Appropriations Deal to Include Begich Measure Protecting Veterans from Government Shutdowns – Provision Will Provide Advance Funding for Veterans Benefits
As part of his ongoing work for veterans in Alaska, U.S. Senator Mark Begich is pleased he was able to include in the final appropriations package released today, a measure providing advance funding for veterans’ services, protecting them from a government shutdown.
“The Senate has done the right thing for veterans and included this measure to shield them from harmful effects of a government shutdown, like delays in the processing of disability, pension and survivor benefits,” said Begich. “It has been an honor to serve Alaska’s more than 70,000 veterans and I am proud this bill will become law.”
The measure will help protect the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) and Veterans Health Administration from any disruption in funding, so that vets’ health care would not be interrupted in the event of a government shutdown or unexpected budget shortfall.
Under current law, only certain accounts at the VA are eligible for advanced appropriations. This Begich language will broaden the scope of eligible accounts to enable appropriators to institute a consistent funding process across the VA by administering advanced appropriations, as is done for the VHA.
During the October 2013 shutdown that lasted 17 days veterans’ pensions and housing loan programs were under threat of running out of money if the shutdown had lasted through the end of the month.
Currently, veterans and their families are negatively impacted by delays in the annual appropriations process. These delays, along with the overall lack of longer-term funding plans for key VA initiatives, threaten many of the commitments made to members as they separate from service.
