Bilirakis Highlights “Promises Made, Promises Kept” as Record VA Maintenance Funding Delivers Major Upgrades Across Nation and Here at Home

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Gus Bilirakis today highlighted new progress in strengthening Veterans’ health care infrastructure following passage of the FY26 budget earlier this year.  The package delivers historic investments in facility modernization and maintenance at the Department of Veterans Affairs.  The FY26 budget, which Congressman Bilirakis supported, includes a record-high $4.8 billion in non-recurring maintenance funding, which will be administered this fiscal year to address long-deferred infrastructure needs across VA medical facilities nationwide. These funds will be directed toward critical repairs, replacements, and upgrades needed to maintain and improve operational capability and ensure high-quality health care delivery for America’s veterans.  As part of that effort, the Department of Veterans Affairs approved $596 million in VA infrastructure improvements in the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2026, including more than $5.3 million dedicated to upgrades at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital.

“Promises made to our Veterans must be followed by action - and this budget delivers exactly that,”Congressman Bilirakis said. “By investing in modern, safe, and fully operational VA facilities, we are ensuring that those who served our nation receive the quality care they have earned.”

Key FY26 VA Maintenance and Infrastructure Projects at James A. Haley Supported Under This Investment Include:

• $4,406,710.00 – Electronic Health Record Modernization Upgrades
• $942,931.00 – Critical systems repair and infrastructure improvements 
• $912,542.06 – Medical facility rehabilitation and equipment replacement 
• $382,745.00 – Safety and compliance upgrades 
• $1,645,947.71 – Major building systems modernization 
• $34,125.44 – Preventive maintenance and facility support improvements 
• $710,247.00 – Infrastructure resilience and operational upgrades 
• $234,707.00 – Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical system repairs 
• $501,154.00 – Patient care environment improvements and renovations 
• $4,290.00 – Small-scale urgent maintenance and repairs 

All maintenance funding will be used at VA medical facilities to support significant repairs, replacements, and upgrades needed to sustain and improve healthcare delivery systems nationwide.  Congressman Bilirakis emphasized that these investments reflect a sustained commitment to Veterans and a continued focus on accountability, efficiency, and results within the VA system.

“These are not abstract line items - they are real improvements that directly impact patient care, staff efficiency, and facility safety,” he added. “We are making sure our Veterans receive care in facilities that match the quality of their service to our country.”