Historic Increase in Vets' Funding Becomes Reality with Release of Billions in New Funds

Statement

Historic Increase in Vets' Funding Becomes Reality with Release of Billions in New Funds

Congressman Joe Courtney welcomed the decision by President Bush today to release $3.7 billion in new funding for veterans health care provided late last year by Congress - the single largest increase in veterans' health care in the 77-year history of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

President Bush threatened to withhold this additional funding because it represented a larger increase than he had requested from the Congress. Congressman Courtney strongly advocated for the quick release of the additional $3.7 billion by signing a letter to the President on December 21, 2007 urging its immediate release to meet the needs of our nation's veterans.

"This is a landmark day for our nation's veterans who have deserved so much more than they have received for a very long time," stated Courtney. "For generations we have talked about the need to take care of our wounded warriors, but with the release of this historic infusion of funds, this Congress has delivered on that promise."

The funds will be used to dramatically improve services for veterans of all wars, including Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. There are currently 5.8 million patients in the VA system, including 263,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. This significant influx of funding will help cut the backlog of veterans (400,000 claims) waiting for their earned benefits by adding 1,800 claims processors.

Connecticut is home to more than 251,000 veterans of which there are an untold number of individuals suffering from combat related injuries requiring continued treatment at a VA facility.

In addition, this funding includes a critical increase in the disable veterans travel reimbursement rate - the first in nearly 30 years. Since 1977, the mileage reimbursement rate has been 11 cents per mile, but this funding will bring that rate more up to date to 28.5 cents per mile. For many, traveling to VA appointments is cost prohibitive and this legislation includes an amendment that was supported by Congressman Courtney to increase the mileage reimbursement rate for veterans traveling to medical appointments.

"I am particularly pleased that we will finally update the mileage reimbursement rate because with current gas prices, a veteran traveling from the Quiet Corner to the West Haven VA has had to dig deep into his pockets to get the care he needs," added Courtney.

Congressman Courtney sent a letter to VA Secretary James Peake on January 14, 2008 urging him to quickly implement the increased mileage reimbursement upon the President's release of the $3.7 billion for veterans' services. This will ensure that there is no delay in getting this much needed increase in the mileage reimbursement to veterans who need it.

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