Restructuring efforts in our health care system will continue in 2002. VA has begun an infrastructure reform initiative that will enhance our ability to provide health care to eligible veterans living in underserved geographic areas. Savings from this effort will allow us to redirect funds from the maintenance of underused facilities to patient care. Most of these proposals will extend previously enacted mandatory savings authorities that would otherwise expire over the next several years. Finally, we will continue to reform our information technology.
New technology offers VA opportunities for innovation.
It also offers a means to break down the bureaucratic barriers that impede service delivery to veterans, divide VA from other Federal government departments, and create inefficiencies within VA itself. I have gone on record as stating that I will not initiate any new technology-related activities until an integrated strategy for addressing our information systems and telecommunications is developed. We will continue to improve coordination among our three administrations to implement a technology plan that serves veterans first. Mr. Chairman, that concludes a general overview of VA s 2002 budget request. I thank you and the members of this Committee for your dedication to our Nation s veterans.