The debt limit and spending deal between President Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) will increase funding for Veterans Affairs, even as most nondefense discretionary spending levels will be frozen for two years, as Military Times reported. VA spending is at about $300 billion in the current fiscal year and would go up to $320 billion under the plan.
“VA is currently delivering more care and more benefits to more Veterans than ever before – and this deal will help us continue to do exactly that,” Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough said on Twitter.
The bill also raises defense spending from the current year to $886 billion then freezes it at roughly that level through fiscal year 2025.
The Fiscal Responsibility Act is expected to vote on the bill tonight. Punchbowl News AM has a look at the politics playing out today and tonight.
Army photo by Spc. Hans Williams