A group of bipartisan leaders from the Veterans' Affairs and Appropriations Committees in both the Senate and House has formally requested the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide an updated schedule and cost estimate for its Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) program. This request was made in a letter signed by prominent committee members, including Senators Jerry Moran and Richard Blumenthal, and Representatives Mike Bost and Mark Takano, along with other subcommittee leaders.
The VA recently disclosed plans to accelerate the deployment of the EHRM program to include nine more medical centers by 2026. This push to restart the stalled modernization program follows recommendations from the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The GAO suggested that a revised cost estimate is necessary for moving forward with the updated deployment schedule.
Members of Congress emphasized in their letter, “The need for a cost estimate is further underscored by practical necessity. Without a reliable cost estimate, VA risks budget overruns, schedule delays, and diminished congressional trust.” They highlighted the legal and administrative requirements for VA to provide cost estimates, as outlined by federal laws and directives such as the Clinger-Cohen Act and various Office of Management and Budget (OMB) mandates.
Originally projected in 2019 to cost $16.1 billion, the EHRM program saw projections rise to as much as $50 billion per an independent analysis in 2021. With the program previously paused in April 2023, VA has yet to deliver an updated financial estimate, despite obligations to Congress for oversight of significant acquisition programs.
The GAO has stressed updated cost estimates, calling attention to outdated financial planning related to the program. A GAO report from March 2025, "Electronic Health Records: VA Making Incremental Improvements in New System but Needs Updated Cost Estimate and Schedule," recommended revising the program's life cycle cost estimate due to significant deployment delays. VA Inspector General reports have echoed the need for more reliable cost data.
In their communication, the committee leaders urged the VA to provide a detailed schedule and revised cost estimate by September 30, 2025, referencing best practices in cost estimation as outlined in the GAO’s Cost Estimating Guide. This request underlines the ongoing demand for transparency and accountability to protect both veterans’ interests and taxpayer investments.
The full letter is publicly accessible for review.
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