WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) applauded Senate passage today of the Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act. The legislation provides $2.88 billion in supplemental funding to ensure veterans in the Commonwealth continue to receive disability compensation, pensions, and education benefits. The legislation also requires important accountability measures to reign in VA mismanagement, including requiring a VA Inspector General-led review into the circumstances and causes of the shortfall.

"One of our most sacred obligations is to support the millions of brave men and women who answered our nation's call to serve. The egregious mismanagement of the Department of Veterans Affairs put this commitment in serious jeopardy, and the blame falls squarely on the Biden-Harris Administration. Their negligence produced an unprecedented budget shortfall, imperiling the essential benefits veterans and their families rely on," said Senator McConnell. "I'm proud Senate Republicans stepped up to correct the VA's failure and demand greater accountability from this Administration. Kentucky's veterans and every American who has worn the uniform deserve nothing less."

On July 19, 2024, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) informed Congress of a mandatory funding shortfall of $2.88 billion for the Veterans Benefits Administration in FY 2024. This budget shortfall threatened veterans' disability benefits scheduled for delivery beginning on October 1st.