At Long Last: Veterans Health Care Funding Reform
DAV Proposal on Advance Appropriations Signed Into Law
By Joseph R. Chenelly
WASHINGTON, Oct. 22—The DAV’s top legislative priority for many years — providing sufficient, timely and predictable funding for veterans health care — is finally a reality.
With National Commander Bobby Barrera standing behind President Obama in the White House’s East Room, the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act (H.R. 1016) was signed into law Oct. 22, sealing one of the most significant legislative victories for veterans since World War II.
“Every disabled veteran will benefit from this momentous move as will every future disabled veteran,” Commander Barrera said after the bill signing. “It is an honor to be part of the signing ceremony, a day we have all worked toward for more than two decades. Everyone should be proud of what we, as an organization, have accomplished here.”
The House of Representatives passed the bill 419-1 Oct. 8, and the Senate gave overwhelming approval to H.R. 1016 by voice vote Oct. 14.
“We owe this victory to the thousands and thousands of DAV members who stood up for veterans, demanding Congress finally do what is necessary to ensure veterans can receive the care they have earned,” National Legislative Director Joseph A. Violante said. “We spoke with one voice, and it was heard on Capitol Hill and in the White House.”
Under this landmark legislation, Congress is now authorized to approve funding one year in advance for VA medical services, medical support and medical facilities, and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) is required to audit the budget development process.
“This historic legislation will ensure an uninterrupted, predicable flow of funds for veterans health care programs even if Congress is unable to complete work on the rest of the federal budget by the start of a fiscal year,” said Washington Headquarters Executive Director David W. Gorman. “This is a tremendous victory for all disabled veterans and their families. With funding assured, VA hospital and clinic directors will no longer have to delay the hiring of new doctors or nurses, or the purchase of new medical equipment, due to Congress’ failure to approve a budget on time; something that has occurred in 20 of the past 23 years, including this year. With advance appropriations in place, VA officials will be able to plan ahead how best to provide veterans with the medical care they have earned: when and where they need it.”
Gorman also praised Congress for including $48.1 billion for the veterans medical care budget for fiscal year 2011 as part of the 2010 budget and appropriations process.
“With advance appropriations, veterans' medical care will be funded a year in advance. For the VA, this means timely, sufficient and predictable funding from year to year,” President Obama said in signing the measure. “For VA hospitals and clinics, it means more time to budget, to recruit high-quality professionals, and to invest in new health care equipment.
“And most of all, for our veterans it will mean better access to the doctors and nurses and the medical care that they need.”
The DAV and other groups in the Partnership for Veterans Health Care Budget Reform have worked for more than a decade to get Congress to approve legislation to assure funding for veterans medical care. The DAV was instrumental in the drafting and introduction of legislation both last year and again this year, as well as in building Congressional support leading to approval. After further discussion with the Partnership, and negotiations between the two authorizing committees, an agreement was reached that was approved in October. As agreed, the amended bill retains the advance appropriation mechanism for veterans medical care, adds new budget reporting and justification requirements that help strengthen the transparency of the legislation, and requires the GAO to audit and report on the budget process no later than 120 days after the President submits his budget request to Congress.
“After so much effort by the DAV and others, it is very exciting to see our efforts finally culminate in this new law,” Commander Barrera said. “This landmark legislation will bring transparency to the budget process and provide sufficient, timely and predictable funding for the VA so veterans can access quality health care in a timely manner. This is definitely a great victory for all veterans, especially disabled veterans who rely on VA for their care.”
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