H.R.1823 - VA Budget Shortfall Accountability Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1823, the "VA Budget Shortfall Accountability Act," directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Comptroller General of the United States to report on funding shortfalls within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Act mandates the Comptroller General to conduct reviews of funding shortfalls in the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) and Veterans Health Administration (VHA). These reviews will analyze the circumstances and causes of these shortfalls, comparing monthly obligations and expenditures against the VA's spending plan.
Expected Effects
The Act aims to improve the accuracy of budget projections and prevent future funding shortfalls within the VA. It requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit the Comptroller General's reports to the relevant committees in both the House and the Senate. This increased transparency and accountability should lead to better financial management within the VA.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency in VA funding.
- Improved accuracy of budget projections.
- Preventative measures against future funding shortfalls.
- Enhanced accountability for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
- Better allocation of resources within the VA.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential administrative burden on the VA and the Comptroller General's office.
- The Act itself does not provide additional funding to address the shortfalls, only reports on them.
- Possible delays in addressing immediate needs due to the time required for reviews and reports.
- The reviews may reveal deeper systemic issues that are difficult to resolve quickly.
- The Act focuses primarily on reporting, which may not be sufficient to solve the underlying problems.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the constitutional principle of congressional oversight, as it mandates reports to be submitted to relevant congressional committees, ensuring that Congress can exercise its power of the purse and hold the executive branch accountable. Article I, Section 9, Clause 7 states that "No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time." This Act supports that clause by ensuring proper accounting and reporting of expenditures.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).