Summary
Directs the government's top accountant to review and report on the causes of funding shortfalls at the Department of Veterans Affairs and suggest fixes.
What problem does this solve?
The Department of Veterans Affairs has run out of money or is expected to, but the reasons why are not fully understood. This law makes the government's top accountant investigate the money problems and report to Congress on how to stop them from happening again.
Who does this affect?
- U.S. Veterans
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- Congress
What does this law do?
Requires immediate review of VA funding
Orders the Comptroller General to begin a review within 30 days to find the causes of funding shortfalls in the Veterans Benefits and Health Administrations.
Establishes annual reviews for five years
Requires the Comptroller General to conduct a similar review and report on VA funding every year for the next five years.
Requires VA secretary to report to congress
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to send the Comptroller General's reports to the Veterans' Affairs and Appropriations Committees in the House and Senate.
Specifies what the review must cover
The review must compare VA spending to its plan, look at money transfers between accounts, find reasons for any major changes, and suggest ways to prevent future shortfalls.
What is the real world impact?
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Increases financial oversight
Ensures an independent review of the VA's budget problems. This helps Congress understand why the VA is running out of money and what can be done to prevent it from happening again.
When does this start?
This law sets several deadlines that begin after it is passed, starting with a review that must begin within 30 days.
Start of first GAO review
The Comptroller General must begin the first review of VA funding shortfalls no later than 30 days after the law is enacted.
First report to VA secretary
The Comptroller General must submit the first report to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs within 30 days of completing the review.
First report to congress
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must send the Comptroller General's report to Congress within 30 days of receiving it.