WASHINGTON — Last night, language authored by Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13) that will reauthorize and extend the CHIP IN (Communities Helping Invest through Property and Improvements Needed for Veterans) Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives as part of a larger package, the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2021. The legislative package passed by a vote of 423-0 on the House Floor.

The CHIP IN Act was originally passed by Congress in 2016, creating a pilot program that encouraged public-private partnerships for VA construction projects. The program authorized five projects, but only two have been approved. Congressman Jackson’s original legislation was introduced in July to extend the program for an additional five years and require the VA to submit a report to Congress to ensure oversight and transparency of the program.

Jackson said: “Nearly a quarter of all veterans return from military careers to live in rural areas, including many communities in TX-13. Yet, too often, VA facilities in rural areas are not prioritized for modernization projects. My language helps address this issue by allowing the VA to accept donations from non-federal entities for major construction projects. I am grateful to my colleagues, and the House Veterans Affairs Committee staff, for working with me to pass this important legislation.”

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