Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
VA Clinics Get $3 Billion In Highway Bill
The bill also props up the Department of Veterans Affairs with an additional $3 billion to avoid closing health clinics amid its own budget shortfall. (Mascaro, 7/30)
The Senate cleared legislation freeing up money for the Veterans Affairs Department's medical services, likely averting a shutdown of VA hospitals the department had warned would start next month without flexibility to cover a multi-billion dollar budget shortfall. Senators approved the transfer of VA funds as part of a three-month extension of highway programs (HR 3236) by a 91-4 vote, one day after the House overwhelmingly passed the hybrid transportation and veterans measure. The legislation now heads to the White House, where it is likely to be signed by the president. (O'Brien, 7/30)
