La. lawmakers respond to VA's proposal to close Alexandria hospital
ALEXANDRIA, La. (KLFY) -- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently proposed shutting down the VA medical center in Alexandria, La. Senator Bill Cassidy responded, calling the proposal "infuriating." Congresswoman Letlow also disagreed with the proposal.
The VA's proposal to close the facility can be found on pages 37-38 of the 2022 VA Recommendations to the Asset and Infrastructure Review Commission.
"Maintaining inpatient medicine, inpatient mental health, and outpatient surgical services at the Alexandria VAMC is not suitable due to the VAMC's declining demand, enrollee population, and aging infrastructure," the report reads in part.
It also said that there are significant architectural and utility-related issues with the hospital that render it unsuitable for clinical services. The hospital's annual cost of operations and maintenance is nearly $10 million, according to the report.
Senator Bill Cassidy disagrees with the proposal to shut down the facility. He issued the following statement:
This abrupt proposal is infuriating for many. I spoke with an official at the VA, and they assured me that there will continue to be a VA presence in Alexandria. If the administration’s proposal goes into effect, provisions I worked to include in the VA Mission Act will allow veterans to access quality care at non-VA health facilities near them.
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA)
Congresswoman Letlow released the following statement:
The Department of Veterans Affairs did not ask our office for any input or information as they prepared this report. We strongly disagree with the recommended closure of the Alexandria facility. Our courageous veterans deserve the best care and services that we can provide. The VA serves a critical role in CenLa, and we will be doing everything within our power to fight to keep this facility open.
Congresswoman Julia Letlow (LA-05)