The new Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center in Aurora, Colorado, is expected to cost $1.73 billion, according to a new estimate from VA officials, the Washington Post reported. This new estimate, which Congress calls "shocking," is more than five times the original $328 million estimate. The Aurora project, which will serve one of the nation's largest veteran populations, is one of four VA medical center projects that are behind schedule and over budget. The Aurora project, the most expensive in VA history, will need congressional authorization of $930 million to finish the project, but "Congress will not authorize another dime until VA gets its construction affairs in order," said Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Fla.), chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee. Veterans have been waiting more than five years for the hospital to be built. "All we ever wanted was a hospital," said Ralph Bozella, a leader of the American Legion in Colorado. "It's just such a symbol of the VA's lack of transparency and lack of accountability." Article