Jack Bergman (R-MI)
VA Budget Shortfall Accountability Act
A Republican bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Became Public Law No: 119-71.
Became law
Passed both chambers and was signed by the President, or became law without a signature.
Nothing more in Congress: it is law. When it takes effect depends on the dates written into it — some parts start at once, others a year or more later.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Passed House voice vote
- Passed Senate unanimous consent
- To President
- Became Law
No one's position on it was recorded: the House by voice vote (members called out yes or no together), and the Senate by unanimous consent (no one objected, so there was no vote).
What this bill would do
This Act, known as the "VA Budget Shortfall Accountability Act," directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Comptroller General to investigate funding issues. The Comptroller General must begin a review of the funding shortfall in the Veterans Benefits Administration for fiscal year 2024 and the expected shortfall in the Veterans Health Administration for fiscal year 2025. This review involves comparing monthly obligations and expenditures against the department's spending plan and looking at account transfers. The Comptroller General is also tasked with analyzing the accuracy of projections and identifying remedial actions to prevent future shortfalls. These reviews are to be conducted annually for five calendar years following the Act's enactment. Finally, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs must submit the resulting reports to specific House and Senate committees.
Yes· 3 of 5
- Scored +6
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?
Veterans benefit from improved financial oversight meant to ensure the stability of their benefits and healthcare.
- Scored +6
Does this help veterans get medical care?
The Act aims to protect healthcare stability by investigating and preventing funding shortfalls in the Veterans Health Administration.
- Scored +6
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?
The Act seeks to safeguard veteran benefits through financial oversight and the prevention of funding shortfalls.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Financial Oversight: The Comptroller General will review the circumstances and causes of shortfalls in the Veterans Benefits Administration for fiscal year 2024 and the Veterans Health Administration for fiscal year 2025 (Section 2(a)(1)). This could help identify why money is missing or mismanaged.
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Prevention of Future Shortfalls: The review includes looking at remedial actions the Secretary may take to prevent funding shortfalls for the Department (Section 2(a)(2)(E)(ii)). This could lead to more stable funding for veteran services.
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Increased Accuracy in Reporting: The Act requires an analysis of the accuracy of projections and seeks ways to improve the accuracy of supporting information submitted regarding the Department (Section 2(a)(2)(D) and (E)(i)). Better data can lead to better financial planning for veteran care.
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Long-term Accountability: By requiring annual reviews for five years, the Act ensures continuous monitoring of the Department's funding (Section 2(b)). This consistent oversight can help catch financial issues before they become crises.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly stated in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — Veterans benefit from improved financial oversight meant to ensure the stability of their benefits and healthcare.
- Healthcare
- Does this help veterans get medical care? — The Act aims to protect healthcare stability by investigating and preventing funding shortfalls in the Veterans Health Administration.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The Act seeks to safeguard veteran benefits through financial oversight and the prevention of funding shortfalls.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — The Act improves fiscal responsibility by investigating budget shortfalls and analyzing the accuracy of financial projections within the VA.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The Act increases transparency by requiring GAO reviews and the submission of reports to Congress regarding VA funding.
- Public Law (1/21/2026)
The text as it became law
- Enrolled Bill
The final version, on its way to the President
- 1/20/2026
- Signed by President.
- Became Public Law No: 119-71.
- 1/12/2026
- Presented to President.
- 12/19/2025
- Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- 12/18/2025
- Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
- Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8895)
- 5/20/2025
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 5/19/2025
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2129)
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2129)
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1823.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2129-2130)
- Mr. Bost moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 5/17/2025
- Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-101.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 74.
- 5/6/2025
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 3/25/2025
- Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- 3/10/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 3/4/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Mike BostRepublican · Illinois