Advanced Funding for Veterans Health Care Bill Reintroduced in Congress

by Dave Autry, DAV

We would welcome your help bringing attention to Congress’ reintroduction of legislation, Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act, to change the way VA health care monies are appropriated.  The much-needed legislation, introduced yesterday by Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Daniel Akaka (D – Hawaii), S. 423, and House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Bob Filner (D – Calif.), H.R. 1016, would provide sufficient, timely and predictable funding for veterans health care by setting the funding level one year in advance of when the funds are actually needed. 

The legislation would also bring an unprecedented level of transparency and accountability to the budget process by having the Government Accountability Office review and report on the VA budget request..

A direct benefit for veterans is that the legislation would allow the VA to better plan for the future, make hiring decisions and order supplies.  (After all, every organization needs to know its budget well ahead of time in order to do business efficiently!) 

We hope that you will join us in supporting the legislation, which is currently endorsed by a united VSO community including AMVETS, Blinded Veterans Association, Disabled American Veterans, Jewish War Veterans, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Paralyzed Veterans of America, The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Vietnam Veterans of America. 

With President Obama and more than 80 percent of the American public favoring funding veterans’ health care one year in advance to prevent delays, we are excited about the prospects for this legislation.

We encourage you to include a link to www.standup4vets.com, DAV’s advocacy website, so that your readers can learn more about this legislation and take action to support this legislation by sending emails to their members of Congress.