ASA Commends Chairman John "Judge" Carter and VA Subcommittee for Workforce Provisions

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) applauds Rep. John “Judge” Carter, the Chair of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee and his committee for the language in their Fiscal Year 2026 VA funding package that supports a strong VA system physician workforce and high-quality, physician-led care for Veterans. Specifically, ASA strongly supports the Committee’s language regarding expediting hiring of physicians immediately following their residency and support for the VA Secretary to use existing authority to waive pay caps for physicians.   ASA also endorses the Committee’s request for the VA to report within 180 days on how it will ensure that Veterans, particularly those covered under the PACT Act, receive care that meets or exceeds the anesthesia standards of non-VA facilities in the same state. ASA’s endorsement underscores the importance of maintaining deference to state law and the highest standards of anesthesia care for Veterans. 

ASA supports a robust VA physician workforce, including anesthesiologist-led care and competitive compensation to ensure Veterans receive the highest standard of care.