Noteboom The Law Firm

Veteran Affairs Bill Easily Passed

August 20, 2010 - For months House Republicans have insisted on cutting spending. Last week they had an excellent opportunity to make these cuts but could not pull the trigger on veterans. They ended up joining their Democratic rivals to pay for veterans programs in 2011; veterans programs being seemingly untouchable in election years.

Out of approximately 12 spending bills coming up for the 2011 budget vote, the veterans measure was just the first. The Veterans Affairs Bill passed with a 411-6 vote, so it isn't exactly surprising this is the first bill the Democrats brought forward for a vote.

House Minority Leader John Boehner (R - OH) attempted to amend the bill but withdrew everything when Democrats started making noise and let him know they would vote against him. Boehner's amendments included:  

• Cutting the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) policy office;
• Cutting the VA's congressional lobbying operation;
• Cutting $45 million from the VA's $3.3 billon request to be used towards computer systems.

Congress awards the VA a discretionary budget every year, and over the last 5 years it has grown 70%. Next year it will likely receive another 7% bump. The bump is necessary because of how many veterans are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with injuries.  

Republicans eventually put forward ways to increase veteran spending while at the same time suggesting programs that could be cut or receive less funding. The bottom line is because this is a veterans bill, which funds very popular programs, the $77 billion bill is passed much easier than others.