AUUSN 823 Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 The next time some Republican starts spouting the "we support the troops mantra..." House members on Thursday approved plans for a 2.5 percent hike in Veterans Affairs Department funding next year despite a presidential veto threat over what the White House sees as a $1.4 billion funding shortfall. The VA and military construction budget bill — approved by a 255 to 163 vote, largely along party lines — would set aside $171 billion for the two accounts, with almost a 6 percent increase in discretionary funding for the programs from last year's levels. The plan would cover $163.2 billion in VA spending next fiscal year, which supporters noted would continue a steady line of raises for the department since the start of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. But it comes in $1.4 billion under what the White House had requested for VA spending in fiscal 2016, money that department officials say will stymie construction efforts and reduce some medical care access. On Tuesday, the White House threatened to veto the measure over the shortfall, saying it "fails to fully fund critical priorities." Administration officials also complained more broadly about larger Republican-backed budget plans that would keep Budget Control Act spending caps in place for federal agencies. VA Secretary Bob McDonald earlier this month said the request cut "will cause veterans to suffer." In advance of the vote, a host of veterans organizations also protested the move, saying the full White House request is needed to keep department reforms on track, calling the proposal "suffocating the system." But House Republicans turned down multiple attempts by Democrats to restore the funding, saying their total represents a healthy and responsible increase for the department. "This is not a cut," said Rep. Charlie Dent, R-Pa., chairman of the House Appropriations Committee's VA panel. "Did we fund every last thing requested? Not every idea has merit." In particular, Republicans rejected plans to double VA construction funding next year in the wake of high-profile problems with management of several new builds, including a Denver hospital estimated to cost $ 1 billion more than originally expected. VA officials have promised fixes to those problems, but also insisted that slowing down funding to other projects will only hurt veterans' access to health care. The measure also includes provisions banning bonuses for VA senior executives and construction officials, in light of public criticism of both groups. The vote was expected to be a relatively easy start for the Republicans' appropriation process, but was delayed a day after a bipartisan group of fiscal conservatives and Democrats attempted to add an amendment limiting funds in temporary war spending accounts, a move that leadership plans on using to boost next year's defense budget and get around the spending caps. The Senate still has to offer its own version of the VA and military construction spending bill before the two can be reconciled and sent to the White House. That process is expected to take several more months, although House officials noted this is the earliest they've started the appropriations process in four decades. http://www.militaryt...udget/26691403/ Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/149891-house-republicans-pass-va-funding-plan-for-fiscal-2016/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURaptor 1,137 Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 Gave the VA more $. Good Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/149891-house-republicans-pass-va-funding-plan-for-fiscal-2016/#findComment-2429329 Share on other sites More sharing options...
AUUSN 823 Posted January 31, 2016 Author Share Posted January 31, 2016 Gave the VA more $. Good 1.4 billion less than was requested. Good? Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/149891-house-republicans-pass-va-funding-plan-for-fiscal-2016/#findComment-2429334 Share on other sites More sharing options...
cooltigger21 0 Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 Gave the VA more $. Good More money is good I suppose but until they clean up their act and start doing what they should it's not much use. Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/149891-house-republicans-pass-va-funding-plan-for-fiscal-2016/#findComment-2429341 Share on other sites More sharing options...
AUUSN 823 Posted January 31, 2016 Author Share Posted January 31, 2016 Gave the VA more $. Good More money is good I suppose but until they clean up their act and start doing what they should it's not much use. ^^not a current customer of the VA. Couldnt tell you if they're doing 'what they should.' Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/149891-house-republicans-pass-va-funding-plan-for-fiscal-2016/#findComment-2429342 Share on other sites More sharing options...
AUUSN 823 Posted January 31, 2016 Author Share Posted January 31, 2016 Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/149891-house-republicans-pass-va-funding-plan-for-fiscal-2016/#findComment-2429348 Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURaptor 1,137 Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 Gave the VA more $. Good 1.4 billion less than was requested. Good? In the country is $20 trillion in the hole, and the VA system is in great disarray, I don't think it's wise to just offer up more money to them in the terms of another billion dollars. The VA have been getting more money every year since the start of the gulf war. Wildly throwing money at the problem isn't the way to solve it. Maybe they should rethink their priorities and focus on what is best, and not just perpetually have their hands out asking for more more. Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/149891-house-republicans-pass-va-funding-plan-for-fiscal-2016/#findComment-2429349 Share on other sites More sharing options...
AUUSN 823 Posted January 31, 2016 Author Share Posted January 31, 2016 Gave the VA more $. Good 1.4 billion less than was requested. Good? In the country is $20 trillion in the hole, and the VA system is in great disarray, I don't think it's wise to just offer up more money to them in the terms of another billion dollars. The VA have been getting more money every year since the start of the gulf war. Wildly throwing money at the problem isn't the way to solve it. Maybe they should rethink their priorities and focus on what is best, and not just perpetually have their hands out asking for more more. So to be clear Secretary McDonald and numerous Veterans groups don't know how much they need to effectively run a department. They are just perpetually holdimg out their hands. Got it. Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/149891-house-republicans-pass-va-funding-plan-for-fiscal-2016/#findComment-2429350 Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURaptor 1,137 Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 Apparently they don't, because the VA is screwed up so badly as it is, and it wasn't because of lack of funds. Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/149891-house-republicans-pass-va-funding-plan-for-fiscal-2016/#findComment-2429352 Share on other sites More sharing options...
AUUSN 823 Posted January 31, 2016 Author Share Posted January 31, 2016 Apparently they don't, because the VA is screwed up so badly as it is, and it wasn't because of lack of funds. ^not a current customer of the VA. Has no idea how badly they are 'screwed up.' Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/149891-house-republicans-pass-va-funding-plan-for-fiscal-2016/#findComment-2429353 Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURaptor 1,137 Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 You got admit, Obama is really generous with other peoples money. Just like most Democrats. Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/149891-house-republicans-pass-va-funding-plan-for-fiscal-2016/#findComment-2429354 Share on other sites More sharing options...
aujeff11 6,243 Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 You got admit, Obama is really generous with other peoples money. Just like most Democrats. A red herring painted with a very broad brush. Yep that's definitely a Raptor argument. Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/149891-house-republicans-pass-va-funding-plan-for-fiscal-2016/#findComment-2429355 Share on other sites More sharing options...
selias 2,398 Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 Apparently they don't, because the VA is screwed up so badly as it is, and it wasn't because of lack of funds. ^not a current customer of the VA. Has no idea how badly they are 'screwed up.' Based on discussions with my veteran friends and what I've seen in volunteering with veteran's groups, the VA is both underfunded and a hot mess. It needs much more funding and a complete administrative overhaul. Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/149891-house-republicans-pass-va-funding-plan-for-fiscal-2016/#findComment-2429356 Share on other sites More sharing options...
AUUSN 823 Posted January 31, 2016 Author Share Posted January 31, 2016 You got admit, Obama is really generous with other peoples money. Just like most Democrats. QE1 says hi... Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/149891-house-republicans-pass-va-funding-plan-for-fiscal-2016/#findComment-2429357 Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURaptor 1,137 Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 You got admit, Obama is really generous with other peoples money. Just like most Democrats. A red herring painted with a very broad brush. Yep that's definitely a Raptor argument. Fact, not red herring. Learn the difference Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/149891-house-republicans-pass-va-funding-plan-for-fiscal-2016/#findComment-2429378 Share on other sites More sharing options...
aujeff11 6,243 Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 You got admit, Obama is really generous with other peoples money. Just like most Democrats. A red herring painted with a very broad brush. Yep that's definitely a Raptor argument. Fact, not red herring. Learn the difference We are talking about the house republicans. You are talking about Obama. Learn the difference... And then learn about red herrings. Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/149891-house-republicans-pass-va-funding-plan-for-fiscal-2016/#findComment-2429380 Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURaptor 1,137 Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 The OP was about the GOP passing a bill that gave more $ to the VA, and Obama asking for yet another billion more. DO try and keep up. Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/149891-house-republicans-pass-va-funding-plan-for-fiscal-2016/#findComment-2429476 Share on other sites More sharing options...
aujeff11 6,243 Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 The OP was about the GOP passing a bill that gave more $ to the VA, and Obama asking for yet another billion more. DO try and keep up. It never even directly mentioned Obama. And your version of the story is off... The OP said the GOP gave more money, but not near as much as needed. Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/149891-house-republicans-pass-va-funding-plan-for-fiscal-2016/#findComment-2429489 Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURaptor 1,137 Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 The OP was about the GOP passing a bill that gave more $ to the VA, and Obama asking for yet another billion more. DO try and keep up. It never even directly mentioned Obama. And your version of the story is off... The OP said the GOP gave more money, but not near as much as needed. But it comes in $1.4 billion under what the White House had requested for VA spending in fiscal 2016, money that department officials say will stymie construction efforts and reduce some medical care access. Obama = The White House. And what is NEEDED isn't always the same as what is REQUESTED. How is my version WAY off ? Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/149891-house-republicans-pass-va-funding-plan-for-fiscal-2016/#findComment-2429501 Share on other sites More sharing options...
aujeff11 6,243 Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 The OP was about the GOP passing a bill that gave more $ to the VA, and Obama asking for yet another billion more. DO try and keep up. It never even directly mentioned Obama. And your version of the story is off... The OP said the GOP gave more money, but not near as much as needed. But it comes in $1.4 billion under what the White House had requested for VA spending in fiscal 2016, money that department officials say will stymie construction efforts and reduce some medical care access. Obama = The White House. And what is NEEDED isn't always the same as what is REQUESTED. How is my version WAY off ? :gofig:/> Do you think about what you post before you push submit? Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/149891-house-republicans-pass-va-funding-plan-for-fiscal-2016/#findComment-2429515 Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURaptor 1,137 Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 The OP was about the GOP passing a bill that gave more $ to the VA, and Obama asking for yet another billion more. DO try and keep up. It never even directly mentioned Obama. And your version of the story is off... The OP said the GOP gave more money, but not near as much as needed. But it comes in $1.4 billion under what the White House had requested for VA spending in fiscal 2016, money that department officials say will stymie construction efforts and reduce some medical care access. Obama = The White House. And what is NEEDED isn't always the same as what is REQUESTED. How is my version WAY off ? :gofig:/> Do you think about what you post before you push submit? Making you look like an idiot doesn't take very much thought. Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/149891-house-republicans-pass-va-funding-plan-for-fiscal-2016/#findComment-2429517 Share on other sites More sharing options...
selias 2,398 Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 The OP was about the GOP passing a bill that gave more $ to the VA, and Obama asking for yet another billion more. DO try and keep up. It never even directly mentioned Obama. And your version of the story is off... The OP said the GOP gave more money, but not near as much as needed. But it comes in $1.4 billion under what the White House had requested for VA spending in fiscal 2016, money that department officials say will stymie construction efforts and reduce some medical care access. Obama = The White House. And what is NEEDED isn't always the same as what is REQUESTED. How is my version WAY off ? The VA is wildly underfunded. Yes, there are administrative problems that need to be addressed but, the aftercare of our warriors should never be a political football. Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/149891-house-republicans-pass-va-funding-plan-for-fiscal-2016/#findComment-2429518 Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURaptor 1,137 Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 That's horse hockey. The VA has the money, they're just squandering it on bogus bonuses and programs that don't address the issue. They've been given more and more $ every year, and all we get is excuse making and cries for MORE $$. If there has been vast over selling and promises made which were never intended to be kept, then hell, welcome to your Imperial Federal Govt. Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/149891-house-republicans-pass-va-funding-plan-for-fiscal-2016/#findComment-2429522 Share on other sites More sharing options...
selias 2,398 Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 That's horse hockey. The VA has the money, they're just squandering it on bogus bonuses and programs that don't address the issue. They've been given more and more $ every year, and all we get is excuse making and cries for MORE $$. We've been on a war footing with an increased OPTEMPO for 15 years, of course they've been given more and more money. That doesn't change the fact they're underfunded and understaffed. I regularly volunteer with veterans organizations and have seen firsthand the shortcomings of the VA. I get that you're no fan of our current CINC but your hatred has blinded you to this issue apparently. Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/149891-house-republicans-pass-va-funding-plan-for-fiscal-2016/#findComment-2429527 Share on other sites More sharing options...
aujeff11 6,243 Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 That's horse hockey. The VA has the money, they're just squandering it on bogus bonuses and programs that don't address the issue. They've been given more and more $ every year, and all we get is excuse making and cries for MORE $$. We've been on a war footing with an increased OPTEMPO for 15 years, of course they've been given more and more money. That doesn't change the fact they're underfunded and understaffed. I regularly volunteer with veterans organizations and have seen firsthand the shortcomings of the VA. I get that you're no fan of our current CINC but your hatred has blinded you to this issue apparently. Thank you. Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/149891-house-republicans-pass-va-funding-plan-for-fiscal-2016/#findComment-2429533 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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