Front view of the Capitol

Congressman Carter Intros Bipartisan Bill to Protect VA Facilities from Flooding, Safeguard Veterans’ Access to Health Care

June 30, 2025
Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) and Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) introduced the VA Flood Preparedness Act, a bipartisan bill that will strengthen the protection of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities against flooding and rising sea levels.

 

“In Louisiana we know all too well the damage that storms and floods can bring,” said Rep. Carter. “After Hurricane Katrina, the V.A. Center in New Orleans was severely flooded, shutting down operations at this critical site. This bill will help position V.A. centers across the country so that they can better partner with local authorities on flooding studies to better identify the shortcomings of the past and shore up facilities to serve veterans for generations to come.”

 

This bill would allow the VA to contribute funds to local governments and agencies to help reduce the risk of flooding near VA medical centers. Additionally, it requires the VA to report to Congress on the level of flood risk at each facility and whether additional resources are needed to manage future challenges.

 

“Our veterans should never have to worry about floodwaters shutting down their care,” said Rep. Mace. “This bill is a proactive, commonsense fix to stop problems before they start. The men and women who served this country earned reliable care and it shouldn't disappear just because there is heavy rain.”

 

Background:

 

The VA Flood Preparedness Act will:

 

  • Allow the VA to provide financial contributions to local authorities for flood mitigation projects adjacent to VA facilities.
  • Require the VA to submit a report to Congress within two years assessing the flood risk at each of its medical facilities and whether additional resources are needed to reduce those risks.

 

The bill updates existing VA construction law (Title 38, Section 8108) to explicitly include mitigation of flooding risks, including those linked to climate-driven events such as sea level rise.

 

Read the full bill text here.

 

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