Norton Expresses Disappointment with VA’s Recommended Closure of Health Clinic in D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today expressed disappointment that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently proposed to the Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission that the VA-operated Southeast Washington Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) be closed and its services be moved to the VA Medical Center in D.C. or to the CBOC in Prince George's County, Maryland. Norton previously successfully fought the closure of the Southeast Washington CBOC, and will fight this latest proposed closure.

"I successfully fought to save the Southeast Washington CBOC in 2019, and will fight this potential closure now through the AIR process," Norton said. "This facility serves approximately 700 veterans, and is an important resource for D.C. veterans."

In 2018, Congress enacted the VA MISSION Act, which required the VA to create a nationwide report on the capacity of health care facilities available to veterans and submit it to the AIR Commission. The AIR Commission will submit its proposals to the President, who will determine whether or not to submit the proposals to Congress. If the President submits the proposals, the proposals will be implemented by the VA unless a disapproval resolution is enacted.

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