SE North Carolina News

Senator Ted Budd from North Carolina has joined a group of senators in calling for increased accountability and oversight of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) following a significant budget issue. The letter, led by Senator Dan Sullivan from Alaska, was addressed to Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester and signed by 16 U.S. Senators.

The senators expressed their concerns about a recent budget discrepancy at the VA. They stated, "Just a few short months ago, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) notified Committee members of a looming $3 billion shortfall that would prevent the Department from delivering benefit payments to veterans and their dependents by October 1, 2024, unless Congress provided the Department with an emergency supplemental appropriation. Now, we have learned that the alleged $2.883 billion shortfall did not exist. In fact, the VA ended Fiscal Year 2024 with a $5.1 billion surplus."

They emphasized that this situation requires attention due to its impact on veterans relying on these benefits: "The VA’s mismanagement caused significant stress on veterans who rely on these benefits, and our veterans deserve stability and accountability from VA employees…Congress should not expand the authority of the VA while the Department is still unable to manage its existing authorities without guardrails."

The letter also suggests including the PRO for Veterans Act in future legislation as part of efforts to ensure better management within the department.