Senators Introduce Amendment to Preserve Services at Eisenhower Army Medical Center
Sens. Raphael Warnock and Tim Scott have introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act aimed at preserving inpatient services and the emergency room at Eisenhower Army Medical Center at Fort Gordon, opposing a proposal by the Defense Health…
Augusta Aiken, GA, September 21, 2026 — U.S. Senators Raphael Warnock and Tim Scott have introduced an amendment targeting the National Defense Authorization Act. The proposed amendment seeks to preserve the current inpatient services and emergency room capabilities at Eisenhower Army Medical Center, located at Fort Gordon.
The legislative effort is a direct response to a proposal from the Defense Health Agency (DHA), which reportedly aims to reclassify the medical center. The DHA’s plan involves converting Eisenhower Army Medical Center into an ambulatory care center.
Ambulatory care centers typically focus on outpatient services, diagnostics, and short-stay procedures, often excluding overnight hospital stays and comprehensive emergency medical services that a full inpatient facility provides. The senators’ amendment signals a commitment to maintaining the center’s full scope of services, including critical inpatient care and emergency response functions, for the personnel and community it serves.
The specific details regarding the timeline for the Defense Health Agency’s proposed conversion or the potential impact on existing staff and patient access were not provided in the summary. The amendment’s introduction indicates a legislative push to ensure continued access to comprehensive medical care at the Fort Gordon facility.
The National Defense Authorization Act is a piece of legislation that sets the budget and policies for the Department of Defense. Amendments to the NDAA are considered during the legislative process, allowing lawmakers to address specific issues relevant to national security and military readiness, including healthcare facilities supporting military personnel.
The senators’ initiative aims to safeguard the medical infrastructure vital to the Fort Gordon community by preventing the proposed conversion and ensuring the continued operation of inpatient services and the emergency room at Eisenhower Army Medical Center. Further legislative action and debate will determine the outcome of this amendment.
Story summarized from the original created by Staff on www.wrdw.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
