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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 27, 2006
STATEMENT OF REP. LANE EVANS (D-IL), RANKING DEMOCRATIC MEMBER
OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS
“SHARED SACRIFICE” A CONCEPT LONG OVERDUE
It is long overdue for the nation’s political and government leaders to
come together, change course and begin to implement policies that more
fairly allocate the burden of the war effort on our citizens. The nation
is engaged in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; clearly the time is right to
appreciate the need for a national sacrifice to help pay and support
such endeavors. Less than one percent of our citizenry volunteers to
defend the remaining 99 percent. Yet, this notion of shared sacrifice is
not embodied in the Administration’s domestic policies that unevenly
spread the burden of the war effort by giving tax cuts to the wealthiest
among us while shortchanging programs that benefit veterans and the
middle class. Current policies under the Republican-controlled
government expects veterans to sacrifice twice – once when they serve
their country in uniform, and a second time after they return to
civilian life – in the form of higher health care fees, pared-back
health care budgets, and delayed and denied access to care.
Throughout our short but noble history, this country has come together
under the principle of ‘shared sacrifice’ during times of war. Whether
it be purchasing of liberty bonds, planting “victory gardens,” rationing
of goods, entering military service, or perhaps volunteering at a VA
hospital to assist a wounded servicemember, or advocating for adequate
funding for veterans health care services. I am confident that we as
Americans are capable of joining together for the common good and begin
to share in the sacrifice that our servicemembers, veterans and military
families are currently experiencing.
I am so very proud of the men and women who make up our military, and
how they continue to serve professionally and sacrifice greatly in
challenging times. However, I am concerned that many in our society are
without any connection to those serving in the military today and are
left without any understanding of the sacrifices our servicemembers,
veterans and military families are currently experiencing. It is too
easy for those without loved ones in the military, without a personal
connection to the hardships of war, to become detached and begin to take
for granted the efforts of our all volunteer military force.
I am concerned that this Administration also appears to be disconnected
from the harsh realities facing our servicemembers, veterans, and
military families. Indeed, while many members of our military have been
called to fight in Afghanistan or Iraq, many for second and third tours,
the Administration appears unwilling to ask the American people to
sacrifice in any way. The Administration promotes tax cuts for the elite
while shortchanging funding for programs upon which servicemen and women
returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are depending upon. My
Democratic colleagues in the House of Representatives have tried to
increase funding for veterans’ health care to adequate levels, expand
TRICARE health care for the members of the National Guard and Reserves
and worked to defeat Administrative efforts to raise health care fees on
veterans.
Clearly, the time is right to change course, head in a new direction,
and begin asking the nation to share in the sacrifice during this time
of war. I am confident the American public is willing to participate in
this necessary effort and answer the call to truly support our
servicemembers, veterans, and military families. Our comfort, peace and
security depend on them; they should know they can depend on us.
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Larry Scott
