"This hearing will provide Secretary Nicholson and other VA and Defense Healthcare leaders with the opportunity to explain to House appropriators how this shortfall was suddenly discovered and what it means to the provision of veterans healthcare services over the next eighteen months," said Walsh. "My concern is how we best address this problem for the upcoming fiscal year and how proposed remedies will impact previously determined VA Healthcare services and new initiatives."

 

The Department of Veterans Affairs told Congress earlier this week that its healthcare system will end FY '05 with a $1 billion deficit. While those costs can be met by utilizing surpluses and other operational funds, next year's FY '06 budget will again include a $1 billion hole. The House of Representatives passed Walsh's FY '06 Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill - which includes VA funding - on May 25th.

 

"This Congress will tolerate no diminution of services or reduced quality of care for our nation's veterans in this time of war," added Walsh. "If we need more money we'll find it."

 

Expected to testify at the hearing are VA Secretary Jim Nicholson, Dr. Jonathan Perlin, VA Undersecretary for Health, Mr. Tim McClain, General Counsel and Acting Chief Financial Officer for the VA, and Dr. William Winkenwerder, Jr., Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs.