VA program reauthorization bill sponsored by Fischer, Bacon signed into law

U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) and U.S. Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) applauded the reauthorization of a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) program that allows local communities across the country to assist with the planning and construction of VA healthcare facilities.

President Joe Biden recently signed into law the Communities Helping Invest through Property and Improvements Needed (CHIP IN) for Veterans Act, H.R. 3888/S. 2059, the bipartisan, bicameral bill sponsored on June 15 by Sen. Fischer and Rep. Bacon in their respective chambers.

“Our veterans deserve the best in quality care and modern facilities. The reauthorization of the CHIP IN for Vets Act will increase the opportunity for communities across the nation to invest in public-private partnerships,” said Rep. Bacon. “I look forward to the improvement in care it will create for America’s veterans.”

The bill extends from five to 10 years the VA pilot program under which the VA may accept donations of property or facilities from specified entities, such as state or local authorities, according to the text of the bill. U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb (D-PA) joined Rep. Bacon to introduce the bill as the lead original cosponsor.

“The CHIP IN for Vets Act has already successfully facilitated the development of the new VA ambulatory clinic in Omaha. The clinic was built ahead of schedule and under budget as a result of this public-private partnership,” Sen. Fischer said on Sept. 30. “Now, the full reauthorization of this critical program will ensure more communities can contribute to building facilities that will provide veterans with the quality care they deserve.”

Sen. Fischer led the original CHIP IN for Vets Act, which Congress passed in 2016 to authorize the VA Secretary to allow five U.S. communities to manage construction of VA projects as part of the pilot program allowing communities to take the lead on unfinished or unstarted projects by contributing the remaining finances to ensure they are completed on time and on budget, according to information provided by her office.