“This law will undoubtedly impact current operations at the VA, and it is of the upmost importance that this new law does not interfere with the VA’s ability to provide timely care and benefits that veterans deserve,” Rep. Roy and his colleagues wrote in their letter to VA Secretary Denis McDonough.

Eight Republicans joined all 48 of the Democrats present in supporting the bill, but that fell short of the 60-vote supermajority required to end the GOP filibuster. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer changed his vote to no at the last minute for procedural reasons, enabling him to force another vote in the future. The final vote was 55-42.

“But unfortunately, I cannot support it. Because the bill spends about $285 billion that we don't have. We have to address the issue in this body of spending money we don't have. And the Chairman said that ‘well, why don't you raise it on other issues?’ I raised it on every single issue. I raised it on a $2 million bill about 30 minutes ago on the floor. At some point we have to pay for the stuff that we're spending or the very things that these veterans sacrifice for will be made completely and utterly worthless.”