Metro East Sun

Rep. Tom Barrett (R-Mich.), Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization, delivered remarks at an oversight hearing focused on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in modernizing healthcare for veterans. The hearing examined how AI could improve Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) services and discussed both current and future plans for expanding its use.

Barrett opened by addressing common frustrations with VA healthcare systems, such as slow processes and technological failures. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that VA technology is efficient and reliable to support veterans' care.

"Like many who have worn the uniform and receive VA health care, I know the frustration when the system is slow, the paperwork stacks up, or the technology fails," Barrett said. "That is why this Subcommittee’s work is so critical."

He noted that AI is already being used within VA in several ways. According to a recent Government Accountability Office report, VA has reported more than 200 use-cases involving AI, ranging from analyzing medical images to creating summary diagnostic reports.

"In clinical care, AI can help doctors detect cancer earlier and identify warning signs of heart disease before a crisis occurs," Barrett stated. He referenced a study at the VA Long Beach Healthcare System showing that AI helps providers detect risk factors for heart disease sooner.

The hearing also highlighted AI's impact on mental health care. In 2017, VA launched the REACH-VET program using AI models to identify veterans most at risk for suicide. "The results were promising: This program helped VA step in early, guiding veterans to the care before crisis strikes," Barrett said.

Barrett explained that AI tools are also reducing administrative burdens for providers through innovations like “ambient scribes,” which generate medical notes from provider-patient conversations, saving time across staff.

He stressed that while there is significant promise in using AI for veteran care, it must be implemented responsibly. "It is to make sure AI is being used responsibly, safely, and transparently," he said.

Barrett warned about risks such as data bias and privacy concerns but pointed out that VA has established frameworks and strong privacy protections governing AI use. "Veterans’ health and benefits data cannot be used by vendors for other purposes, period," he affirmed.

He concluded by emphasizing trust between veterans and their government: "This is not about technology, it’s about trust. Veterans gave this nation their trust through their service...And it is our duty to make sure that trust is never broken."

Recent elections show Mike Bost's continued representation of Illinois's 12th congressional district since 2014 through victories over various opponents: William L. Enyart in 2014; Charles Baricevic in 2016; Brendan Kelly in 2018; Raymond Lenzi in 2020; and Chip Markel in 2022.