Costa Supports Legislation to Enhance Veterans’ Health Care Services

Fresno, CA – Representatives Jim Costa (CA-16) and Mike Bost (IL-12) introduced H.R. 3956, the VA Health Center Management Stability and Improvement Act. This bipartisan legislation would require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop and submit a plan to Congress to hire qualified permanent directors for the medical centers that currently do not have permanent leadership.

"VA medical centers, including the Fresno VA hospital, are operating without a permanent director, and that could be a disadvantage for hospital staff and the veterans they serve," said Rep. Costa. "The Fresno VA hospital works diligently to serve our Valley veterans, but the constant rotation of acting directors is not good for long-term planning and staff morale. This bipartisan legislation aims to enhance health care services provided to veterans by improving management at VA medical centers here in California and across the country. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House, Senate, and Administration to get this bill passed and signed into law."

"No business or organization can successfully operate under a revolving door of interim leaders – certainly not one tasked with caring for America's heroes," said Rep. Bost. "At a time when restoring accountability and leadership at the VA is a primary focus, we can't afford to continue operating in this haphazard way. As a veteran myself, I'm pleased to do my part in providing the stability necessary to ensure our veterans receive the best care possible."

In addition to requiring the Secretary of VA to develop a plan to hire permanent directors in all medical centers, H.R. 3956 would identify possible impediments to staff facilities with permanent directors, and would assess the possibility of promoting and training qualified candidates within the VA for promotion to Senior Executive Service positions.