VA Funding Legislation Likely to be Considered by Congress this Week

Heather Ansley
Director of Veterans Policy

This week, the U.S. House of Representatives will likely consider the fiscal year 2011 Veterans Affairs (VA) funding legislation (H.R. 5822).

The House Committee on Appropriations’ legislation would provide the VA with $56.8 billion in discretionary funding (mainly for health care for veterans), which is on par with the $56.9 billion provided for by the Senate Committee on Appropriations. Under both the House and Senate bills, the VA would receive approximately $64 billion in mandatory funding (mainly for disability compensation and pensions for veterans).

VetsFirst is pleased to report that both the House and Senate bills also include $50.6 billion in advance appropriations for VA health care. VetsFirst, along with other veterans service organizations, supported advance appropriations to ensure that the VAs will be able to meet the needs of veterans from all eras.

Earlier this year, the President submitted his FY 2011 budget which included $125 billion for the VA. The President’s request included $60.3 billion for discretionary spending and $64.7 billion in mandatory funding.

As the appropriations legislation moves through Congress, VetsFirst will continue to advocate for Congress to provide the funding needed to ensure that our nation’s veterans receive the services and benefits they have earned through their service to our nation.