Cornhusker State News

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has included the Omaha VA hospital project in its Five Year Development Plan, marking a significant step toward the facility's replacement and future construction.

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) responded to the development, stating, “The Omaha VA hospital will turn 75 years old this year, and it’s clear it must be replaced to meet the standard of care our veterans need and deserve. That’s why I was glad to see the Omaha VA hospital project added to the VA’s Five-Year Development Plan, which will help spur the construction of this much-needed facility. I’ll continue to work through my position as a member of the Appropriations Committee to invest in and improve our VA infrastructure in Nebraska.”

Previously, the plan to replace the aging Omaha VA hospital had been on the Strategic Capital Investment Planning Process Project List. The project's move onto the Five Year Development Plan signals a more definite commitment from the VA to start design, planning, and eventual construction.

Senator Fischer serves on the Senate Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Subcommittee. She has advocated for increased investment in VA infrastructure and recently questioned VA Secretary Doug Collins about plans for maintaining a strong presence for veterans’ services in Nebraska. Fischer also continues her support for legislation such as the CHIP IN for Veterans Act, which enables local communities to participate in planning and building VA health care facilities.