INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indiana’s two U.S. senators on Friday thanked President Donald Trump for including funding to replace an aging Veterans Administration hospital in his 2027 budget proposal. Trump’s 2027 budget sets aside $1.98 billion to construct a new medical center to replace th e current Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, which first opened in 1932. The facility gets high marks but has reached the end of its service life. Sen. Jim Banks, R-Indiana, told News 8’s “All INdiana Politics” in January the building often suffers electrical problems due to its aging infrastructure. The funding would pay for an 840,000 square-foot bed tower that would offer acute care, multi-specialty clinics and primary care, along with associated infrastructure. Congress will have to approve the budget by Sept. 30 to avoid a government shutdown. From CNN: White House seeks $1.5 trillion in defense spending and cuts to housing, social services and health care Banks and Sen. Todd Young, both Republicans who served in the armed forces, praised the decision to include the funding. “This is a big win for Indianapolis. I was proud to lead the fight for this funding as a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and am grateful for President Trump and Secretary Collins’ support of our Hoosier veterans.”Sen. Jim Banks, R-Indiana “The President’s FY 2027 budget includes a request for a much-needed replacement for the Indianapolis VA facility. This has been a priority for me and members of the Indiana delegation, and it will provide much needed upgrades and improve care for our Hoosier veterans. I applaud @POTUS and @SecVetAffairs for making this a priority.”Sen. Todd Young, R-Indiana, via X ...read more read less