House Republicans Signal Support For $1.1B Fix For Unexpected Shortfall With Veterans’ Health Care
The funding gap cropped up after Congress passed a major overhaul of the veterans' health care system, which opened up more avenues for patients seeking private care. Meanwhile, a new review of the Veterans Affairs hospital in Arizona that was at the heart of the national crisis over veterans' health finds further safety and care issues at the facility.
CQ:
House Appropriators Back Extra $1.1 Billion For Veterans Care
House Republicans late Tuesday signaled that they were open to putting at least $1.1 billion more into veterans health care funding when the chamber takes up a three-bill "minibus" spending package this week. It’s not clear whether the GOP is planning to cut other programs to offset the increase, which would address an unanticipated shortfall in 2019 after the passage of a major overhaul of private care access for veterans (S 2372). President Donald Trump is expected to sign that bill on Wednesday. (Mejdrich, 6/5)
Arizona Republic:
Phoenix VA Inspection Reveals Issues With Care, Safety, Public Trust
Department of Veterans Affairs inspectors uncovered multiple issues in a new review of the Phoenix VA hospital that was ground zero for a national crisis in veterans health care four years ago. The Office of Inspector General report comes a day before President Donald Trump is scheduled to sign reform legislation in a White House ceremony, with Phoenix VA Health Care System Director Rima Nelson in attendance. (Wagner, 6/5)
