WASHINGTON –  Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki is spelling out some of the dire consequences for veterans of a long-term government shutdown, with about 3.8 million veterans not getting a disability check next month if the shutdown continues into late October.
Shinseki says some 315,000 veterans and 202,000 surviving spouses and dependents would also see pension payments stopped.
In all, more than $6 billion in payments would be halted with an extended shutdown.
Shinseki is set to testify Wednesday before the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. The Associated Press obtained a copy of his written testimony.
In some areas, like health care delivery, there are fewer adverse effects. Congress provided funding for VA's health services a year in advance, so veterans can continue getting care at hospitals and clinics.