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  The Nation's #1 Independent Veterans Web Site Click here to make VA Watchdog dot Org your homepage VA NEWS FLASH from Larry Scott at VA Watchdog dot Org -- 05-15-2007 #1 |
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The Nation's #1 Independent Veterans Web Site Click here to make VA Watchdog dot Org your homepage VA NEWS FLASH from Larry Scott at VA Watchdog dot Org -- 05-15-2007 #1 |
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UPDATE: VA's TALKING POINTS FOR KUSSMAN NOMINATION SHOW SUPPORT FROM DAV and VFW -- Why are the Service Organizations backing this nomination when Kussman refuses to seek more funding for VA healthcare?
Story below: ---------------
Kussman's record of deceit and inaction show
him to be unqualified to hold this permanent position. See details
in story here... The VA is pushing the Kussman nomination. He has the support of VA Secretary Nicholson. In simple terms: This is nothing more than politics as usual...the "good old boy" network taking care of each other. But, sadly, two Service Organizations, the DAV and VFW, also support Kussman and their statements are being used in VA's talking points supporting the nomination. Why are these two veterans' organizations lining up behind a nominee who is part of the status quo that maintains the VA is adequately funded and steadfastly refuses to seek more funding? I wish I had an answer for that. In April 2006, in an interview with a Fox News
reporter, Kussman said of the VA budget: "We believe we have the
resources..." That story here... And this year, while testifying before the House Vets' Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation, Kussman continually stated the VA had adequate funding. Kussman has never pushed for more VA healthcare funding. This, while veterans wait months and even years for healthcare. The service organizations have it wrong on the Kussman nomination. Let us take action now! Please call or email the Members of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs...and let them know that Kussman must not be confirmed. Here are the phone numbers ... Democratic Staff (202) 224-9126 ... Republican Staff (202) 224-2074. And, here is the link to the Members page where
you will be able to pick a Member to contact... Below are the comments from the DAV and VFW and a link to the complete VA talking point document. The DAV says: “Dr. Kussman’s focus has always been how do we make the VA better, more efficient, effective, less burdensome for the veteran and continue to enhance our mission of providing medical care that is secondary to none for a very special segment of the American population. His drive, passion and commitment toward that end is commendable and reflective of a compassionate physician, health care executive and unique public servant.” Dave Gorman, DAV Washington Office Director The VFW says: “I am pleased to join with my many colleagues in the Veterans Service Community in strongly supporting the President's nomination of Dr. Michael Kussman for the position of Undersecretary for the Veterans Health Administration. Dr. Kussman's professional credentials are unquestionable. In my personal dealings with Dr. Kussman I have found him to be very knowledgeable, honest and display excellence in leadership with the highest level of integrity. The Veterans of Foreign Wars looks to the U.S. Senate for swift action on his confirmation for this vitally important leadership position for America's veterans.” Bob Wallace, VFW Washington Office Director Full VA talking points on Kussman here... Notice that there is not one mention of VA healthcare funding in the statements from the DAV and VFW. Again...let's let the Senate Vets' Committee know we do NOT want business as usual when it comes to VA healthcare. Please call or email the Members of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs...and let them know that Kussman must not be confirmed. Here are the phone numbers ... Democratic Staff (202) 224-9126 ... Republican Staff (202) 224-2074. And, here is the link to the Members page where
you will be able to pick a Member to contact... --------------- Don't forget to read all of today's VA News Flashes (click here) Click here to make VA Watchdog dot Org your homepage email Larry PGP key on request (go back to VA Watchdog dot Org Home Page)
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