Veteran group to present proposals for advance funds for health care in department of Veterans Affairs budget

Disabled American Veterans on Wednesday at a Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee hearing plans to present a proposal under which lawmakers would approve funds for health care in the Department of Veterans Affairs budget one year in advance, The Hill reports.

According to DAV, the proposal -- which has support from a coalition of veteran groups that includes the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Blinded Veterans Association -- would allow VA to improve health care for the increased number of veterans who receive care through the department. DAV said that political debates have delayed approval of the VA budget in 13 of the past 14 years and that the delays have limited the department's ability to manage health care for veterans. The proposal also would allow Congress to continue to oversee and approve the VA budget, DAV said.

DAV will present the proposal as an alternative to a bill supported by Sen. Tim Johnson (D-S.D.) that would make funds for health care in the VA budget mandatory. DAV supports the Johnson legislation but plans to present the proposal as an alternative that could have more bipartisan support (Tiron, The Hill, 5/19).