Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004-Continued

DEPARTMENTS OF VETERANS AFFAIRS AND HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2004-CONTINUED

CARES INITIATIVE

Mr. SCHUMER. It is my understanding that the managers of this legislation have agreed to work to address the concerns shared by Sen. CLINTON, Sen. ENZI, myself and others through the inclusion of language in the conference report on the FY04 VA-HUD Appropriations Act. It is my further understanding that this language will specifically address our concerns regarding the CARES Initiative's impact on long-term care, domiciliary care and mental health care as well as the ability of veterans to attend and participate in hearings regarding facility closings and the special needs of rural veterans in the process. I also understand that the managers have agreed to send a letter to Secretary Principi on these matters. In addition I understand that I will join my colleagues and the managers in submitting a longer colloquy for the record with the specific language to be included.

Mr. BOND. That understanding is correct and I look forward to working with my colleagues on this issue.

Ms. MIKULSKI. I share that understanding as well and thank my colleagues.