H.R. 813, The Putting Veterans Funding First Act of 2013, Sponsored by Rep. Jeff Miller
“If there is one thing people in Washington and across America agree on, it’s that we should never let funding for veterans become a casualty of Washington gridlock. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill, which would simply enact into law the widely accepted view that America’s veterans should not be held responsible for Washington’s inability to reach an agreement on how to cut spending. Our veterans were there for us when we needed them the most, and the Putting Veterans Funding First Act of 2013 will ensure they have our support during their time of need.” -Rep. Jeff Miller, Chairman, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs
What the Bill Does:
H.R. 813 would require Congress to fully fund the Department of Veterans Affairs’ discretionary budget a year ahead of schedule, ensuring that all VA services will have timely, predictable funding in an era where continuing resolutions and threats of government shutdowns are all too frequent.
Why It’s Important:
America’s veterans have already paid their debt to this nation. In return for their service, our nation promised them care and benefits to help readjust back into civilian life. This bill would fulfill that promise by ensuring that crucial VA services aren’t affected by Washington’s partisan budget wrangling, and that the care and benefits veterans have earned are delivered them with timeliness and predictability.
Who Benefits:
The American warrior – past, present, and future.
Why This Bill Should Become Law:
- It would ensure that all VA services have timely, predictable funding in an era where sequesters, continuing resolutions and threats of government shutdowns are all too frequent.
- It would simply enact into law the widely accepted view that America’s veterans should not be held responsible for Washington’s inability to reach an agreement on how to cut spending.
- It would make it easier for VA to plan for key investments in information technology, claims processing and construction projects.
- It would grant Congress greater oversight on multi-year funding proposals, with one year building off of the next.
What Others Are Saying:
“Our veterans sacrificed all they had for our protection, now it’s up to us to protect the care and benefits they have earned for their service. The Putting Veterans Funding First Act of 2013 is a common-sense approach to ensuring that arbitrary budget cuts won’t jeopardize the care and benefits America has promised our veterans, and I am proud to co-sponsor it.” – Rep. Mike Michaud, Ranking Member, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs
“The VFW applauds Chairman Miller and Ranking Member Michaud for coming together and recognizing that our veterans deserve timely and predictable care and benefits. Regardless of the difficult fiscal decisions our country may need to make, we can never abandon our responsibility to care for the men and women who have borne the battle.” – Veterans of Foreign Wars National Commander John Hamilton
“This legislation would ensure that all VA services will have timely, predictable funding.” Far too often essential veterans services have been put in jeopardy because of inadequate or delayed funding and threats of government shutdowns.” – Disabled American Veterans National Commander Larry A. Polzin
The Putting Veterans Funding First Act also has the support of:
Paralyzed Veterans of America
Blinded Veterans Association
