More money, fights for VA in Senate budget plan - Helping or hurting?

2015-05-23T09:44:37-04:00

The Senate Appropriations Committee approved a total VA budget of $163.7 billion for fiscal 2016 operations, about $500 million above the House plan and $850 million below the Obama administration's request.

http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/capitol-hill/2015/05/21/senate-appropriations-va-budget/27722367/

More money, fights for VA in Senate budget plan

The department got more money in the Senate plan than in the House's but still less than the president requested.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 23 at 2015 10:00 AM

2015-05-23T10:00:55-04:00

Are they adding some more oversight to ensure that this "more money" isn't squandered?? I am always amazed how our political "leadership" is so quick to throw money at issues without taking steps to ensure that the money is actually needed and will actually be used for its intended purpose.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made May 23 at 2015 1:05 PM

2015-05-23T13:05:31-04:00

I would be more impressed if the leaders of government committed to using the VA system, in their home state, as their primary means of medical treatment. I would be further impressed if they were not allowed to use their Senatorial, Representative, or POTUS title in any interaction with the VA as a patient, undercover boss style. I know the VA is strictly for Vets but in this case I see it as part of an oversight function. If stars can take the "Well Fare Challenge" then Capitol Hill can take the "VA Challenge". I bet they would come out of that challenge with a new perspective.

*** BTW I do agree with the view of "lack of fiscal stewardship" in construction, which seems to be partly causing the failure of actual care, and the gatekeeper mentality in compensation.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 24 at 2015 9:33 PM

2015-05-24T21:33:47-04:00

I do not trust the VA for many reasons. They lie, cheat, and steal.

Response by PO2 Dave Gaunky made May 25 at 2015 11:49 PM

2015-05-25T23:49:49-04:00

If the VA's attitude to hold tight to money stands then more money won't fix the issues, how it's spent and the attitudes behind it need to change, look at the recent issues with the Tomah VAMC. I know people that work out have worked for the VA, the mentality of the upper chain is that they get perks for saving money, so even if it's needed if they don't spend it then it's saved, and they look better. Meanwhile Vets and those at the bottom of the chain pled for help and resources.