Shulkin Mulls Closing 1,100 'Underutilized' VA Facilities

KWTV-TV ^ | May 4, 2017 | The Associated Press

[2ndDivisionVet]

Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin says his department is seeking to close perhaps more than 1,100 VA facilities nationwide as it develops plans to allow more veterans to receive medical care in the private sector.

At a House hearing Wednesday, Shulkin said the VA had identified more than 430 vacant buildings and 735 that he described as underutilized, costing the federal government $25 million a year. He said the VA would work with Congress in prioritizing buildings for closure and was considering whether to follow a process the Pentagon had used in recent decades to decide which of its underused military bases to shutter, known as Base Realignment and Closure, or BRAC.

"Whether BRAC is a model that we should take a look, we're beginning that discussion with members of Congress," Shulkin told a House appropriations subcommittee....

[momincombatboots]

Same here. I do like the comraderie when I go, but it’s just as expensive as private care.

[taildragger]

"$25-million is not on the chart for things to do."

My take on this? I bet that is a misprint or on purpose screw up. How much do you want to bet it is 25 Billion. We know President Trump and his team do not go after small potatoes.

[redfreedom]

“- - - anyone else will get screwed.”

I see your point. Many of us have had different service experiences and many of us today have good income levels where the VA is just not needed.

I used to be just a Group 6, combat vet, and stayed away from the VA as I could afford civilian care, and agree with Always A Marine.

I now agree with the VA’s priority ratings. I’ve recently discovered I have Agent Orange related diseases. Our lefty welfare recipients seem to get everything for free, don’t have to work, and many spend their spare time demonstrating against American values - the same values many of us fought and died for.

Those of us that served, those in combat, and those that are disabled at least deserve what the leftist scum get. I think the VA’s prioritys are OK