Garcia Floor Remarks on H.R. 9468, the Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act

My district is home to one of the largest veteran populations in the country. From World War 2 to the Global War on Terror, we take pride in knowing that our sons and daughters have answered their nation's call to duty time and time again, without hesitation.

They answered the call not for personal gain or glory, but out of a deep love for their country and a belief that their government, including the VA, would always stand behind them. They didn’t ask for much—just that their government keep it’s end of the bargain.

But right now, that belief—that trust—is being tested. Due to the VA’s mismanagement of their budget, 7 million veterans will lose their benefits beginning on October 1st without Congressional action.

• Pension benefits
• GI bill benefits
• Burial benefits
• Life insurance payments
• Survivors benefits

My bill, the Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act, will step in to fill the VA’s $2.88 billion shortfall, helping to avoid a disastrous funding cliff and stepping in where the VA failed.

And my bill does more than just provide funding—it demands accountability. It includes oversight measures like an Inspector General investigation and a requirement for the VA to open its financial records to Congress. We need to know exactly how this shortfall happened and ensure that every dollar is spent appropriately.

30-Days: Report from VA on corrections made to budget assumptions for the President’s Budget Requests.

60-Days: Report on how the VA spent the funds appropriated by this bill. Required every 90 days through FY26.

180-Days: Report from the IG on the findings of his investigation into the causes of the shortfall.

We can’t afford to leave our vets high and dry without the medical care and GI Bill benefits they earned—but we also can’t afford to just give the VA a blank check and expect the root cause of the issue to be solved.

This isn’t just about funding—it’s about fixing a broken system and ensuring that our veterans aren’t left behind because of bureaucratic failures. They deserve better, and it’s on us to make sure they get it.

I want to thank Chairmen Cole and Bost as well as Subcommittee Chairman Carter for their support on this bill and their ongoing investigation into the shortfall to get answers for our vets.

We owe it to them to honor their service and fulfill our country’s promise to them. We’ve made a commitment to these men and women, and we cannot afford to fall short. This bill does exactly that, and I strongly encourage my colleagues to support it.