Carter Remarks at Budget Hearing for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Mr. Secretary, good morning. Thank you for joining us today.  Congratulations on your confirmation and your first appearance testifying before our subcommittee.

We value the opportunity to engage in an open and productive dialogue with you as we work together to strengthen the Department’s mission.

We are here today to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. In the beginning of May, we received a skinny budget that outlined what the Department’s top priorities will be. While the overview was brief, I’m looking forward to hearing more details today—like how these priorities will translate into improved outcomes for our veterans and more effective management across the Department.

I appreciate the continued investment in Electronic Health Record modernization, with $2.2 billion requested. While I strongly support this effort, I must acknowledge that the implementation so far has been challenging—over budget and behind schedule. We owe it to our veterans and to taxpayers to deliver this system successfully, and I hope you can share how the Department plans to support the rapid expansion effort.

President Trump has surpassed his first 100 Days and is working towards cutting federal spending to help address the national debt crisis this country faces. We understand proposals are being discussed that involve cuts to contracts and personnel. While we support the need to eliminate inefficiencies, it’s critical that such efforts are executed thoughtfully and without compromising the care and services our veterans rely on. I am sure these proposals will be a large part of today’s conversation.  

Above all, this subcommittee has and will always remain committed to ensuring veterans receive the benefits and health care they have earned.  We will always meet our commitment to them. Unfortunately, I know that some my friends on the other side of the aisle have recently used rhetoric and fear-mongering tactics to claim we aren’t fully funding veterans, but that is not true and only created unnecessary confusion and chaos for our veterans. We cannot continue to play politics with veterans’ benefits and healthcare. 

In a recent video release you simply stated, “Things need to change”.  We are here today to let you know we agree with that and wish to discuss how you are working to transform the Department of Veterans Affairs. Things do need to change. Prior to the last Administration’s exit, the Department notified Congress of a proposed $15 billion shortfall which we can now confirm was a gross overestimation and there were numerous missteps in how benefit and medical budgets are forecasted.  These budget fluctuations and inaccuracies from the prior Administration have shaken Congress’ confidence in VA’s ability to forecast its resource needs. I know it will be a heavy lift to address this in a quick manner but we look forward to working with you on this and everything else. 

And now I would like to recognize Ms. Wasserman Schultz for her opening remarks.