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Congresswoman Escobar Introduces the El Paso VA Medical Center Activation Readiness Act to Ensure High Quality Care to Veterans Across El Paso

Washington, D.C., April 20, 2026 | Abbey Thompson (202-225-4831)

 Today, Congresswoman Escobar (TX-16), alongside Congressman Morgan Luttrell (TX-8), introduced the El Paso VA Medical Center Activation Readiness Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation to strengthen congressional oversight and ensure the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is fully prepared to open the El Paso VA Medical Center and deliver timely, high quality care to veterans across the region. 

“The new VA medical center in El Paso, for which I was proud to have secured $700 million in funding, represents a critical investment in the health and well-being of our veterans,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “But constructing the facility is only part of the work. We must ensure it is fully equipped and ready to serve veterans on day one. My legislation will require the VA to provide clear, detailed updates on its planning and coordination efforts so we can hold the Department accountable and ensure our veterans receive the care they have earned without delay.”

"Ensuring the new El Paso VA Medical Center opens fully staffed, fully equipped, and ready to serve veterans is essential. This bill provides the oversight needed to guarantee that the facility delivers timely, high-quality care and strengthens coordination across the region. DAV supports efforts that improve access, expand VA capacity, and keeps the promise to America’s veterans. We thank Rep. Escobar for her leadership in introducing this legislation," said Coleman Nee, National Commander, DAV (Disabled American Veterans)

Ensuring dependable access to VA care will require robust planning, coordination, and transparency from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The El Paso VA Medical Center Activation Readiness Act of 2026 would require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide a comprehensive briefing to Congress on the Department’s activation planning for the facility, including workforce readiness, patient demand, and coordination with regional partners. 

Specifically, the legislation requires the VA to report on:
  • Staffing requirements and recruitment plans for clinical and support personnel
  • Workforce stability and hiring capacity, including potential staffing challenges
  • Timelines for the procurement and installation of medical equipment
  • Specialty care services that will be available to veterans
  • Projected demand for care across the region
  • Plans to transfer or transition care from other facilities or providers
  • Coordination with Department of Defense medical facilities, including William Beaumont Army Medical Center, to ensure continuity of care
  • Access and travel considerations for veterans, including coordination with transportation providers and local governments 
This legislation builds on Congresswoman Escobar’s success in championing $700 million for the new VA medical center. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, she has also advanced complementary efforts to ensure strong oversight of the project through the Fiscal Year 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. This bill further strengthens those efforts by requiring the VA to provide Congress with a detailed, timely briefing on its readiness to open the facility and serve veterans effectively. 
To view the bill text, click here.
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