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Lawmakers: VA hid details as budget crisis loomed

WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawmakers from both parties accused the Department of Veterans Affairs Wednesday of hiding details of a budget crisis that could force the shutdown of some VA hospitals next month.

The VA said last week it may shutter hospitals unless Congress closes a $2.5 billion shortfall caused by a sharp increase in demand by veterans for health care, including costly treatments for the deadly hepatitis C virus.

Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., the chairman of the House Veterans Affairs committee, said he was shocked at the magnitude of the VA’s problems and outraged that Congress was not notified until nearly 10 months into the budget year.