Congressman Tony Gonzales Questions VA Secretary McDonough on El Paso VA Healthcare Center

On Wednesday, I questioned the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Denis McDonough on the status of the new VA healthcare center in El Paso during the House Appropriations Committee’s hearing on the VA budget for FY2023. I sit on the House Appropriations’ Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD). I am a Navy veteran, retiring as a Master Chief Petty Officer in 2019.

View my question here.

I appreciate Secretary McDonough for taking time today to explain his priorities in this year's budget and provide the Appropriations Committee with an update on current projects that were funded in 2022. Last year, I secured initial funds for an updated VA healthcare center in El Paso but the work doesn't stop there. While the first phase of funding is underway, I will push for full funding for this project in next year's budget. As a veteran myself, providing for our military - both active duty and retired - is a top priority.

PROJECT UPDATE

• In FY2022, $150 million for the project was allocated to build on the existing VA healthcare center, expanding to additional care like mental health services.
• The VA will request an additional $550 million in FY2023 to complete construction and anticipated the project to take 51 months.
• Updates to the current facility will finish in April 2023 with the full project and new facility completed in 2026.