U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, led a committee hearing with Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins to discuss reforms to the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) through the Restructure for Impact and Sustainability Effort (RISE) initiative.
“The Restructure for Impact and Sustainability Effort - or RISE – represents the most significant reorganization of the VA health care system since the 1990’s,” said Sen. Moran. “Once fully implemented over the next two years, RISE would change how VA manages and oversees the delivery of health care to veterans across the country.”
He continued, “The department describes RISE as an effort to reduce bureaucracy and red tape, empower local leaders, standardize operations, strengthen accountability, and better align VA resources with the needs of VA patients and staff. Those are important goals, and I commend Secretary Collins and his team for prioritizing them.”
Senator Moran also cited findings from oversight bodies such as the Government Accountability Office and the VA Inspector General Office that recommended changes requiring major restructuring. He noted that VA’s current Veteran Integrated Service Network structure did not ensure accountability or provide clear roles and standardized responsibilities.
The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee has responsibility for overseeing veterans' benefits and health care programs nationwide as part of its role within the United States Senate. The committee works closely with entities like the Department of Veterans Affairs to improve services for those who have served in the military (official website). Established in 1970, it continues efforts dating back to historical expansions in education and medical benefits for veterans (official website).
The committee is known for advancing legislation that supports access to health care and aids veterans' transition into civilian life (official website). It operates from offices in the U.S. Capitol complex (official website) and collaborates with other organizations to bolster support for veterans.
