Appropriation Language For necessary operating expenses of the Veterans Administration, not otherwise provided for, including uniforms or allowances therefor, as authorized by law; not to exceed $2,500 for official reception and representation expenses; purchase of one passenger motor vehicle (medium sedan for replacement only) and hire of passenger motor vehicles; and reimbursement of the General Services Administration for security guard services; [$320,821,000] $315,000,000. (5 U.S.C. chaps. 1-7, 21-89; 6 U.S.c. 14-15; 24 U.S.C. 30; 28 U.S.C. 2672; 31 U.S.C. 530a, 686; 38 U.S.C. 111, 112; chaps. 3, 41, 55, 57, 59, 71; 41 U.S.C. 5; 72 Stat. 1262-1264; 74 Stat. 793-799; Department of Housing and Urban Development; Space, Science, Veterans, and Certain Other Independent Agencies Appropriation Act, 1973.) General Statement This appropriation provides for the administration of all non-medical veterans benefits through the Department of Veterans Benefits; data processing operations and communications systems through the Department of Data Management; and top management direction and support through agency-level staff offices. The FY 1974 request of $315,000,000 is a net decrease of $5,821,000 below the total amount for FY 1973. Continued emphasis will be placed on providing veterans and their beneficiaries quality assistance. Benefit workloads are expected to be processed in a timely manner but at a reduced cost per work unit. This decrease in unit cost is related to an increase in employee productivity to be brought about by improvements in management and the work processes. This is in part reflected in the reduction of $5.8 million in the appropriation request in 1974 as compared to the 1973 level. More effective use of automated data processing is also expected to aid in providing better service to the veteran public. The following table presents fiscal year comparisons of average employment and appropriation requirements for the "General Operating Expenses" appropriation. DISTRIBUTION OF BUDGET AUTHORITY The following chart depicts the relative distribution of FY 1974 budget authority for the General Operating Expenses budget totaling $315,000,000. This budget funds General Administration which consists of nine agency. level staff offices, including the Office of the Administrator, and the Departments of Data Management and Veterans Benefits. |