FY26 Budget Proposal Released

FY26 Budget Proposal Released

Washington D.C., May 13, 2025, The White House released its FY26 “Skinny Budget”.
The budget proposal provides $129.2 billion in funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA), which is a 4.1% increase over FY25. The proposal includes $3.3 billion for VA healthcare
and around $50 billion for the Toxic Exposure Fund (TEF).

VA Secretary Doug Collins testified last week before the Senate VA Committee and is scheduled
to appear before the House VA and Appropriations Committees’ this week to discuss the FY26
and FY27 budget.

To watch the HVAC hearing (5/15, 2pm ET) –Full Committee Oversight Hearing | House Committee on
Veterans Affairs. For the Appropriations hearing (5/15, 10amET) -Budget Hearing – U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs |House Committee on Appropriations - Republicans

Last week’s hearing discussion centered around ongoing reductions in staff and continued
resignations and early retirement of many employees.

NOVA and other advocates have raised concerns about how the VA can maintain access to high
quality of care amid staff reductions, especially given the current provider shortages in the
community. Veterans have expressed concerns about losing access to benefits and services.

We urge members and all VA nurses to continue advocating for the critical needs of VHA
facilities across the country. Ensuring Veterans have access to high-quality care remains our top
priority.

We urge all VA nurses to continue to advocate for the needs of VHA facilities nationwide. Our
priority is ensuring Veterans receive timely access to high-quality care in an environment tailored
to their specific and unique needs.

NOVA is a nationwide, nonprofit professional organization whose members are nurses working for the
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers and Clinics. NOVA is not part of the VHA, nor is NOVA
sanctioned or endorsed by the VHA.

For a list of our Legislative Priority Goals - 2025_nova_legislative_priori.pdf