Kings County Times

The House of Representatives has passed H.R. 9468, the Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act, to address a $3 billion shortfall in disability and education benefits anticipated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by October. Congressman Valadao, along with other members of the House Appropriations Committee, introduced the legislation to ensure uninterrupted veterans' benefits.

“The VA failed to properly manage their budget this year, putting benefits for millions of veterans at risk,” said Congressman Valadao. “This is unacceptable, and we cannot allow our veterans to pay the price for the VA’s mismanagement. This legislation makes good on our nation’s commitment to care for the men and women who served our country while taking critical steps to ensure the VA is held accountable. 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.”

Congressman Valadao spoke in support of his bill on the House Floor during debate.

In his prepared remarks, he stated: "I rise today in support of the Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act, which addresses the $3 billion mandatory shortfall for disability and education benefits the VA expects to face by October."

He continued: "Our veterans have made incredible sacrifices for our country, and it is our responsibility to guarantee they receive the benefits they’ve earned. We’re debating this legislation today because the VA failed to properly manage their budget this year, putting benefits for millions of veterans at risk. This is unacceptable. Our veterans should not pay the price for the VA’s mismanagement."

Valadao emphasized that "this legislation makes good on our nation’s commitment to care for the men and women who served our country." He added that it requires greater oversight on their budget process moving forward "to hold the VA accountable so this doesn’t happen again."

The funding shortfall was attributed to inadequate budgeting by the Department of Veteran Affairs regarding enrollment growth and staffing costs. The House Appropriations Committee was informed about this potential shortfall in July 2024—four months after receiving Budget Request from Biden-Harris Administration.

The updated projections indicated a need for approximately $15 billion above what was initially requested, including an additional $3 billion required immediately for Compensation and Pensions as well as Readjustment Benefits (mandatory funding) through FY24, plus another $12 billion needed in FY25 for discretionary funding related to VA medical care.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that addressing this $3 billion shortfall would have no net budget effects. The bill also mandates a report be submitted within 30 days post-enactment explaining these budgetary errors alongside ongoing reports concerning fund status updates.