Another VA "fix"? House highway bill includes fix to keep VA hospitals open

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 09:08:04 -0400

The House is expected to vote Wednesday on the bill, which extends highway funding until the end of October and provides a short-term fix to the VA until Oct. 1.

Republicans attached provisions to the measure that allows the VA to shift nearly $3.4 billion to the department’s Care in the Community Program, which outsources medical care for veterans. The measure also includes a maximum of $500 million for pharmaceutical expenses relating to treatment of Hepatitis C

While the bill itself expires Oct. 29, the VA funding would only be available until the end of the fiscal year, or the end of September. VA Secretary Robert McDonald will be required to notify Congress about the amounts the department choose to use.

The bill allows the VA to shift funding from the department’s Veterans Choice Fund account whose $10 billion in funding Congress had approved last year.

Senior VA officials had repeatedly warned Congress that without a fix, the budget hole would force the department to shut down its hospitals next month.

http://thehill.com/policy/finance/249436-house-highway-bill-includes-fix-to-prevent-va-hospitals-from-closing-in-august

House highway bill includes fix to keep VA hospitals open

The bill would deal with a $3 billion funding shortfall.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Jul 29 at 2015 9:10 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 09:10:53 -0400

More money being thrown away. Fix the problem first then invest! Stop the damn band aid fixes!

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2015 9:49 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 09:49:36 -0400

I would lean more toward this being a "band aid" to help alleviate some suffering, rather than a fix.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Jul 29 at 2015 11:20 AM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 11:20:13 -0400

They keep putting band aids on the problem. The whole VA system needs to be taken apart and fixed. A panel of vets could do a far better job than the buffoons running the show currently

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Jul 29 at 2015 1:05 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 13:05:38 -0400

Of course they are doing this. The GOP doesn't like infrastructure spending. This rider is a way to ensure the Highway Bill passes...