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VA ends 'illegal' and 'wasteful' leases on West LA campus
A judge and lawyers in a lawsuit who alleged that the Department of Veterans Affairs illegally leased veteran land tour the West L.A. VA campus.
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VA ends 'illegal' and 'wasteful' leases on West LA campus
The Department of Veterans Affairs has ended some commercial leases at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center Campus, which it says helps pave the way to serve more veterans, including those experiencing homelessness.
Topline:
The Department of Veterans Affairs has ended some commercial leases at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center Campus, which it says helps pave the way to serve more veterans, including those experiencing homelessness.
Why now: As of Monday, the VA ended its leases with the Brentwood School, a private school with a sports complex on the property, and a company that ran a parking lot on the campus. The department also revoked an oil company's drilling license.
The VA described the leases and the license as “wasteful” and “illegal.”
Why it matters: The move follows court rulings that found the leases and license violated federal law.
Last December, a U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling found the agency had “strayed from its mission” by leasing land to commercial interests instead of caring for veterans.
The VA said it also found last year that it has been underpaid by more than $40 million per year based on the fair market value of the properties.
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The backstory: Last May, President Donald Trump issued an executive order instructing the VA secretary to designate a national hub for veterans experiencing homelessness, the National Center for Warrior Independence, on the West L.A. VA campus.
What officials say: Doug Collins, the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, said Monday that the groups that had their leases and license terminated have been “fleecing” taxpayers and veterans for far too long. He said, under Trump, the VA is taking action to ensure the West L.A. campus is used only to benefit veterans, as intended.
“By establishing the National Center for Warrior Independence, we will turn the West Los Angeles VAMC campus into a destination where homeless veterans from across the nation can find housing and support on their journey back to self-sufficiency,” Collins said in a statement.
What's next: By 2028, the National Center for Warrior Independence is expected to offer housing and support for up to 6,000 veterans experiencing homelessness, according to the VA.
According to the White House, funding previously spent on housing and services for undocumented immigrants will be redirected to construct and maintain the center on the campus.
The VA said in a statement Monday that it is currently exploring construction options for the project and will share updates as the final decisions are made.
Go deeper: Unhoused veterans win crucial ruling with appeals court decision on West LA VA
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