Shaheen & Hassan Legislation to Ensure Changes to VA Facilities Do Not Disrupt Services for New Hampshire Veterans Passes the Senate

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) released the following statements after appropriations legislation, which included their amendment to the VA MISSION Act, passed the Senate. The bipartisan VA MISSION Act that was signed into law earlier this month included language that would authorize an Asset and Infrastructure Review for all VA facilities, which could result in the reduction or realignment of facilities for states if the review commission determines them necessary. Shaheen and Hassan’s legislation would prohibit the use of funds for the realignment of facilities in states like New Hampshire that do not have a full-service VA facility until the Secretary of Veterans Affairs certifies that changes would not result in the disruption or reduction of services for veterans in those states.

“New Hampshire veterans deserve the best possible service from the VA, and this amendment will help ensure that any potential changes to our VA facilities does not disrupt their care,” said Shaheen. “These brave men and women should not face any obstacles or reduction in services because they live in states like New Hampshire without a full-service VA facility, and I will continue to work across the aisle to ensure that our bipartisan legislation is signed into law.”

“It is critical that New Hampshire veterans get the support and care that they need and have earned,” said Hassan. “This amendment, which was approved by the full Senate, is an important part of those efforts, ensuring that any realignment of VA facilities in states such as New Hampshire without a full-service hospital does not result in a disruption or reduction in services for our veterans who have sacrificed bravely to defend our freedom."