A new bipartisan congressional bill aims to speed up the timeline for the Veterans Affairs (VA) construction project.
The Faster VA Construction Act, introduced by Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and her colleagues, would allow VA construction projects to use commercial building codes and standards whenever possible.
The bill proposal would allow the VA Secretary to use these codes rather than federal codes and standards for its projects. Blackburn’s bill proposal would apply only to new VA construction projects and modifications made to existing VA facilities.
According to the Faster VA Construction Act, the VA would need to run three pilot projects each fiscal year from 2027 to 2031 that use commercial standards. The pilot projects can include construction and lease projects.
Between 2027 and 2031, the VA Secretary will need to submit annual reports to Congress detailing the status of each pilot project.
Blackburn said, “The VA’s construction process needs to be faster and more efficient.”
“The Faster VA Construction Act would stretch taxpayer dollars by cutting unnecessary red tape, speeding up construction projects, and delivering better facilities for our veterans faster,” she added.
In addition to Blackburn, the bill is being cosponsored by Senators Jim Banks (R-IN) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI).
Banks said the bill proposal “speeds up VA construction and makes sure taxpayer dollars are put to their best use.”
Hirono noted red tape should not get “in the way of ensuring our veterans have access to care and services.”
“By allowing VA projects to follow commercial construction codes and standards, the Faster VA Construction Act takes steps to streamline the construction process, reduce costs, and help increase the number of projects VA can get built each year,” she said.
According to the VA, it will cost between $98 billion and $109 billion to implement its strategic investment plan, which includes deferred maintenance and new construction.
Blackburn’s press release says the federal government cites the VA’s current construction code as a factor driving up the cost of building projects.
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Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of The Star News Network. Email tips to Zachery at zschmidt1717@gmail.com.
