After the Veterans Administration (VA) said on Friday that it was delaying construction of a planned VA Clinic in Lake Charles, Louisiana, U.S. Rep. Charles Boustany (R-LA) blasted the decision.
“This delay is absolutely unacceptable,” Boustany said. “As I’ve said before, Lake Charles veterans have waited years for these clinics, and it’s already past time for construction to begin. I’m working with Senator (David) Vitter to set up a call with VA Secretary (Robert) McDonald to demand answers and action. Excuses won’t provide adequate care to our veterans.”
The VA said it could not enter into a contract with the winning bidder of the project “without violating certain budgetary rules,” and that the agency is taking the necessary steps toward structuring the project for rebidding.
A frustrated Boustany released a video with his response to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) after learning that it had awarded a construction contract for a new community-based outpatient clinic (CBOC) in Lafayette, Louisiana, without mentioning any progress in the Lake Charles project. It was Boustany who had secured the authorization to build both clinics.