Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins outlined the Department of Veterans Affairs’ proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget and plans to improve care for veterans in testimony before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, according to a May 21 statement. The proposal includes more than $480 billion in resources, which Collins said would lead to “shorter waits, better coordination, and more consistent access to both VA and community care.”
The discussion is important as it focuses on how federal funding decisions could impact healthcare quality and availability for veterans and seniors across the country. Ensuring reliable access to long-term care services remains a priority for many lawmakers.
Senator Kevin Cramer questioned Collins about whether the proposed budget would help prioritize American-made healthcare products and enhance healthcare access for veterans. Cramer has worked with members of the committee as well as Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz on reducing regulatory barriers that affect patient services. He recently received recognition from the North Dakota Long Term Care Association for his work supporting long-term care in North Dakota.
Cramer raised concerns about possible unintended consequences from updates to the VA’s reimbursement system that might reduce local facility access. He asked if Collins would review these changes to ensure continued local options for veterans needing long-term care. In response, Collins said, “Senator, we’d be happy to,” adding that they will examine recent updates because “long-term healthcare, whether it’s inside our own facilities or with community is something that this country has to look at.” Cramer replied, “There’s no question about that… I just see this as a possible challenge going forward and if we look into it sooner rather than later… if it needs to be tweaked.”
The conversation also touched on prioritizing domestic manufacturers when procuring medical equipment for the VA system. President Trump recently reaffirmed support for Made in America policies within federal agencies. Regarding supply chain security, Collins said, “We’re committed to making that happen in the areas that we can.” Cramer invited Collins to visit CorVent Medical in Fargo during an upcoming trip: “We actually have a ventilator company that manufactures ventilators right in Fargo.”
Cramer assists North Dakotans with federal agencies and serves on Senate committees including Environment and Public Works; Veterans’ Affairs; and Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; he previously served three terms as North Dakota’s at-large representative in the U.S. House before joining the Senate; he grew up in Kindred, North Dakota; earned degrees from Concordia College and University of Mary; raised five children with his wife Kris; all according to the official website.
