Gardner proposes bill to authorize new Colorado Springs VA medical center

U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) on Oct. 23 introduced legislation to authorize the construction of a major medical facility for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in Colorado Springs, Colo.

“I am incredibly proud of Colorado’s active duty military’s strength, courage and bold vision for the future,” said Sen. Gardner, “and I will always fight to ensure our veterans receive access to the quality care they deserve.”

Earlier this month, Sen. Gardner announced efforts to support the new VA hospital following a meeting in Aurora, Colo., with leaders of the Rocky Mountain VA Medical Center and U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie. A Colorado Springs VA hospital would serve El Paso County, Colo., and surrounding areas. 

“Our nation’s veterans deserve timely access to quality care, but I hear frequently from veterans in El Paso County about the need for additional access to services,” Sen. Gardner said. “As the veteran population in El Paso County continues to experience rapid growth, the need for additional health care resources will only increase.”

Last week, Sen. Gardner also wrote to the VA requesting that the department move forward with the process to review and approve the Colorado Springs VA medical center location.

If enacted, S. 4856 would authorize construction of the VA medical center in Colorado Springs; require an assessment of the ability of both the VA and the U.S. Department of Defense to collaborate on the project and a subsequent partnership plan; and institute safeguards and accountability measures, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Gardner’s office.

The bill has been referred for consideration to the U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.