S.Amdt. 1723

SA 1723. Mr. LUJAN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by
him to the concurrent resolution H. Con. Res. 14, establishing the
congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year
2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal
years 2026 through 2034; which was ordered to lie on the table; as
follows:

At the appropriate place, insert the following:

SEC. ___. CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE ESTIMATE OF THE
ECONOMIC HARDSHIP AND COSTS INCURRED BY
VETERANS FROM CUTS TO THE WORKFORCE OF THE
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

(a) Estimate Required.--The Congressional Budget Office
shall prepare an analysis estimating the economic, health,
and social impacts of reductions in the workforce of the
Department of Veterans Affairs on veterans, their families,
and caregivers.
(b) Scope of Analysis.--The estimate prepared pursuant to
subsection (a) shall include the following:
(1) An assessment of the financial impact on veterans,
including increased out-of-pocket costs, lost wages due to
delayed services, and any additional financial burdens
related to health care access.

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(2) An evaluation of appointment wait times, specialty care
availability, and emergency services affected by workforce
reductions.
(3) An estimate of increased delays in processing
Department benefits claims and appeals, leading to potential
financial instability for veterans.
(4) An analysis of how workforce reductions may
disproportionately affect rural and underserved veterans.
(5) An estimate of potential increased Federal expenditures
resulting from workforce reductions, such as higher Medicaid
enrollment, increased mental health crises, and long-term
disability claims.
(c) Reporting Requirement.--Not later than 180 days after
the date of the adoption of this resolution, the Office
shall--
(1) submit to Congress a report detailing the findings of
the Office with respect to the analysis prepared pursuant to
subsection (a); and
(2) make available to the public the report submitted
pursuant to paragraph (1).
(d) Consultation.--In preparing the analysis required by
subsection (a), the Office shall consult with such
stakeholders as the Office considers appropriate, including
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, veterans service
organizations, and independent policy experts.
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