House Passes Urgent $3B VA Funding Bill

The House has passed an emergency bill providing nearly $3 billion to address a budget shortfall at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), with bipartisan support urging the Senate for swift action. The shortfall, attributed to the 2022 PACT Act expanding eligibility for VA benefits, could jeopardize veterans' benefits if not resolved by Friday. The bill allocates $2.3 billion for compensation and pensions and $597 million for readjustment benefits. House Veterans' Affairs Committee Chair Mike Bost and bill sponsor Rep. Mike Garcia emphasize the urgency to prevent lapses in veterans' payments and demand accountability for improved budget forecasting. The legislation also mandates reports from the VA secretary and inspector general on financial management and corrective actions.