Omaha City Wire

Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska has introduced a bill, H.R. 217, to make the Communities Helping Invest Through Property and Improvements Needed for Veterans Act of 2016 (CHIP IN) permanent. The CHIP IN Act initially passed under former Rep. Brad Ashford and was supported by former Rep. Lee Terry, both from Omaha.

The program allows local communities to aid in planning and constructing Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare facilities through private funding, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. It aligns with transparency and cost-cutting measures established during President Trump's administration. The legislation led to the construction of a VA ambulatory care clinic in Omaha.

“In the midst of realizing we need to control government costs, even in the construction of new facilities for our veterans, this legislation has helped to facilitate public-private partnerships that have benefitted our veterans and communities,” said Bacon. “Our veterans deserve high quality and modern health services, and making the CHIP IN Act permanent will allow communities to invest in and help create these facilities. In addition, this legislation allows for more transparency and saves the taxpayers money.”

In collaboration with Senator Deb Fischer in 2021, Bacon extended the program's authorization until December 2026; however, this new bill seeks permanence.

“Former Reps. Terry and Ashford both worked to see this idea become law, which has impacted the lives of so many veterans,” said Bacon.“I wish Rep. Ashford could join us to see it become permanent.”

House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost supports the bill: “VA must continue to modernize and improve its medical facilities to ensure that veterans have access to the very best care and services," he stated."My friend and fellow veteran Rep. Bacon’s new bill, the CHIP IN for Veterans Act, would help VA do exactly that."

Bost emphasized that public-private partnerships would expedite VA's lengthy construction process: "I look forward to moving this commonsense bill through the Committee process as soon as possible and I want to thank Rep. Bacon for his leadership on behalf of veterans across the country.”