Congress wants more oversight over VA’s plans to implement automation

The Department of Veterans Affairs says it’s had some major successes in using automation to speed up its disability claims process. But if VA’s moving to a world of automation, Congress wants to help guide it. Legislation the House passed last month would require the department to adhere to a list of principles in future automation projects – and to lay out a five year plan for each major IT modernization project in the Veterans Benefits Administration. Congressman Mark Takano (D-Cali.) is chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. He talked with the Federal Drive about some of the issues Congress wants to keep tabs on.