Ensured Payment During Fiscal Year 1996 of Veterans’ Benefits in Event of Lack of Appropriations.—

Sec. 201. Ensured Payment During Fiscal Year 1996 of Veterans’ Benefits in Event of Lack of Appropriations.— (a) Payments Required.— In any case during fiscal year 1996 in which appropriations are not otherwise available for programs, projects, and activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall nevertheless ensure that— (1) payments of existing veterans benefits are made in accordance with regular procedures and schedules and in accordance with eligibility requirements for such benefits; and (2) payments to contractors of the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs are made when due in the case of services provided that directly relate to patient health and safety. (b) Funding.— There is hereby appropriated such sums as may be necessary for the payments pursuant to subsection (a), including such amounts as may be necessary for the costs of administration of such payments. (c) Charging of Accounts When Appropriations Made.— In any case in which the Secretary uses the authority of subsection (a) to make payments, applicable accounts shall be charged for amounts so paid, and for the costs of administration of such payments, when regular appropriations become available for those purposes. (d) Existing Benefits Specified.— For purposes of this section, existing veterans benefits are benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that have been adjudicated and authorized for payment as of— (1) December 15, 1995; or (2) if appropriations for such benefits are available (other than pursuant to subsection (b)) after December 15, 1995, the last day on which appropriations for payment of such benefits are available (other than pursuant to subsection (b)).