Bacon Introduces Legislation to Make CHIP-IN Act Permanent

Original Program Used by Omaha VA, Worked on by former Reps. Ashford and Terry

 Washington – Today, Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) introduced H.R. 217 to make permanent the Communities Helping Invest Through Property and Improvements Needed for Veterans Act of 2016 (CHIP IN), an act passed under former Rep. Brad Ashford of Omaha (1994-1996) and after years of former Rep. Lee Terry of Omaha (2000-2016) advocating for a new VA facility.

The program allows local communities across the country to assist with the planning and construction of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare facilities through private subsidization of projects, leading to on-time and on-budget completion. It also aligns with transparency and cost-cutting measures set forth by President Trump. The original legislation was responsible for constructing the much-needed 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 2021, Bacon partnered with Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) to extend the authorization program for five years, ending in December 2026. This legislation makes the CHIP IN Act permanent.

“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.”

 “VA must continue to modernize and improve its medical facilities to ensure that veterans have access to the very best care and services,” said House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (IL-12). “My friend and fellow veteran Rep. Bacon’s new bill, the CHIP IN for Veterans Act, would help VA do exactly that. Public-private partnerships like the ones in Rep. Bacon’s bill would allow us to cut through the red tape and speed up VA’s already lengthy construction process for new facilities and clinics. 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.”