Bronx —
The Department of Veteran Affairs recently announced funds for 22 million veterans will run out by late October if the federal government shutdown drags on. The shutdown also could increase the backlog of nearly 800,000 benefit claims.
In response, the House of Representatives passed the Honoring our Promise to America’s Veterans Act, a spending bill that would provide funds for disability compensation and survivors’ benefits. The measure is pending in the Senate. The White House issued a formal veto threat for the piecemeal government spending bill.
Amid the bickering in Washington, military organizations and local politicians joined forces Friday at a Veteran Affairs forum in the Bronx. Participants spoke about the needs of the 250,000 veterans in New York City.