Vets Funding Gets Boost in Debt Deal; House to Vote Tonight

May 31, 2023
Congress/DoD | Defense Budget | On Base | Veterans

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

May 31, 2023
Congress/DoD | Defense Budget | On Base | Veterans

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