Democratic Budget Rejects Bush Proposals, Keeps Veterans in VA System (Rep. Bob Filner)

Rep. Filner is chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

The Democratic budget resolution rejects the Bush administration’s plan to institute enrollment fees and increase pharmacy copayments — a plan that would effectively force many veterans out of the VA system.  This budget also rejects the President’s proposed cuts to new facility construction projects and cuts to medical and prosthetic research programs at the VA.  The Democratic budget resolution provides needed funding to care for our returning service members and provide more comprehensive mental health care and resources to address the needs of homeless veterans.

Veterans of earlier wars are just as appreciated and respected as the troops currently serving overseas.  Our test as a Congress and as a nation is how we honor the commitments made to all our veterans.  This budget builds on the historical funding increases for veterans programs last year, recognizes the needs faced by America’s veterans today, and invests in our veterans for tomorrow.

In this time of war, as we continue to send men and women into harm’s way, we must be committed and prepared to fully provide the resources to care for these heroes upon their return — and this budget does that.