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WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI) and John D. Rockefeller (D-WV) wrote Veterans Affairs Secretary James Peake earlier this week, after the Senators received a document outlining plans for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to shift away from renovating or constructing health care facilities in favor of leasing facilities or purchasing care from outside providers.  Akaka and Rockefeller, the Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman and former-Chairman, respectively, inquired about the implications that such a plan would have on the VA health care system.

"Any major shift in VA health care policy, especially one being proposed so close to the end of the current administration, requires open review by Congress and the public.   I look forward to a full and thorough explanation before any such plan is implemented," said Akaka. 

"Access to quality VA facilities throughout our rural state is enormously important to veterans and their families.  If it is true that the VA is considering closing particular facilities across the country as a cost-saving measure, I have very serious concerns and I would like a response to our letter as soon as possible.  I will always fight for quality healthcare for West Virginia - answers are owed to the veterans who have served this country with honor," said Rockefeller. 

Akaka and Rockefeller's full letter is copied below:

October 27, 2008

The Honorable James B. Peake, M.D.
Secretary of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20420

Dear Secretary Peake,

            We recently obtained a document which appears to outline a new program that would utilize an expanded leasing program in lieu of major construction for the delivery of VA health care.  As we understand the proposed program, VA would place greater emphasis on leasing space or providing fee-basis care, instead of renovating or constructing new facilities.

As the Chairman and former Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, we are interested in learning more about this proposal, including its current status.  To that end, we ask that you address the following questions:

• The document makes reference to 22 proposed sites for this expanded leasing program. What are those sites?
• What studies of VA's construction methods and process have been carried out to determine if the current approach is as efficient as possible?
• What is the full extent of the current backlog in construction? How much would VA need, over the next five years, to complete all currently planned construction, and to lease space or provide fee-basis care instead?
• What involvement have veterans' organizations and others had in the development of this proposed new approach? Have community health providers been engaged to determine if they can support additional demand for inpatient care if VA no longer provides such care in selected locations?
• What are the ramifications for the delivery of long-term care if this proposal is adopted?
• What would be the ramifications for specialty inpatient care?
• Will the near term cost avoidance from not carrying out needed construction be beneficial to VA in the long term? How will VA be able to ensure that needed inpatient capacity will remain available in those areas in which the department closes all inpatient beds?
• How many jobs does VA project will be lost, both overall and by specialty, if the new proposal is implemented in the 22 proposed sites?

• Please describe any other alternative approaches that the Department is considering that would alter the current method of providing health care, or that would alter the structure or composition of the VA health care system.

            Given the time sensitivity of this proposal, we ask for your response within two weeks.  We look forward to working with you to further the interests of our veterans.

Sincerely,

Daniel K. Akaka                                           John D. Rockefeller IV
Chairman                                                       Senator