Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Mark Begich (D-AK) have proposed an amendment to the Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Pay Restoration Act of 2014. This legislation is strongly supported by the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization. The proposed amendment is similar to the Putting Veterans Funding First Act, which was approved by the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs in November.
VA’s medical care programs have been receiving advance appropriations since the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act was passed and signed in October 2009, providing the budget a year in advance. During the recent government shutdown, VA hospitals and clinics were able to provide uninterrupted healthcare while many other VA offices were closed and other services were delayed or even suspended for veterans.
The advance appropriations process has made VA healthcare funding more efficient and predictable, and can do the same for other VA programs, services, and benefits. By passing advance appropriations, veterans can have protection from being used as ammunition in unrelated political budget fights in the future. Without the adoption of the new amendment, veterans claims processing, burials, research, and other vital VA services will likely continue to suffer from a broken budget process.
Passing legislation can be difficult with the complexities of Senate rules and regulations. Boozman and Begich need support and are asking the public to send a clear message to Senators that the adoption of this amendment is essential to ensuring timely and predictable funding for all veteran benefits and services promised to service men and women. If you would like to show your support for this amendment, you can follow the link below.
For more information on veterans benefits and VA services, you can contact the knowledgeable legal team at George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.