Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy and Dan Sullivan, along with 14 other Senate colleagues, have called for increased accountability and oversight of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) following a significant budget mismanagement incident. In a letter to Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester, the senators demanded that the Protecting Regular Order (PRO) for Veterans Act be included in any upcoming legislation from the committee.

The PRO Vets Act proposes that the VA submit quarterly, in-person budget reports to Congress over three years. It also suggests withholding bonuses for senior VA and Office of Management and Budget personnel if financial shortfalls occur again.

"Just a few short months ago, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) notified Committee members of a looming $3 billion shortfall that would prevent the Department from delivering benefit payments to veterans and their dependents by October 1, 2024," wrote the senators. "Now, we have learned that the alleged $2.883 billion shortfall did not exist."

The senators expressed concern over what they described as mismanagement within the VA, highlighting issues such as undeserved bonuses and inaccurate accounting. They cited testimony from a September House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing where VA's lack of accountability was discussed.

"The OIG recognizes that changing the culture of any organization takes time and sustained effort," noted an Inspector General report referenced by the senators.

Cassidy and Sullivan were joined by Senators Chuck Grassley, Roger Wicker, Thom Tillis, Steve Daines, Joni Ernst, Deb Fischer, Tommy Tuberville, Roger Marshall, Kevin Cramer, Mike Braun, Marsha Blackburn, Ted Budd, Pete Ricketts, and Lisa Murkowski in signing the letter.

The proposed legislation aims to ensure transparency through regular briefings from VA leadership to Congress regarding any budgetary challenges. Additionally, it seeks to prevent bonuses for executives during periods of financial mismanagement.

"We must include the PRO for Veterans Act in any moving legislation," emphasized the senators. They stressed that veterans deserve stability and accountability from those managing their benefits.