Rep. Michael Baumgartner asked why VA OIG’s electronic health record modernization recommendations haven’t been implemented while the department presses on with deployment.

Unlike the House bill, the upper chamber’s continuing resolution would allow the Technology Modernization Fund to finance new projects through Dec. 11.

Months after Secretary Doug Burgum said the paper-heavy process was “antiquated,” tribal members can now use a website portal to report a death and track their case.

Recent form modernization speeds up VA processes, but with $200 million left, the fund’s acting director is asking Congress for more money for other projects.