Future of Over-Budget Denver VA Hospital Unclear

The chairmen of the House and Senate Veterans committees said Thursday the future of an over-budget VA hospital under construction in Denver is unclear because the Veterans Affairs Department hasn't come up with an acceptable plan for funding it. Sen. Johnny Isakson of Georgia and Rep. Jeff Miller of Florida also criticized the VA for not punishing those responsible for the overrun. The rare joint statement shows how unhappy Congress is with the project and with the VA's response. The hospital is expected to cost more than $1.7 billion, nearly triple an estimate the VA gave last year. Medical equipment, furniture and staff training will cost an additional $340 million, the VA has said. The new facility in suburban Aurora will replace an aging and crowded hospital in Denver. For more details, see this Military.com article.