On the recordJune 4, 2024
The underlying legislation provides similar funding to the Board of Veterans' Appeals as the fiscal year 2024 levels, approximately $267 million. This amendment recommends that the Board of Veterans' Appeals invest a very small portion of its appropriated funds to expedite and eliminate the casework backlog many of our veteran constituents have raised with a variety of Members of Congress. Again, this is simply to get rid of the backlog, to expedite those cases, as has been discussed here previously, so that our veterans can get care in a quick, expeditious manner. The committee report highlights sustained Member concerns regarding the ongoing delays veterans and their families face. Claims can currently take years to resolve. I am grateful to see that the committee, under Chairman Carter's leadership, has prioritized hiring needed staff to expedite processing. This amendment stands in support of the committee's work. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
