Full Committee Oversight Hearing

The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs held a full committee oversight hearing on September 2, 2026, focusing primarily on the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) program. The hearing addressed significant procurement and contracting issues, including the extension of the Oracle contract ceiling from $10 billion to $27 billion and the overall life cycle cost estimates reaching up to $56.5 billion. Committee members expressed concerns about cost overruns, lack of transparency, and the adequacy of training provided to VA staff. The VA Deputy Secretary and program officials testified about deployment progress, training improvements, and plans to complete the rollout by 2031. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) highlighted ongoing challenges, including incomplete implementation of prior recommendations, unreliable cost estimates, and the need for better change management and user satisfaction. A motion to subpoena Oracle for testimony was passed unanimously, reflecting the committee's demand for greater vendor accountability. The hearing underscored the committee's commitment to robust oversight of this multi-billion-dollar modernization effort to ensure effective use of taxpayer funds and improved veteran healthcare outcomes.