(OVERLAND PARK, KAN.) – Congressman Dennis Moore (Third District-KS) announced legislation today that would give Congress oversight of the VA’s Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) planning initiative, a process that will shift resources in the VA system, potentially eliminating beds and closing facilities. The bipartisan bill has overwhelming support with 115 cosponsors.

“I am working to make sure that veterans have access to the health care they deserve,” said Moore. “Congress needs to be involved in the process of determining the future of the VA health care system, especially if facilities are on the chopping block.”

Jeff Lawson, State Commander of the VFW, Damon Christensen, American Legion Alternate National Executive Committeeman for the Department of Kansas, and David Brader, DAV State Commander, joined Moore for the announcement at the American Legion Hall in Overland Park.

Moore’s bill would require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to give Congress 60 days to review any action proposed under the CARES process. During that time, the VA would be prohibited from moving forward with any bed reductions or facility closures. The legislation comes after the VA instructed network directors to re-evaluate plans that were already submitted to the Under Secretary for Health, which included directions to convert existing major health care facilities to clinics. The Dwight D. Eisenhower VA Medical Center in Leavenworth is among the hospitals being considered for possible downsizing of beds and services.

The plan concluded that “realignment of workload from Leavenworth to Kansas City would exceed current capacity…Elimination of inpatient and outpatient primary care capabilities at Leavenworth would seriously undermine continuity of care for the remaining long-term care patients, reduce timely access to care, hinder its ability to provide ongoing support to the DOD facility…”

For the next 8 to 10 years, demand at Kansas City area VA hospitals will continue to increase. In 2020, usage at the VA hospitals in the area is project to be 30 percent higher than today. Currently, there is a six-month waiting period at Kansas City VA hospital.

“Eliminating services in Leavenworth would be a disservice to the men and women who have served our country,” Moore said. “In addition, redirecting those patients to the Kansas City VA Hospital would overwhelm a system that is already overwhelmed. After making a sacrifice for our country, our veterans should not be denied access to health benefits they have earned.”

The CARES initiative, established by the VA Secretary in October 2000, is a nine-step program that aims to modernize the VA health care system.