Statement from Borough President Vito J. Fossella regarding Latest Effort to Block VA Clinic Closures

It appears that the Senate has said they have the votes to block the proposed recommendation from the Asset and Infrastructure Review Commission that would close the Brooklyn and Manhattan VA medical clinics, among others across the country. 
From the first moment this was raised, we stood shoulder to shoulder, united with Veterans across Staten Island to pledge to them that we would fight to keep these crucial facilities open. The proposal from the commission would also force all Staten Island Veterans to travel to New Jersey for care. We cannot do that to our Veterans and their families. 
We are pleased that for now this proposal appears to be off the table, but we will remain committed to our Veteran community in the event this recommendation comes up again.