Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB3225

Introduced
5/11/23  
Refer
5/11/23  

Caption

BUILD for Veterans Act of 2023 Build, Utilize, Invest, Learn, and Deliver for Veterans Act of 2023

Impact

The enactment of HB 3225 will require the VA to establish dedicated offices and improve personnel management to ensure effective capital asset management. It places emphasis on climate resilience by mandating assessments of existing facilities' vulnerability to climate change and outlining strategies to mitigate these risks. The bill emphasizes the importance of project completion timelines, budget allocation, and performance metrics which the VA must adhere to, ultimately aiming for enhanced service delivery to veterans and their families.

Summary

House Bill 3225, also known as the 'Build, Utilize, Invest, Learn, and Deliver for Veterans Act of 2023', aims to improve the management and performance of capital asset programs within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This bill introduces measures to enhance the oversight and efficiency of how the VA handles its infrastructure projects, which include healthcare facilities and other related assets. The bill mandates the development of strategic plans to identify necessary improvements and upgrades in capital management, aligning resource allocation with the needs of veterans.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 3225 involve the concerns some legislators express regarding the potential strain on the VA's budget and resources in implementing these extensive changes. Critics argue that while the focus on improving capital asset management is essential, there needs to be a balanced approach to ensure that funding does not detract from services provided directly to veterans. Additionally, ensuring that the proposed administrative structures do not inadvertently create additional bureaucracy is a point of apprehension among opposing members.

Companion Bills

US SB42

Same As Build, Utilize, Invest, Learn, and Deliver for Veterans Act of 2023 or the BUILD for Veterans Act of 2023 This bill addresses Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) capital asset management, planning, and investment. Among other requirements, the VA must ensure it has dedicated offices or entities and sufficient staff to conduct relevant critical responsibilities for the life cycle of capital asset management at the local, regional, and central office levels; establish a staffing model to ensure a minimum base level of capital asset staffing; develop goals and metrics to assess and improve the performance of VA capital asset management programs; comprehensively review the climate resilience of its facilities, land, and other relevant capital assets; submit the Strategic Plan to Improve VA's Delivery and Management of Capital Assets; and review all relevant authorities of the VA to determine whether the provisions are meaningful, relevant, and reflect current operational needs, organization structure, and all other necessary requirements for the full life cycle of effective and efficient management of capital assets. The Inspector General of the VA must examine and report on the management and performance of relevant capital asset projects of the VA. The Government Accountability Office must review and report on the VA's progress toward meeting the goals, metrics, and other plans set forth in this bill. The bill also requires various reports from the VA relating to capital asset improvement and the implementation of capital asset directives (e.g., reports on the VA's physical infrastructure and information technology needs).

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