East Idaho Times

U.S. Senator Jim Risch has expressed his approval following the decision by President Donald Trump's Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Doug Collins, to grant a waiver for the Boise veterans' home modernization project. This development comes after a two-year delay attributed to the previous administration.

Risch stated, "Secretary Collins made a promise to me that he would break down the bureaucratic barriers that have unjustly denied Idaho’s veterans from receiving their hard-earned benefits and care. He delivered." He further criticized the Biden administration for what he described as selective application of regulations that hindered similar projects in Idaho.

Risch emphasized his commitment to working with Secretary Collins and President Trump to ensure necessary improvements at veteran facilities across Idaho. "Together, we are removing obstacles to providing the brave men and women who served our great nation the care they rightfully earned," he said.

The background context reveals that Risch had previously met with Collins before his confirmation as VA Secretary to discuss challenges faced by Idaho's veterans' homes due to restrictions imposed by the Biden administration's Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Risch requested waivers from Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) requirements, which were granted this week for Boise's State Veteran Home.

Despite efforts by Risch and other Idaho officials, BABAA waivers were not granted during Biden's tenure for veteran homes in Boise, Pocatello, and Lewiston. In response, Risch introduced legislation known as the Waiving Arbitrary and Inconsistent Veteran home Eligibility Requirements (WAIVER) Act in 2024 as an attempt to address these issues.

Risch plans to continue collaborating with Collins and Trump to secure waivers for additional projects at Pocatello and Lewiston State Veteran Homes.