DeLauro, House Democrats Urge President to Provide Supplemental Veterans' Health Care Funding

DeLauro, House Democrats Urge President to Provide Supplemental Veterans' Health Care Funding

Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) today joined every House Democrat and one independent in a letter to President Bush asking that he submit a supplemental funding request for veterans' health care. The lawmakers ask that he add at least $1.3 billion to address the shortfall in veterans' health care funding the Administration has identified and that he submit an amended FY 2006 budget to account for the veterans' health care shortfall.

"This week the administration announced that it had misjudged our veterans' health care needs by over a billion dollars," said DeLauro. "Our country has a moral obligation to those who put their lives on the line for this nation, which is why the president must submit a supplemental funding request to Congress. During a time of war when are troops are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, the president must not shortchange veterans' health care."

In March, DeLauro offered an amendment to the DeLauro offered an amendment to the supplemental appropriations bill that would have increased mental health spending for returning veterans by $263 million.

The full text of the letter follows.

June 29, 2005

President George W. Bush
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

We are writing to request that you submit a FY 2005 supplemental funding request adding at least $1.3 billion to address the shortfall in veterans' health care funding that your Administration has identified. This additional funding is urgently needed today to care for troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as the heroes from former conflicts who rely upon the VA for their health care. In addition, we request that you submit an amended FY 2006 budget to account for the veterans' health care shortfall that is now evident in your Administration's 2006 budget request.

In our estimation, your FY 2005 VA budget request was short $2.5 billion. While Congress added $1.2 billion, your budget remained $1.3 billion short. It appears the VA now agrees with our original estimate.

The 2006 budget request was similarly short. What is even more troubling is that funding for veterans' health care beyond 2007 is cut significantly below the amount needed merely to account for inflation. In the future, we urge you to submit veterans' budgets that more accurately reflect the resource requirements of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the health care needs of current veterans and the many thousands returning from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. At a time of war, funding for veterans must be made a clear and unmistakable priority.

We await the submission of your FY 2005 supplemental funding request and amended FY 2006 budget.

Sincerely,

http://www.house.gov/delauro/press/2005/June/vets_supp_06_29_05.html