Statement of Rep. Lane Evans (D-IL) on the Military Quality of Life and VA Appropriations Conference Report

Washington, DC - Today, the House of Representatives will vote on the Military Quality of Life and VA Appropriations conference report, which provides funding for veterans benefits and health care services.  The conference report is a step in the right direction, especially in light of the Bush Administration's and Republican-controlled Congress' ongoing attempts to cut funding that assists our servicemembers and veterans.  However, it is only a step, and I am disappointed the bill does not match the amount I and my Democratic colleagues on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee recommended months ago for VA medical care.

It is imperative that we in Congress provide the necessary resources to address the needs of our veterans.  Although I intend to support passage of the bill, I still believe more resources are needed to adequately fund the veterans' health care system.  Indeed, last year we saw the VA experience a dangerous funding shortfall - we must not allow that to happen again. 

I believe that taking care of the needs of servicemembers, veterans and military families should be one of our highest priorities.  This is why I am especially concerned over GOP attempts to force through across-the-board spending cuts.  Such an act would represent the high point of hypocrisy, promising increased funding on one hand and cutting that very same funding with the other hand.   We must ensure that the administration and the Republican-controlled Congress do not cut veterans' spending to pay for tax cuts for millionaires.

I am pleased that Congress is rejecting the President's continued misguided attempts to install an enrollment fee of $250 for VA health care and more than double prescription drug copayments during a time of war.  I certainly hope we don't see these outrageous legislative recommendations included in the President's upcoming budget request for fiscal year 2007.

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