WASHINGTON (October 22, 2009)—President Barack Obama praised Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, and other lawmakers Thursday as he signed the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009.

The bill is intended to provide the Department of Veterans Affairs advance appropriations to craft its health care budget a full year in advance.

Mr. Obama said the bill would help the VA plan how to pay for its services as it cares for 23 million veterans, something that until now was difficult for the department to do.

The White House said the change was needed to protect veterans' programs, given that Congress has been late 20 of the last 23 years in passing a budget bill.

Aides said the uncertainty of the budget process harms those who have served in uniform.

“At this very moment, the VA is operating without a budget, making it harder for VA medical centers and clinics to deliver the care our vets need,” Mr. Obama said.

As he signed the measure Thursday, Mr. Obama singled out Edwards as “somebody who has been fighting for veterans since he entered into Congress and is just tireless on this issue.”

Edwards said passage of the measure was a top priority for veterans service groups.

“For the first time ever, Congress has passed and the president has signed into law legislation that provides an advance appropriation for VA Medical Care,” Edwards said.

“This new law keeps America’s promise to our veterans who have kept their promise to defend and protect our great nation, and sends a clear message that we appreciate and respect their service and sacrifice,” he said.