Arlington, VA – At a House hearing yesterday, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary David Shulkin stated that he’d 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.
Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) Policy Director Dan Caldwell issued the following statement:
“The VA’s problems managing taxpayer dollars are a symptom of wasteful spending across our entire federal government. Revelations that the VA is operating hundreds of empty buildings make it difficult to justify why the VA’s budget is increased without question every year.
“We applaud Shulkin for taking the tough steps to ensure resources are actually being used towards helping veterans and not being thrown out the window. A more efficient, accountable VA means better care for veterans.”
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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