“The House Veterans Affairs Committee advanced a budget reconciliation package that will give VA $17 billion more to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The package includes funding for VA supply chain modernization initiatives. It also includes $272 million to boost staff overtime and make other improvements to address a growing backlog of disability claims and appeals. Democrats on the committee said the funding is necessary during the health crisis. But Republicans said the department hasn’t made the case it needs the extra funding.” Listen to the newscast here.
Source: More paid leave for federal employees takes another step towards reality – By Eric White, February 16, 2021. Federal News Network.
