Georgetown VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic Authorization Act of 2026

Bill Number

H.R. 7489

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-03-02: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Last Updated

2026-02-23T17:21:42Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This legislation authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to build a new community-based outpatient clinic in Georgetown, Texas. A community-based outpatient clinic is a VA facility that provides healthcare services like primary care and mental health support to veterans in a local community setting, rather than at a large hospital. The goal is to improve access to VA medical services for veterans in the area during fiscal year 2027.

Key Provisions

• Project Authorization: The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is permitted to undertake a "major medical facility project" (a large-scale VA construction initiative) in fiscal year 2027 to construct the clinic, with total costs capped at $96,448,066.
• Funding Authorization: Congress authorizes the appropriation of up to $96,448,066 from the VA's Construction, Major Projects account for fiscal year 2027 or whenever funds are allocated, specifically for this clinic project.
• Short Title: The bill is named the "Georgetown VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic Authorization Act of 2026."

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a new, specific authorization for a VA construction project that was not previously approved by Congress. It does not amend broader VA laws but adds this clinic to the list of authorized major medical facility projects under existing VA construction statutes (such as those in title 38 of the U.S. Code). Without this bill, the VA would lack congressional approval to proceed with planning, funding, or building this facility.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The VA gains explicit authority and funding permission to expand its infrastructure, potentially easing administrative burdens on existing Texas VA facilities by distributing services locally. This could require the VA to manage new construction contracts and operations starting in 2027.
• On Citizens: Veterans living near Georgetown, Texas, may benefit from shorter travel times and better access to routine medical care, reducing wait times and improving health outcomes. Local economies could see job creation during construction and ongoing employment at the clinic.
• On International Relations: No direct impacts, as this is a domestic veterans' healthcare initiative.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Department of Veterans Affairs: Primary implementer, responsible for construction and operation.
• Veterans and Their Families: Especially those in central Texas, who will gain a new local healthcare option.
• Local Community in Georgetown, Texas: Residents and businesses may experience economic boosts from construction and clinic operations.
• Congressional Representatives: Particularly Rep. John Carter of Texas, who introduced the bill, and the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, which oversees VA-related legislation.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal Implications: Provides statutory backing for the project, ensuring compliance with federal budgeting rules (e.g., the Antideficiency Act, which prevents spending without authorization). It limits costs to avoid overruns without further congressional approval.
• Constitutional Implications: Aligns with Congress's enumerated powers under Article I, Section 8, to appropriate funds and regulate federal agencies, including support for veterans as a constitutional duty tied to military service.
• Political Implications: Demonstrates bipartisan support for veterans' services in a targeted district, potentially influencing future VA funding debates. It highlights congressional focus on infrastructure to address growing veteran healthcare needs without broader policy shifts.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Carter, John R. [R-TX-31]

Recent Actions

• 2026-03-02: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
• 2026-02-11: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
• 2026-02-11: Introduced in House
• 2026-02-11: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Georgetown VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic Authorization Act of 2026 — issued 2026-02-11 — PDF (2 pages)