Wagner Applauds Major Legislation to Fund John J. Cochran Veterans Hospital Improvements

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after she voted in support of S. 2393 to fund construction and modernization at John J. Cochran Veterans Hospital in St. Louis:

“Over the years I have been a major advocate for our greater St. Louis area veterans and the facilities that care for them. They deserve the very best and I have fought for them every step of the way, from the federal level at the Department of Veterans Affairs and with VA Chair Mike Bost, to the state and local levels to make sure our veterans get world-class treatment. 

“Just last year I toured the facility with Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins to show him firsthand how important the John Cochran Hospital is to our Missouri veterans, and detail exactly what upgrades are needed and why.  I am grateful this ongoing work has led to passage of this legislation to authorize $1.76 billion to build new spaces to provide health care and update existing facilities to better serve veterans in the greater St. Louis region.

“Our veterans answered the call of duty to defend our very freedoms, and we are forever grateful for the sacrifices they have made to defend the United States.  It is our responsibility as Americans to ensure those who have served receive high quality medical care, and this bill will surge critical funding to modernize John Cochran and expand the facilities, including a new bed tower to increase capacity, a dedicated mental health and substance abuse clinic, and other vital infrastructure."

Click here to read some of Congresswoman’s Wagner’s ongoing advocacy in support of the John J. Cochran Veterans Hospital.