Metro East Sun

House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Chairman Mike Bost led a hearing to explore how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can enhance healthcare innovations to improve services for veterans. The focus of the hearing was to ensure that veterans have access to top-of-the-line healthcare technology, regardless of their location or service history, while also maintaining fiscal responsibility for taxpayer investments in the VA.

Chairman Bost acknowledged improvements in the VA since his time serving in the Marine Corps but emphasized that more work needs to be done. "Today’s hearing is about making sure veterans have access to the best healthcare technology available—no matter where they live, what they’ve been through, or when they served."

The hearing aimed to address key questions about effective innovations, barriers to progress, and speeding up implementation processes. Highlighting the importance of cutting through government delays and red tape, Bost stated, "Government delays and red tape should never be the reason a veteran can’t get life-saving care."

Bost also underscored efforts to streamline VA acquisitions, noting, "Acquisition reform isn’t flashy. But it matters." He stressed the need for the VA to collaborate with industry and academic leaders to overcome obstacles: "V.A. has said they want to partner with industry and academic leaders. That’s good."

The discussion focused on chronic health challenges veterans face, such as diabetes and heart disease, as well as the impact of PTSD. "These are real challenges. But there are real solutions out there," Bost remarked, emphasizing the urgency of innovation for all veterans, particularly those in rural areas.

Bost encouraged the integration of new technologies and tools that could offer veterans better healthcare options. Concluding his remarks, Bost expressed his vision for a modernized VA: "One day, I suspect more of my grandchildren will be veterans. I want them to walk into a V.A. that’s not just functional—but forward-thinking. Fast. Innovative. At the front edge of modern medicine."

Following Bost's opening statement, Ranking Member Takano was invited to share his comments.