Ernst Calls on VA to Make Veterans Care a Priority, Not Art

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new government spending report by a non-profit organization states that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has spent $20 million on costly artwork between 2004 and 2014.

Earlier this year, Senator Ernst offered an amendment to the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act that would prohibit funding for the procurement of art work or art related consulting services, including new construction, until the Secretary of the VA alerts Congress that the appointment backlogs for veterans seeing primary care has been eliminated. Unfortunately, the amendment was ultimately not taken up or adopted.

“It is appalling that instead of using $20 million of taxpayer money to reduce the backlog and ensure quality and timely care for our veterans, the VA chose to spend that money on decorative artwork,” stated Ernst. “This is another example of why folks across the country are fed-up with the VA and this administration: they are failing time and time again to make our veterans a priority. I call on Secretary McDonald to halt this excessive spending and focus on eliminating the backlog so our veterans can get the help they deserve.”

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