Congress passed an emergency spending bill that covers a nearly $3 billion shortfall for the Department of Veterans Affairs, according to the American Legion. Had the measure not passed, more than 7 million veterans stood likely to see delays in VA disability benefits payments after Oct. 1.

The measure calls for about $2.9 billion in additional funding for the VA, of which about $2.3 billion would go toward the Veterans Benefits Administration for compensation and pensions. Roughly $597 million would be put toward readjustment benefits.

The department will also need an additional $12 billion or more beyond its current budget recommendation for the next fiscal year to meet fast-rising demand.

VA enrollment increased 34% in 2024, attributable largely to the increased number of veterans eligible for benefits and care under the PACT Act of 2022, which opened the system up to more than 3.5 million veterans exposed to toxic contamination while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces