Promoting Partnerships To Improve Veterans’ Health

FOVA's Top Issues

VA Medical and Prosthetic Research Program

FOVA Recommendation for Medical and Prosthetic Research: $980 million

The FOVA coalition recognizes the demands of many important programs for America’s veterans in the Military Construction, VA, and Related Agencies spending bill, and urges Congress to continue its reliable and robust growth in the VA research program without recissions. FOVA’s FY 2024 recommendation of $980 million for VA research, an increase of $64 million (7%) above the comparable FY 2023 funding level, would enhance the investment in veteran-centric research on a trajectory of meaningful growth above inflation to ensure research progress can keep pace with the increasing demands of improving health for veterans.

FOVA’s recommendation of $980 million would provide sustained and predictable funding growth for VA research, which is imperative to help ensure the best return on investment in improving the health of veterans and all Americans.

• Sustained funding growth is crucial for VA research efforts.

• Successes in precision oncology and Cancer Moonshot Initiative will be built upon.

• Clinical trials access will be increased, and health disparities will be addressed.

• Groundbreaking programs like Million Veteran Program (MVP) will receive renewed support.

• Research on chronic and emerging needs of veterans will be prioritized.

• Increased funding will support recruitment and retention of researchers.

• Toxic exposures and mental health research will be expanded.

• Strained IT capacity will be supported through computational science purchases.

Physical and Information Technology (IT) Infrastructure

FOVA Recommendation for Major & Minor Construction: at least $100 million

 A 2012 congressionally mandated report found a clear need for systematic infrastructure improvements for VA research laboratories. VA completed a Phase II assessment in 2020 of fewer than one-third of sites inspected in Phase I. Phase II findings show that while certain projects have received funding, significant deficiencies remain. VA estimated more than $200 million was needed to correct all deficiencies identified in the Phase II report, including $99.5 million in Priority 1 deficiencies, representing immediate needs such as life safety hazard corrections. FOVA believes designating funds specifically for research facilities is the only way to make significant improvements. For capital infrastructure, renovations, and maintenance, FOVA recommends at least $100 million for VA research facilities to address the most pressing repairs.

FOVA Recommendation for Office Of Information and Technology: at least $22 million

VA’s Office of Information and Technology (OIT) is responsible for IT development and maintenance for programs including clinical, health management, benefits, security, and research. To advance and modernize the VA research program, OIT funding must be designated specifically for research use on a yearly basis. For FY 2024, FOVA recommends at least $22 million of the OIT budget to be assigned for VA research to support the purchase and maintenance of IT infrastructure, increase data storage and access capabilities, increase data security, increase interoperability with affiliated partners, and transition to more robust and functional cloud computing platforms. 

FOVA membership is open to organizations committed to advancing resources for the Department of Veterans Affairs medical care and research programs.

• Members are listed as endorsers of FOVA's funding recommendations for VA medical care and health research.

• Members agree to advocate overall increases in VA research accounts and will not pursue earmarked funding for special interests.

• Members are encouraged to incorporate advocacy for VA research in their own lobby activities and to support FOVA activities when requested. These generally include responding to timely FOVA alerts and supporting and attending FOVA congressional briefings.

• Urge legislators to sign on to Dear Colleague letters and support FOVA's funding requests.

• Generate grassroots advocacy at key times in the annual budget/appropriations process.

• There is no cost to join FOVA. However, from time to time, members may be asked to voluntarily contribute to the cost of hosting special events.