Antelope Valley Today

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Mike Garcia (CA-27) introduced the Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2024. The bill aims to fully fund the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) request for supplemental funding and address a significant funding shortfall at the VA. This legislation responds to what Rep. Garcia describes as mismanagement by the Biden-Harris administration.

“The Biden-Harris administration's reckless mismanagement of the VA's budget has led to a crisis that puts veterans' benefits at risk,” said Rep. Garcia. “This isn't just about a funding shortfall—it's about holding the administration accountable for its failures. We cannot simply throw more money at a broken system and enable further waste and mismanagement. My bill is focused on both ensuring our veterans receive the care they've earned and demanding accountability from those in charge.”

The VA recently reported a $2.883 billion shortfall for FY 2024, which could result in an inability to process benefits payments scheduled for October 1st without Congressional action before September 20.

Rep. Garcia’s legislation is co-sponsored by House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK), House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost (R-IL), Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee Chairman John Carter (R-TX), Defense Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert (R-CA), and Legislative Branch Subcommittee Chairman David Valadao (R-CA).

“Our veterans defended our nation and values," said Rep. Cole. "They earned care and benefits through their service, and Congress won’t tolerate department mismanagement that threatens resources they rely on."

“The VA budget is serious business that has a real impact on veterans’ lives," added Rep. Bost. "The Biden-Harris administration has embarrassed themselves with how poorly they have mismanaged and run VA’s budget into the ground."

“We made a promise to America’s veterans, and this supplemental is Congress’ way of fulfilling that promise by ensuring they receive the benefits they’re owed,” said Rep. Carter.

“This VA supplemental bill is necessary to ensure our veterans receive the benefits they have earned,” stated Rep. Calvert.

“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,” said Rep. Valadao.

Rep. Garcia’s bill includes oversight measures requiring the VA to disclose their finances fully to Congress, identify root causes of the shortfall, outline changes for future budgets, and mandates an independent investigation by the VA’s Inspector General.

A full copy of the bill text is available here.