H.R.1823 - VA Budget Shortfall Accountability Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1823, the "VA Budget Shortfall Accountability Act," directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Comptroller General of the United States to report on funding shortfalls within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill mandates reviews and reports on the circumstances and causes of funding shortfalls in the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) for fiscal year 2024 and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) for fiscal year 2025.
The Comptroller General is required to conduct these reviews and submit reports to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, who then must submit these reports to the relevant committees in both the House and the Senate. This process is to be repeated for the five calendar years following the enactment of the Act.
The goal is to improve the accuracy of budget projections and prevent future funding shortfalls within the VA, ensuring better resource allocation for veterans' services.
Expected Effects
The Act aims to increase transparency and accountability in the VA's budget management. It will likely lead to more detailed scrutiny of the VA's spending and budgeting processes.
By requiring regular reviews and reports, the Act seeks to identify the root causes of funding shortfalls and implement corrective measures. This could result in more efficient use of resources and improved services for veterans.
Ultimately, the Act intends to prevent future budget crises within the VA, ensuring that veterans' needs are adequately met.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced oversight of VA spending, leading to better resource allocation.
- Improved accuracy of budget projections, reducing the likelihood of future shortfalls.
- Increased transparency and accountability within the VA.
- Identification of inefficiencies and areas for improvement in VA operations.
- Better services and support for veterans due to more stable and predictable funding.
Potential Disadvantages
- The reviews and reports may create additional administrative burden for the VA and the Comptroller General.
- The Act does not directly address the underlying causes of funding shortfalls, only the reporting thereof.
- There is no guarantee that the recommendations from the reports will be implemented effectively.
- The focus on shortfalls may divert attention from other important aspects of VA operations.
- The Act may not be sufficient to address systemic issues within the VA's budget management.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the constitutional power of Congress to oversee government spending and ensure accountability within federal agencies, as outlined in Article I, Section 9, Clause 7, which requires a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money. Additionally, the bill supports the general welfare by aiming to improve services for veterans, reflecting the principles outlined in the Preamble of the Constitution.
The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations. It operates within the established framework of congressional oversight and executive branch accountability.
By promoting efficient use of resources and transparency in government operations, the bill reinforces the principles of responsible governance.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).