Quick Hit:

The House is set to vote on a $3 billion bill to address a funding shortfall for veterans. Failure to pass the bill by Sept. 20 could jeopardize benefits for 7 million veterans.

Key Details:

• The bill aims to address a $3 billion shortfall for veterans’ benefits.
• Without action by Sept. 20, millions of veterans could lose benefits, including pensions and GI Bill support.
• The bill, led by Rep. Mike Garcia (R-Calif.), faces challenges as the Oct. 1 government shutdown deadline approaches.

Diving Deeper: 

The House of Representatives is expected to vote this week on a $3 billion supplemental funding bill aimed at covering a shortfall in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) budget. This move comes with a looming government shutdown deadline of October 1, which is fast approaching due to ongoing disagreements between Republicans and Democrats over the federal budget.

Rep. Mike Garcia (R-Calif.) is leading the charge on the bill, which he hopes will gain bipartisan support despite the broader political struggles over fiscal year 2025 funding. The VA warned Congress in July that it was facing a $3 billion deficit for the current fiscal year, set to end on Sept. 30, and a projected $12 billion gap for the next year.

Garcia emphasized the urgency of the situation, pointing out that without action by Sept. 20, veterans could lose essential benefits by Oct. 1. "It affects not just the 7 million veterans, but also their families and everyone depending on those checks," Garcia told Fox News Digital.

The bill includes provisions to require the VA to submit detailed reports on budget shortfalls and future spending estimates, ensuring accountability for future funding. Garcia attributed the budget shortfall to mismanagement within the VA, while the agency cited increased demand for its services and the passage of the PACT Act, which expanded benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances.

As the government faces a potential partial shutdown, Garcia is urging House leadership to keep the veterans' funding bill separate from broader federal budget negotiations. "We don't have time to tie this to a [continuing resolution]. We shouldn't use our veterans as political leverage," he said.