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Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center to receive infrastructure improvements

PRESS RELEASE

August 19, 2025

Houston, TX - The Department of Veterans Affairs will realign an additional $800 million this fiscal year as part of the Veterans Health Administration’s Non-Recurring Maintenance program, which makes infrastructure improvements to health care facilities to ensure safe and effective patient care.

The extra funding means more resources to repair and update aging VA facilities and technology.

The extra money will be spent on a variety of improvement projects at various VA health care facilities across the nation, including Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, where the following improvements will occur:

  • Sallyport 6F
  • TF - Replace and Upgrade Building Automation System
  • SICU Upgrade 5th Floor B-100
  • Upgrade MICU/CCU 3rd Floor B-100
  • Replace Med-Vac Compressors B100
  • Repair Chiller #1 B104
  • Construct Meditation Labyrinth
  • EHRM - Infrastructure Upgrades - Houston, TX - Lufkin CBOC
  • EHRM - Infrastructure Upgrades – Houston, TX – Katy CBOC
  • EHRM - Infrastructure Upgrades – Houston, TX – Tomball CBOC
  • EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades – Houston, TX
  • EHRM NRM Project Support Services – Houston, TX
  • Repair/Replace Main Chilled Water Distribution System
  • Elevator Shaft Repairs
  • Repair Water Leak into Main Computer Server Room
  • Site Prep Pulmonary R/F Interventional Room 3A-383
     

“This is another step forward in our efforts to make VA work better for the Veterans, families, caregivers and survivors we are charged with serving,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “Improved facilities, equipment and infrastructure help improve care for Veterans, and these additional funds will enable VA to achieve that goal.”

The additional funds will come from savings gleaned from various VHA reform efforts. The additions will bring total NRM program spending for fiscal year 2025 to $2.8 billion — a nearly $500 million increase from fiscal year 2024.

The improvements announced today are the latest in a growing list of VA accomplishments during the second Trump Administration, including: 

  • The backlog of Veterans waiting for VA benefits is down more than 37% since Jan. 20, 2025.
  • Since Jan. 20, VA has offered Veterans nearly 1 million appointments outside of normal operating hours. These early-morning, evening, and weekend appointments are giving Veterans more timely and convenient options for care.
  • VA has opened 16 new health care clinics across the nation since Jan. 20, 2025.
  • The President’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget request would add billions to VA’s budget.
  • VA has made it easier and faster for VA-enrolled Veterans to access care from non-VA providers at the department’s expense.
  • VA has implemented major reforms to make it easier for survivors to get benefits.
  • VA is processing record numbers of disability claims, reaching 1 million claims processed for FY25 on Feb. 20 and reaching 2 million claims by June — both achievements were done in record time.

Media contacts

Maureen Dyman, Communications Director

Phone:

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