Sponsor
Mike Bost
Representative · R-IL
Representative · R-IL
The bill funds a major St. Louis VA facility expansion that will improve veteran care and modernize infrastructure and create local jobs, but it requires a $1.76 billion federal appropriation and carries typical construction risks and short-term disruptions.
Veterans in the St. Louis area will gain increased access to care through a new bed tower and expanded clinical space at the St. Louis VA medical center.
VA hospitals and health systems will get modernized infrastructure and consolidated administrative space, improving service delivery and operational efficiency at the facility.
The construction project will create local construction and related jobs in the St. Louis area, providing short-term economic support to the community.
Taxpayers face a $1.7627 billion federal appropriation to fund the project, which could increase deficits or reduce funding available for other priorities.
Large construction projects carry risks of cost overruns and schedule delays, which could require additional funding and prolong disruption to services for veterans.
Temporary construction activity may cause short-term disruption to facility access and local traffic near the medical center, inconveniencing veterans and nearby residents.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Authorizes up to $1,762,668,000 to fund a VA major medical facility project in St. Louis, MO, including a bed tower, clinical expansion, admin/warehouse, utility plant, and parking garages.
Official title: To authorize a major medical facility project for the Department of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2026 in St. Louis, Missouri, and for other purposes.
Introduced December 15, 2025 by Mike Bost · Last progress December 15, 2025
Authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to build a major medical facility project in St. Louis, Missouri, including a new bed tower, expanded clinical space, an administrative/warehouse complex, utility plant, and parking garages, with total project cost capped at $1,762,668,000. Appropriates (or authorizes appropriations of) $1,762,668,000 to the VA Construction, Major Projects account for fiscal year 2026 (or the year funds are appropriated) to carry out the project.