Durbin Statement Regarding Senate Vote to Provide $1.5 Billion in Emergency Funding for Veterans' Health Care

DURBIN STATEMENT REGARDING SENATE VOTE TO PROVIDE $1.5 BILLION IN EMERGENCY FUNDING FOR VETERANS' HEALTH CARE

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today made the following statement regarding the Senate passage of a $1.5 billion emergency supplemental for health care in the Veterans Administration (VA):

"Today the Senate has acted to fix a shortfall of more than $1 billion for veterans' health care. In addition to standard medical care, these additional funds will help the VA accommodate the increasing number of soldiers requiring treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) support for their families."

"I am heartened by the fact that this was such a bipartisan effort, but I continue to be frustrated by this Administration's refusal to admit the true costs of war, which must include adequate health care for our veterans."

"Earlier this year, I traveled across Illinois and met with veterans, many of whom have recently returned from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Some of these soldiers have scars that are not visible but affect their lives in profound ways. It was clear to me then, as it has been clear to Senator Patty Murray and other Senate Democrats since the President sent his supplemental request to Congress that the VA is ill-prepared to deal with the increasing numbers of soldiers who require medical treatment. Yet time and time again, the Administration refused to take action and provide the necessary funding."

"The amendment the Senate passed today will allow the VA to put appropriate medical staff at clinics and hospitals to help veterans from wars past and those now returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan."

"This week the President spoke at Fort Bragg about supporting our troops. Adequately funding veterans' health care is one of the most basic ways to support our brave fighting men and women."

http://durbin.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=239975&&