DeGette Urges Bush to End Shortage of Vets' Health Care

DeGette Urges Bush to End Shortage of Vets' Health Care

Democratic Chief Deputy Whip Diana DeGette (D-CO) joined all 205 of her Democratic colleagues in the House of Representatives, and 1 Independent in calling on President George W. Bush to provide $1 billion in funding for veterans' health care to cover a budget shortfall that the Administration identified last week.

On Friday June 24, the Washington Post reported that the Bush Administration acknowledged that it is under funding the Department of Veterans Affairs by $1 billion this year. The shortfall emerged during an administration midyear budget review and was only acknowledged during lengthy questioning of Jonathan B. Perlin, VA undersecretary for health, by House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Steve Buyer (R-IN).

"I am sad to report that the Bush Administration is not living up to its promise to veterans and their families," said Rep. DeGette. "The VA is already straining under the needs of our World War II, Korea and Vietnam veterans. As more and more returning Iraq and Afghan vets begin turn to the VA for health care, the system will break if we do not act now. This Administration needs to immediately provide the VA sufficient funding for us to fulfill our obligation to America's veterans."

The House Democrats asked President Bush to submit a request to Congress this year to address the veteran's health care shortfall now. They also called on the President to submit future budgets that more accurately assess and meet the needs of our veterans.

Unfortunately, the Department of Veterans Affairs appears to have other priorities. According to a June 27 Washington Post article, the VA has placed hanging pictures of VA Secretary Jim Nicholson in all of its VA facilities, medical clinics and community clinics around the country the highest priority.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/co01_degette/050629.html