VA Budget Shortfall Accountability Act

This bill orders an in-depth review of recent VA budget problems. It tells the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to find out why the VA fell short on money for veterans’ benefits in 2024 and why a shortfall is expected for VA health care in 2025, and to report the causes and findings. It also spells out what the review must include: comparing monthly spending to the VA’s plan, checking any moves of money between accounts, explaining big deviations, judging how accurate the VA’s estimates were, and suggesting steps to prevent future shortfalls.

The first GAO review must start within 30 days after the bill becomes law, with a report sent soon after the review is finished. Then GAO must do a similar review each year for five years. The VA must send each GAO report to Congress within 30 days of receiving it.

• Who is affected: Veterans who rely on VA benefits and VA health care; the VA’s benefits and health agencies.
• What changes: GAO must investigate the shortfalls, report on causes, and recommend fixes; VA must share the reports with Congress.
• When: First review begins within 30 days of enactment; follow-up reviews happen yearly for five years.