In a pivotal meeting of the U.S. House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, the Subcommittee on Technology Modernization convened to address the pressing challenges facing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Information Technology (OIT). The atmosphere was charged with urgency as lawmakers discussed the critical need for modern and reliable technology to ensure that veterans receive the high-quality benefits they have earned.

Chairman Barrett opened the session by emphasizing the dual mission of OIT: to maintain existing technology systems while simultaneously modernizing outdated infrastructure. He likened the situation to the nation’s crumbling roads and bridges, highlighting the complexities of managing both maintenance and replacement. The chairman expressed concern over whether OIT is achieving the best outcomes for its technology investments, questioning if the current practices are truly effective or merely a result of longstanding habits.

A significant point of contention arose regarding the budgetary constraints imposed on OIT. The fiscal year 2026 budget request proposed a substantial cut of half a billion dollars, which raised alarms among committee members. Ranking Member Budzinski voiced her apprehensions about the potential risks this reduction poses to the already fragile IT foundation of the VA. She pointed out that the budget cuts could exacerbate existing issues, leading to further deterioration of the department's technological capabilities.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of involving OIT in the early stages of technology decision-making. Lawmakers stressed that without proper oversight and involvement from IT experts, the VA risks repeating past mistakes, such as wasting taxpayer money on unused software licenses. The committee has previously scrutinized the VA's struggles with software management, underscoring the need for accountability in IT spending.

As the meeting progressed, the focus shifted to the future of OIT under the leadership of the president's nominee for Chief Information Officer, Ryan Coate. Both Barrett and Budzinski expressed hope that Coate would bring the necessary expertise to navigate the complexities of the VA's IT landscape and ensure that technology serves the needs of veterans effectively.

The session concluded with a call for a renewed commitment to investing in the VA's IT infrastructure. Lawmakers recognized that technology is foundational to delivering services to veterans and that without adequate resources and strategic planning, the department risks failing those it is meant to serve. As the committee prepares to hear from OIT witnesses, the urgency for a smarter, more efficient approach to technology modernization remains at the forefront of discussions, with the well-being of veterans hanging in the balance.