House Republicans have introduced a bill to address a budget shortfall in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The proposed legislation would provide nearly $2.9 billion in supplemental funding for veterans’ compensation, pensions, and benefits. According to House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost (R-Ill.), there is a $2.88 billion shortfall for the 2024 fiscal year and an $11.97 billion shortfall for the Veterans Health Administration.
The bill requires the VA secretary to submit a report to the Appropriations and Veterans Affairs committees in both the House and Senate, outlining steps that will be taken to improve budget projections when presenting proposals to Congress. This report must be submitted within 30 days of the bill’s enactment.
Furthermore, within 60 days of becoming law, the secretary must provide an update on how funds allocated under this bill will be used for fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026.
Afterward, every 90 days until September 30, 2026, the secretary is obligated to submit reports detailing any changes made to estimates or assumptions regarding obligations and expenditures related to VA funding.
Inspector General reports concerning VA funding shortfalls in fiscal years 2024 and 2025 will include analyses of monthly obligations and expenditures compared against department spend plans. These reports will also assess projection accuracy and any other relevant matters determined by the Inspector General.
The bill stipulates that differences in funding for VA offices and facilities should be included in the report for fiscal year 2025.
In a letter sent on July 17th to VA Secretary Denis McDonough, Bost described this budget shortfall as “the largest” in department history. He expressed concerns about unanticipated costs without sufficient explanation or justification.
The Epoch Times has reached out to the VA for comment on this proposed legislation but has not received a response at this time.