Why It Matters

Oracle faces a threat to its multi-billion dollar VA Electronic Health Record contract amid bipartisan Congressional skepticism and documented patient safety failures. The system has been paused twice since 2018, with the VA inspector general documenting over 800 major performance incidents.

Congress is demanding answers before the planned April 2026 rollout, with lawmakers like Senator Patty Murray calling the effort "rushed" and "mishandled," and House Republicans vowing to "course-correct the Oracle electronic health record." By hiring Jeff Miller Group LLC—a firm led by a lobbyist with prior Cerner EHR experience before Oracle’s 2022 acquisition—the company is mounting a defensive campaign directly aimed at the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees.

By the Numbers

Oracle America Inc. has maintained an active lobbying presence since 2005, working with specialized firms including Putala Strategies LLC ($3.57 million since 2010) and Roberti Global LLC ($2.57 million since 2013).

For the fourth quarter of 2025, Oracle retained Jeff Miller Group LLC for $60,000 specifically targeting Veterans Affairs Committee education. Jefferson Bingham Miller, the sole lobbyist on this account, has previously represented Oracle through 13 prior disclosures totaling $720,000.

Miller’s expertise is directly relevant—he previously represented Cerner Government Services Inc. for $210,000 on VA electronic health record modernization before Oracle’s 2022 acquisition. His VA-focused client portfolio includes Veterans Evaluation Services Inc. ($1.43 million), reflecting specialized focus on VA healthcare technology.

The Agenda

Oracle is lobbying on the Department of Veterans Affairs Electronic Health Record system, hiring Jeff Miller Group LLC to educate Veterans Affairs Committee members and staff.

The company faces intense bipartisan scrutiny over its Electronic Health Record Modernization contract. VA medical staff have flagged dangerous errors including critical patient notes disappearing, incorrect prescriptions, and failed medication alerts.

Senate Democrats and Republicans have raised concerns that defects remain unaddressed ahead of April 2026 rollout. The GAO found only 13 percent of VA staff believe the system makes the VA efficient, while 58 percent believe it increases patient safety risks.

Oracle also faces competitive pressure from Document Storage Systems Inc., which lobbies on the "EHR Program RESET Act" and "VistA Modernization" as alternative paths.

Between The Lines

Congress is intensifying scrutiny ahead of April 2026 deployments. The House Technology Modernization Subcommittee held hearings in December 2025 examining system readiness, while Senator Patty Murray called the rollout "rushed" and "mishandled," and Representative Nikki Budzinski criticized Oracle over a veterans’ data breach.

Several VA IT bills are under consideration, including H.R.3494 for hospital inventory management and the Improving Veteran Access to Care Acts. Competitor Document Storage Systems Inc. actively lobbies for "VistA Modernization" alternatives, adding pressure to Oracle’s position.

The Bottom Line

Oracle’s $60,000 fourth quarter hire of Jeff Miller Group LLC represents a strategic defense of its troubled VA contract. By retaining Jefferson Bingham Miller—who previously represented Cerner on VA EHR issues—Oracle deploys specialized expertise as lawmakers weigh the program’s future and competitors lobby for alternatives. The move signals recognition that technical fixes alone won’t solve Oracle’s political problem with skeptical Veterans Affairs committees.

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