Kings County Times

On September 6, 2024, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22), a member of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee, joined Congressman Mike Garcia (CA-27), Subcommittee Chairman Judge Carter (TX-31), Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (OK-04), and House Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (R-IL) to introduce the Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act. The bill aims to address a $3 billion mandatory shortfall for disability and education benefits that the VA anticipates by October.

“Our veterans have made incredible sacrifices for our country, and we owe it to them to ensure they have access to the benefits they’ve earned,” said Congressman Valadao. “This bill addresses the immediate funding need at the VA while also taking necessary steps to ensure this kind of budget mismanagement doesn’t happen again. I’m proud to join my colleagues to ensure veterans across the Central Valley can continue to access their benefits. I’ll continue working to hold the VA accountable for our veterans.”

Congressman Garcia criticized the current administration's handling of the VA’s budget: “The Biden-Harris Administration's reckless mismanagement of the VA's budget has led to a crisis that puts veterans' benefits at risk. This isn't just about a funding shortfall—it's about holding the Administration accountable for its failures.” He emphasized that his bill focuses on ensuring veterans receive their due care while demanding accountability from those in charge.

Chairman Cole highlighted Congress’s commitment: “Our veterans defended our nation and values. They earned care and benefits through their service, and Congress won’t tolerate department mismanagement that threatens resources they rely on.” He described the shortfall as one of the largest financial discrepancies in recent history caused by administrative incompetence.

Subcommittee Chairman Carter echoed these sentiments: “We made a promise to America’s veterans, and this supplemental is Congress’ way of fulfilling that promise by ensuring they receive the benefits they’re owed.” He expressed disappointment over what he termed irresponsible management by the VA.

Chairman Bost added: “The VA budget is serious business that has a real impact on veterans’ lives. The Biden-Harris Administration has embarrassed themselves with how poorly they have mismanaged and run VA’s budget into the ground.” He praised Rep. Garcia for his leadership on this legislation aimed at ensuring continuous veteran support.

Background information provided indicates that improper budgeting by the Department of Veteran Affairs led to an unprecedented funding shortfall affecting veteran benefits for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025. The House Appropriations Committee was informed of this potential shortfall in July, four months after receiving Budget Request submissions from the Biden-Harris Administration.

The Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act specifically addresses a $3 billion mandatory funding gap, which is estimated by the Congressional Budget Office to have no net budget effects. It mandates an administrative report within 30 days post-enactment detailing why these budgeting errors occurred along with ongoing reports on fund status moving forward.