Conference Report on H.R. 2528, Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs Approriations Act, 2006
CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 2528, MILITARY QUALITY OF LIFE AND VETERANS AFFAIRS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2006 -- (Extensions of Remarks - December 08, 2005)
SPEECH OF
HON. BETTY McCOLLUM
OF MINNESOTA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2005
Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the conference report on Military Quality of Life/Veterans Affairs appropriations for Fiscal Year 2006 and to commend the conferees for their hard work on this legislation.
Mr. Speaker, this has been a difficult year for veterans--there has been misrepresentation, confusion, and overall misuse of the funding allocated to the Medical Services Account for the Department of Veterans Affairs. I have heard from veterans in my District, and throughout Minnesota, of their extreme concern regarding funding for the VA. Veterans in Minnesota and this country have told me that they are worried about how the funding shortfall that was revealed over the summer will directly impact their VA benefits.
The good news for veterans today is this bill provides $22.5 billion for Veterans Medical Services for Fiscal Year 2006, $1.7 billion more than the current funding level and 3 percent more than the Administration's request. This conference report also provides $1.2 billion in emergency funding for the Medical Services account. I am pleased to be able to tell Minnesota veterans that Congress heard their concerns, values their service, and will keep our promises regarding their health care.
The mental health and welfare of our returning soldiers, and of our veterans, must be a priority. The agreement also includes $2.2 billion specifically reserved for mental health care, and designates $15 million: for further research into Gulf War Illness. Too many soldiers return and do not have access to proper mental health care. We have an obligation to do all that we can to address these conditions and help these brave men and women rebuild their lives. This bill takes an important step in providing this care.
I am also very pleased that Congress rejected the Administration's proposals for imposing new fees for health care services. When the Administration proposed a $250 enrollment fee for particular veterans without service-connected disabilities, and an increase in drug co-payments to $15, I heard loud and clear from the veterans throughout Minnesota that this would greatly impact their health and well-being.
Veterans' health care should not be cut to solve the budget deficit. Veterans deserve to continue to have access to affordable, quality health care. It is what they were promised and it is our responsibility to ensure that those services remain for today's--and tomorrow's--servicemen and women.
Mr. Speaker, the Americans who have served our country in the Armed Services deserve to return home to a country that values their service. This agreement reflects, in part, the gratitude of Congress for their sacrifices, and I am proud to support it.
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