Arlington, VA – Today the Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies met to discuss efficiency within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) has been supportive of VA Secretary David Shulkin’s efforts to increase efficiency and choice within the department.
CVA Policy Director Dan Caldwell issued the following statement:
“It defies logic that a department with a track record of mismanaging resources has a budget that is increased every year without question. We commend Secretary Shulkin for taking bold steps to eliminate wasteful spending at the VA and urge Congress to join his effort. Bringing more efficiency and accountability to the VA will bring better care to our nation’s veterans.”
At a House hearing earlier this month, Secretary Shulkin stated that he had identified hundreds of empty or under-utilized VA buildings costing the federal government $25 million annually. He said that he would work with Congress in prioritizing buildings for closure. An internal VA report showed that of the 431 completely vacant VA buildings, most were built nearly a century ago or more.
Secretary Shulkin also recently announced that he was leaving thousands of unnecessary positions unfilled at the VA, citing the need for a “leaner” and “more accountable” department.
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