WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jim Risch released the following statement today celebrating action by President Donald Trump’s Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Doug Collins, allowing the Boise veterans’ home to complete an essential modernization project stalled for two years by the Biden administration.
“Secretary Collins made a promise to me that he would break down the bureaucratic barriers that have unjustly denied Idaho’s veterans from receiving their hard-earned benefits and care. He delivered. In just two weeks, President Trump’s Secretary of Veterans Affairs accomplished what the Biden administration refused to do for two years.
“The Biden administration played favorites by selectively applying red tape that blocked the modernization of veterans’ facilities across Idaho. Our veterans selflessly dedicated their lives to protecting our freedoms. They should never be forced to fight for access to the high-quality care and services they deserve.
“I am proud to have worked with Secretary Collins to honor our commitment to Idaho’s veterans. I look forward to partnering with President Trump and Secretary Collins to ensure that facilities across the Gem State can finally proceed with long overdue projects that are vital to our veterans’ health and safety.
“Together, we are removing obstacles to providing the brave men and women who served our great nation the care they rightfully earned.”
Background:
In December, Senator Risch met with Secretary Collins before his confirmation to discuss the significant roadblocks imposed by the Biden administration’s Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which halted modernization projects at Idaho’s veterans’ homes.
Senator Risch specifically requested that Secretary Collins issue the necessary waivers that would exempt these projects from Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) requirements. On Wednesday, Secretary Collins signed a BABAA waiver for the State Veteran Home in Boise, and personally called Senator Risch to deliver the news.
Despite repeated attempts by Senator Risch, the Idaho Congressional Delegation, and Idaho Constitutional Officers, the Biden administration refused to grant BABAA waivers to Idaho State Veteran Homes in Boise, Pocatello, and Lewiston. In 2024, Senator Risch introduced the Waiving Arbitrary and Inconsistent Veteran home Eligibility Requirements (WAIVER) Act as a legislative fix to the BABAA.
Most federal agencies, including the VA, previously granted BABAA waivers for projects that predated the legislation’s enactment in 2022. While the Biden administration’s VA indicated it intended to grant these waivers for Idaho’s homes, none were ever received. Instead, only three were issued—predominately to Democrat-led states.
Senator Risch will continue to work with Secretary Collins and President Trump to secure waivers for modernization projects at the Pocatello and Lewiston State Veteran Homes.
