Steven Holt: “I rise today to support the Military Quality of Life Appropriations Bill (H.R. 5385). This is an improvement, albeit a…”

“I rise today to support the Military Quality of Life Appropriations Bill (H.R. 5385). This is an improvement, albeit a small one, over the President's budget request for the Department of Veterans Affairs. In total, the Committee provided an additional $635 illion above the President's budget. Everyone on my side ofthe aisle-- and all of the veteran service organizations--viewed that figure as inadequate. Several of my colleagues--including Mr. Edwards, Mr. Farr, and Mr. Obey--did their best to get the committee to fund adequately hospital construction, personnel hiring, and health care delivery initiatives that are vital to meeting our veterans needs. Instead, the committee voted to give still more tax cuts to millionaires. Whom do we value more--those who make millions, or those whose valor made it possible for the millionaires to flourish in peace and freedom in the first place? On January 17, 2003, the Bush Administration stopped enrolling new Priority 8 veterans for VA medical care, and the President's budget continues this restrictive policy. This Republican policy has denied health care to 273,000 and prevented 1 million veterans, who make as little as $26,902, from enrolling in VA health care. Those who are eligible are often forced to wait in line for care.…”