House rejects effort to move money around to fund VA program
WASHINGTON — The House has rejected a plan to allow the Department of Veterans Affairs to shift $2 billion from other programs to cover a sudden budget shortfall in its Choice program of private-sector care following opposition from veterans’ groups.
The vote was 219-186 Monday on a bill to provide a six-month funding fix, falling short of the two-thirds majority needed to pass. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi joined other members of her party in voicing objections after veterans expressed concerns about cuts to other parts of the VA. The Choice program offers veterans federally paid medical care outside the VA and is a priority of President Donald Trump.
Veterans’ groups are seeking additional money for both Choice and core VA programs.
House negotiators now plan to meet with the Senate, where lawmakers are crafting a separate proposal.