Bill could double VA health-care spending

Spending on health care for veterans could double in three years under the Senate's solution to the long waits experienced by thousands seeking care at VA hospitals and clinics, according to congressional budget experts. Analyzing a bill that the Senate passed overwhelmingly on Wednesday, the Congressional Budget Office estimates the measure would add $35 billion over the next three years to the $44 billion the government now spends annually on medical care for veterans. Both the Senate bill and a House version also passed last week would dramatically expand government-paid health care.