WASHINGTON – Wednesday, U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) introduced legislation to reauthorize the CHIP IN for Veterans Act for an additional five years. The legislation allows local communities across the country to assist with the planning and construction of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care facilities.
U.S. Representative Don Bacon (NE-02) introduced identical companion legislation that passed the House earlier this week.
“America’s veterans have gone above and beyond to defend our freedom and keep us safe. After serving our country, they deserve access to high-quality and modern health care facilities and services. In 2016, I led the introduction of the original CHIP IN for Vets Act that created this crucial program, and I’m proud to once again lead this bill to reauthorize this program for an additional five years. This legislation ensures that they are taken care of by enabling local communities to continue to invest in these facilities – saving time and taxpayer money,” said Fischer.
“Our heroic veterans deserve the highest quality of care. Enabling communities to take charge in completing federal projects has created substantial impacts for our nation’s heroes. The Omaha Ambulatory Care Center was the first-of-its-kind public-private partnership where private donor money and leadership brought construction to a completion under budget and on time. Omaha has set the model for future VA care and government service, and I am proud to support the extension of this program. This is one of many proven Nebraska solutions that are ready for America,” said Ricketts.
Click here to view text of the bill.
