WASHINGTON —Congressman Ted Lieu and Senator Dianne Feinstein (both D-Calif.) today applauded the inclusion of a provision in the defense authorization bill that will allow funds generated by easements at the West LA VA campus to support housing developments for homeless veterans.
Without this provision, funds generated by easements (the use of VA land for non-VA purposes) on the campus go to the U.S. Treasury’s general fund rather than to the VA for use on veteran-related activities.
“Over the years, Senator Feinstein and I have fought hard to ensure that our West LA veterans receive the funding they deserve. I’m pleased a provision in this year’s defense authorization will allow the West LA VA to receive easement revenue and use the money for veteran housing and services,” Representative Lieu said. “This builds on Senator Feinstein and my efforts to ensure the West LA VA is the recipient of campus lease revenue. With these additional funds, the West LA VA will be even better positioned to support local veterans, especially those experiencing homelessness. I look forward to continuing to work with the VA, veteran advocates and community partners to creatively and collaboratively help our homeless veterans and ensure the West LA VA is meeting the needs of our community.”
“Congressman Lieu and I enacted a law last year allowing the VA to use funds generated on the West LA VA campus for new veteran housing, but the portion of that bill giving easement revenue the same treatment was not included,” Senator Feinstein said. “This bill will finish the job, allowing funds generated by any easements on campus to help build more housing for homeless veterans. This is yet another step in our long mission to repurpose the West LA VA campus to address the homelessness crisis and ensure these veterans receive the care they deserve.”
Click here to read full press release