Blog: Fighting for a Stand-Alone VA Medical Center

Statement

I have fought alongside the veterans' community for many years to get the Department of Veterans Affairs to honor its promise to replace the aging VA hospital in Colorado. And last August, we made good on this long-overdue promise when we broke ground on a stand-alone, full-service VA hospital in Aurora.

This week, the Obama Administration again pledged its support for Fitzsimons when it included $450.7 million for the new VA medical center in the President's proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2011. With comprehensive specialty care services, including a 30-bed Spinal Cord Injury Center, the new medical center will provide a full range of medical, laboratory, research, and counseling services.

The men and women of Colorado, who have fought bravely for this country, deserve the best health care we can provide. Last year, I was proud to fight successfully to ensure construction of a new Community Living Center, Outpatient Clinic, and parking facilities could begin, and I will continue fighting this year to ensure the plans to finish the hospital stay on track.

Mark Udall

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