Rep. Cardin Calls On Bush To Immediately Correct Shortage In Veterans' Health Care
Rep. Cardin Calls On Bush To Immediately Correct Shortage In Veterans' Health Care
U.S. Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin today joined 207 members of the House in calling on President Bush to address a $1.3 billion shortfall in veterans' health care funding identified by the Administration last week.
"Additional funding is urgently needed today to care for troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as the heroes from former conflicts who rely upon the VA for their health care," the letter to the President stated.
The letter urges President Bush to submit a supplemental appropriations bill to Congress for FY2005 to address the veterans' health care shortfall in this year's appropriations, and calls on the President to submit budgets in the future that more accurately meet the needs of our veterans.
"Maryland has approximately 473,000 veterans and they must be provided quality, comprehensive health care services. I am very troubled that funding for veterans' health care beyond 2007 is cut significantly below the amount needed merely to account for inflation," said Rep. Cardin.
During a House Veterans Affairs Committee hearing last week, Jonathan B. Perlin, undersecretary for health for the Department of Veterans Affairs, acknowledged that there is a shortfall of at least $1 billion this year in the VA budget.
The Congressman also pointed out that the Administration also has proposed a new, annual user fee of $250 for VA care and increasing co-payments for prescription drugs from $7 to $15 on non service-connected veterans earning $25,000 or more.
"I am very troubled that the Administration is not living up to its promise to veterans and their families," said Rep. Cardin. "I worry not only about the damage this shortfall will bring to the thousands of veterans currently waiting for health care, but also about the message this sends to our newest veterans and the troops currently serving our country."
http://www.cardin.house.gov/News.asp?ARTICLE3099=85292