Mobile Courant

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and four other members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC) in sending a letter to SVAC Chairman Jon Tester (D-MT), demanding an oversight hearing on the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) budget shortfalls. Two weeks ago, the VA notified Congress of two shortfalls totaling $15 billion. These include $2.88 billion relating to compensation, pension, and readjustment benefit payments at the Veterans Benefit Administration (VBA), and another $11.97 billion in medical care accounts at the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

This represents the largest budget shortfall the VA has experienced and a departure from the FY 2025 budget request presented by the Biden-Harris administration to Congress four months ago.

“The sudden nature of the issue, and the sheer financial volume of the request, are both cause for concern and call into question the information previously reported by VA. As members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, we have an obligation to conduct oversight of the Department. If the problem is not identified and addressed, it is perpetuated. VA must be held to the highest standard in delivering quality, transparent, and efficient care, benefits, and services to our veterans while acting as exemplary stewards of taxpayer dollars,” wrote the Senators.

The letter calls on Chairman Tester to immediately schedule a hearing with the VA to evaluate the budget lapse and understand how hiring needs and shifting strategies contributed to this predicament.

Joining Senators Tuberville and Cramer are U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and Thom Tillis (R-NC).

“The Honorable Jon Tester

We write regarding the reported budget shortfall at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of nearly $15 billion. We were informed on July 16, 2024, of multiple billion-dollar shortfalls anticipated across VA. Specifically, a $2.88 billion shortfall relating to compensation, pension, and readjustment benefit payments at VBA, and another $11.97 billion shortfall in medical care accounts at VHA. For context, the reported VHA shortfall alone is greater than the entire annual budget of the Environmental Protection Agency.

The sudden nature of this issue and its sheer financial volume are both cause for concern and call into question previously reported information by VA. As members of SVAC, we have an obligation to conduct oversight of this department. If unaddressed or unidentified problems persist, they are perpetuated.

VA must be held to high standards in delivering quality care while acting as responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars; however years after passing The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act , VA appears well short serving veterans responsibly spending taxpayer funds.

While VBA processed record claims over two years largely due new claims arising PACT Act substantial problems persist . In fact prior passage PACT Act many legitimate concerns raised detrimental impact Department’s claim workload broader resource management situation VHA equally concerning . Committee needs know cause 11 . 97 billion dollar shortfall extent mismanagement funding provided Congress contributed it similarly committee needs know how VAs waffling their hiring needs strategy contributed current predicament

Our Committee directly responsible conducting rigorous oversight this budget shortfall proves desperate need scrutiny accountability . Our obligation not absolved because Senate departing five week recess .

The VA Secretary needs immediately testify person before Committee answer nearly 15 billion dollar question before supplemental considered American people especially our veterans deserve government operating full transparency integrity expect results blank check further bureaucratic mismanagement answers accountability owed our veterans cannot wait until Senate returns September 9 just days before says benefits payments disrupted urge you immediately schedule hearing conduct proper oversight get bottom concerning report once critical answers quickly take appropriate action ensure payments continue ensure unacceptable financial mismanagement does jeopardize veterans again Sincerely

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama United States Senate member Armed Services Agriculture Veterans’ Affairs HELP Committees .

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