VA Budget Shortfall Accountability Act
The VA Budget Shortfall Accountability Act would require the Comptroller General (GAO) to oversee and report on funding shortfalls within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The act directs an initial GAO review within 30 days of enactment to examine the 2024 funding shortfall in the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) and the projected 2025 shortfall in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), including how spending plans compare to actual obligations and expenditures, transfers between accounts, and the accuracy of budget projections. The GAO must also identify remedial actions the VA Secretary could take to improve budgeting information (including information submitted under the federal budget process) and to prevent future shortfalls. After the initial review, the GAO must conduct annual reviews for each of the five subsequent calendar years and report its findings. The VA Secretary must then transmit GAO reports to relevant congressional committees within 30 days of receipt. The bill aims to improve transparency, accountability, and accuracy in VA budgeting and spending to prevent shortfalls.
Key Points
- 1Establishes GAO-led reviews of VA funding shortfalls, with the first review to begin within 30 days after enactment.
- 2Targets two specific timeframes: FY2024 VBA funding shortfall and projected FY2025 VHA shortfall.
- 3Requires analysis of: (i) monthly obligations vs. spending plans, (ii) transfers between accounts, (iii) causes of diversions from the plan, (iv) accuracy of budget projections, and (v) remedial actions the VA Secretary may take to improve budgeting information and prevent shortfalls.
- 4Requires a GAO report to the VA Secretary with findings within 30 days after completing each review.
- 5Extends the process to five additional calendar years, with annual GAO reviews and public accountability through reports to Congress via the VA and Appropriations committees.