Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today announced that the Senate passed by unanimous consent the Veterans Health Care Facilities Capital Improvement Act, which authorizes $35.5 million to address the critical need for veteran housing and homeless services at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center. The funding was previously appropriated and today’s action allows the project to begin.

“At long last this renovation can begin,” said Senator Feinstein.  “One out of every 10 veterans without a roof over their head lives in Los Angeles, so there is a critical need for more housing at the West LA VA.  It is our obligation to provide housing and services for those who have sacrificed for our country’s safety, and I’m gratified the five-year battle to secure funds for our veterans was successful.”

The Department of Veterans Affairs has already set aside $35.5 million for the renovation of the VA facility; today’s authorization bill—which now goes to President Obama for signature—was the final step in securing the funds.

In June 2010, Senator Feinstein secured a commitment from VA Secretary Eric Shinseki to renovate three buildings on the West LA VA Medical Center campus to help house and accommodate additional services for the more than 8,000 homeless veterans in the Greater Los Angeles Area. The $35.5 million approved today will renovate the first of the three buildings.

“I was pleased to work with Representative Waxman, Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky and Senator Boxer on this important project.  Secretary Shinseki committed to renovating two additional buildings on the campus, and we intend to hold him and the Administration to that commitment,” continued Feinstein.

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