House sends VA claims bill to Trump

WASHINGTON — Congress has sent the president a bill aimed at trimming a rapidly growing backlog of veterans’ disability claims.

The House approved the bill by voice vote Friday during a brief session, sending the measure to President Donald Trump. The House is on recess, but a handful of lawmakers gaveled the chamber in and out of a session that lasted less than five minutes.

The veterans bill, approved by the Senate on Aug. 1, would reduce the time it takes for the Department of Veterans Affairs to handle appeals from veterans unhappy with their disability payouts. The measure is part of an ongoing effort to reduce a longstanding claims backlog and is a priority for VA Secretary David Shulkin, who calls the appeals process “broken.”

Besides the claims bill, Congress also approved a measure to remove time restrictions on veterans’ use of GI Bill benefits and cleared a $3.9 billion emergency spending package to fix a looming budget crisis and extend a program that allows veterans to receive private medical care at government expense.

Trump is expected to sign all three bills.

AP/MARY ALTAFFER Dogs take part in “The Barking Project” art show Friday in New York City. The show features 10 sculptures and installations created specifically for dogs.