House Bill Betrays Veterans and Harms VA Programs

House Bill Betrays Veterans and Harms VA Programs

Washington D.C., May 2, 2023 – The Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs (NOVA) believes the Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023 betrays Veterans and puts their healthcare in jeopardy.

The bill, passed by the House would roll back funding to FY 2022 levels.

The PACT Act, which provides healthcare and benefits to those exposed to toxins, relies on funding not provided as part of the FY 2022 budget. Veterans’ advocates worked hard to advance this historical legislation, any cuts would harm care and benefits provided in the new law.

VA Appropriators warned that the bill could slash $30 billion from programs which could mean 30 million less healthcare visits and fewer staff to take care of Veterans. Veterans Service Organizations noted that the bill provides no specific protections for Veterans or VA. 

“VA is just beginning to make advances in its hiring and onboarding efforts which is desperately needed to continue providing the highest level of care, any reduction in funding would irreparably damage many programs and services Veterans rely on, “said NOVA President TJ Wilcox-Olson, MHS, RN

NOVA urges the House to lay out how funding for VA will be protected and urges the Senate to reject any proposal that sets VA funding levels back to FY 2022.

Veterans deserve to be reassured that Congress will continue to honor the promises made to provide for those who served our nation.

To learn more about NOVA’s mission - Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs (vanurse.org)