President Biden’s Budget Invests in our Nation’s Veterans

With increased VA funding, this proposal will help us make good on our promises to veterans

WASHINGTON, D.C. —Today, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mark Takano (D-Calif.) issued the following statement after the release of President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget request. This year’s request provides for $139.1 billion in discretionary funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)—an 18.7 percent increase over 2022’s funding. 

“With substantial investments in VA healthcare, benefits delivery, education, employment training, addressing homelessness, and much more, President Biden’s budget request showcases his firm commitment to our nation’s veterans. 

“One of my top priorities this Congress is ensuring that we honor the pact we have made to our nation’s veterans—especially those exposed to toxic substances—and deliver the care and benefits we have promised. I’m pleased to see that President Biden not only shares this commitment but has proposed funding to increase resources for new presumptive disability compensation claims and much needed research related to environmental exposures. In addition, the President’s budget includes $120 million to support automating disability compensation claims, necessary funding to help speed up benefits delivery for veterans. 

“Another priority of mine is veteran suicide prevention, and I’m particularly glad to see so much funding—over $14 billion—included for critical mental health and veteran suicide prevention programs. As we saw in last year’s annual report, Congress’ and VA’s efforts to meaningfully reduce veteran suicide are moving in the right direction. This increased funding will help us continue to provide—and improve—these lifesaving programs. 

“All veterans—regardless of gender, gender identity, sexuality, or race—must have access to the care and benefits they have earned. More women are choosing VA healthcare than ever before, and under President Biden’s request, more than $767 million will be directed toward gender-specific care for women veterans—a 9 percent increase over last year’s level.  

“Finally, I am pleased the President is building off the results of the CARES Act and American Rescue Plan by investing $2.7 billion in programs to assist homeless veterans.

“We have a lot of work ahead, but it’s clear to me that President Biden, Secretary McDonough, and I share many of the same priorities. I look forward to continuing to work together to serve all those who have served.”

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