Federal legislators wonder if department leaders are exaggerating the funding discrepancy in veterans’ benefits.
Some members of Congress, including Veterans Affairs Chairman Mike Bost of Illinois and Appropriations Committee veterans panel Chairman John Carter of Texas, suggested the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has misled Congress over funding needs. In a letter to VA Secretary Denis McDonough, they stated that department officials created unnecessary fear by claiming a budget shortfall of $15 billion could delay veterans’ benefits.
This critique follows recent findings that the department had an unexpected $5 billion in unspent funds and sufficient cash reserves—reducing the urgency for the $3 billion emergency funding approved in September. However, VA officials emphasized that the additional funds were essential to prevent any risk of delayed payments to veterans.
The VA has experienced a significant increase in benefits claims and healthcare service demands, with health appointments hitting a record 127.5 million in 2024. Although department leadership continues to advocate for additional funding, Congressmen Bost and Carter questioned the department’s fiscal management, announcing plans for a thorough review.
“VA leaders repeatedly told us that benefits funding was on the verge of running out and veterans could be harmed,” Representative Bost stated separately. “But it turns out that was never true.”
Congress is set to address remaining fiscal matters when members return in December to finalize the federal budget for 2025.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Representatives Bost and Carter as they investigate the department’s management of funding appropriated by Congress.
- For Secretary McDonough and VA officials to conduct business with integrity and thoroughly cooperate with Congress’ review.
Sources: Navy Times, Stars and Stripes
