WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Mike Garcia’s Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2024 passed the House unanimously, fixing a $2.883 billion budget shortfall at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Without immediate action by September 20, this shortfall would have prevented the VA from processing benefits payments scheduled for October 1st, putting 7 million veterans at risk of losing access to the benefits they earned.

“My district is home to one of the largest veteran populations in the country. These men and women answered our nation’s call to serve, not for glory, but out of a deep belief in this country,” said Rep. Garcia. “But right now, that trust is being tested because of the VA’s inability to properly manage its budget. Millions of veterans were about to lose their benefits, and that’s unacceptable. This bill steps in to prevent that disaster while demanding accountability from the VA.”

Rep. Garcia’s legislation also includes strong oversight measures to ensure this never happens again. The bill requires the VA to open its financial records to Congress and calls for an independent investigation by the VA Inspector General into how this massive shortfall occurred.

“We’re not just throwing money at the problem. This bill includes critical oversight measures to ensure that every dollar is spent appropriately, and we’re going to get answers about how the VA allowed this to happen in the first place,” said Rep. Garcia. “Our veterans deserve better than bureaucratic failures, and we owe it to them to fix this broken system.”

With millions of veterans relying on timely payments for their medical care, GI Bill benefits, and more, the passage of this bill is crucial to prevent a disastrous lapse in benefits. Rep. Garcia’s bill ensures veterans won’t be left behind and puts the VA on notice to fix its internal management issues.