The U.S. House Committee on Veterans' Affairs held a Full Committee Oversight Hearing on December 6, 2024, focusing on the pressing budget shortfall facing the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and its implications for veteran care. The meeting highlighted a significant $6.6 billion deficit that could severely impact the VHA's ability to provide necessary services and maintain infrastructure.

During the hearing, concerns were raised about the aging facilities within the VHA, some dating back to World War II, and the urgent need for infrastructure improvements. Committee members emphasized that without immediate congressional action to address the budget shortfall, the quality of care for veterans could deteriorate. The VHA has seen an increase in demand for services, with enrollment rising from 41% to 45% in the past fiscal year. This increase translates to an estimated additional cost of $2.6 billion for every percentage point of enrollment growth.

The discussion also touched on the bipartisan PACT Act, which has expanded access to healthcare for veterans, leading to a higher reliance on VHA services. However, officials warned that the current infrastructure issues have already caused disruptions in care, including clinic closures and patient relocations.

Some committee members expressed frustration with the VHA's budget request process, suggesting that the initial submission for fiscal year 2025 was not accurate and may have been an attempt to circumvent established spending caps. This has led to a loss of trust in the VA leadership among some lawmakers, who are concerned about the broader implications for funding across various government agencies.

The hearing concluded with a call for immediate action from Congress to address both the operational budget needs and the critical infrastructure improvements required to ensure veterans receive the care they deserve. The committee members underscored the importance of timely funding to prevent further disruptions in services and to enhance the overall healthcare system for veterans.