On behalf of the Friends of VA Medical Care and Health Research (FOVA), NAVREF,  recently submitted a letter to key leaders of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Addressed to Chairman Mike Bost, Chairwoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, and Ranking Members Mark Takano and Julia Brownley, the letter outlines serious concerns about the new interpretation of 18 U.S.C. §208, which we believe will negatively impact VA research and veterans' access to quality care.

This interpretation poses significant challenges to VA’s collaborations with academic and nonprofit affiliates, partnerships that have driven groundbreaking innovations for over 75 years. We have urged the committee to support legislative measures that would address the unintended consequences of OGE's interpretation, ensuring that VA research can continue to thrive and serve our nation’s veterans.

NAVREF, through FOVA, remains committed to protecting the VA research mission and delivering the highest standard of care for veterans.