U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar who represents Texas’ 28th Congressional District recently secured language in the markup of the FY2027 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill to support continued planning for a new veterans medical center in San Antonio.
The Trump Administration’s proposed federal budget includes $30 million to acquire land for this facility, which is the first step toward replacing the aging Audie L. Murphy Veterans Administration Hospital and expanding care for the region’s veterans.
“This hospital serves veterans across all of South Texas,” said Cuellar. “It handles complex care and supports families from across our region. It’s also part of a broader medical ecosystem in San Antonio, alongside institutions like UT Health San Antonio and others, that help strengthen care delivery in the region. As more veterans turn to this system, the strain grows and wait times can follow if we don’t stay ahead of it.
“Our veterans stepped up for this country, and we must step up for them. I’ll continue working until we can expand capacity, including constructing new or expanded facilities, to meet the growing needs of veterans across the region,” he said.
Greater San Antonio Chamber President & CEO Jeff Webster expressed his appreciation to Cuellar and others advocating for the new facility. “San Antonio is home to one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing veteran populations,” said Webster. “We will continue working with our congressional delegation and community partners to ensure our veterans receive the high-quality care they have earned through their service to our country.”