Bill · H.R. 1823· House(119-HR-1823)
VA Budget Shortfall Accountability Act
- Introduced
- 3/4/2025
- Last activity
- 1/20/2026 — Became Public Law No: 119-71.
- Sponsored by
- Jack Bergman
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
What this bill would do
This Act, known as the "VA Budget Shortfall Accountability Act," directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Comptroller General to investigate funding issues. The Comptroller General must begin a review of the funding shortfall in the Veterans Benefits Administration for fiscal year 2024 and the expected shortfall in the Veterans Health Administration for fiscal year 2025. This review involves comparing monthly obligations and expenditures against the department's spending plan and looking at account transfers. The Comptroller General is also tasked with analyzing the accuracy of projections and identifying remedial actions to prevent future shortfalls. These reviews are to be conducted annually for five calendar years following the Act's enactment. Finally, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs must submit the resulting reports to specific House and Senate committees.
Yes· 3 of 5
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+6
Veterans benefit from improved financial oversight meant to ensure the stability of their benefits and healthcare.
Does this help veterans get medical care?+6
The Act aims to protect healthcare stability by investigating and preventing funding shortfalls in the Veterans Health Administration.
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?+6
The Act seeks to safeguard veteran benefits through financial oversight and the prevention of funding shortfalls.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Financial Oversight: The Comptroller General will review the circumstances and causes of shortfalls in the Veterans Benefits Administration for fiscal year 2024 and the Veterans Health Administration for fiscal year 2025 (Section 2(a)(1)). This could help identify why money is missing or mismanaged.
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Prevention of Future Shortfalls: The review includes looking at remedial actions the Secretary may take to prevent funding shortfalls for the Department (Section 2(a)(2)(E)(ii)). This could lead to more stable funding for veteran services.
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Increased Accuracy in Reporting: The Act requires an analysis of the accuracy of projections and seeks ways to improve the accuracy of supporting information submitted regarding the Department (Section 2(a)(2)(D) and (E)(i)). Better data can lead to better financial planning for veteran care.
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Long-term Accountability: By requiring annual reviews for five years, the Act ensures continuous monitoring of the Department's funding (Section 2(b)). This consistent oversight can help catch financial issues before they become crises.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly stated in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Veterans+6
- Healthcare
- Improves Veterans Healthcare+6
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+6
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Fiscal Responsibility+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5
- Public Law(1/21/2026)
The text as it became law
- Enrolled Bill
The final version, on its way to the President
- 1/20/2026
- Signed by President.
- Became Public Law No: 119-71.
- 1/12/2026
- Presented to President.
- 12/19/2025
- Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- 12/18/2025
- Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
- Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8895)
- 5/20/2025
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 5/19/2025
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2129)
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2129)
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1823.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2129-2130)
- Mr. Bost moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 5/17/2025
- Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-101.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 74.
- 5/6/2025
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 3/25/2025
- Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- 3/10/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 3/4/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Mike BostRepublican · Illinois