[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 34 (Thursday, February 20, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S1227]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

  SA 685. Mr. LUJAN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by 
him to the concurrent resolution S. Con. Res. 7, setting forth 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.
       (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.
                                 ______