Doris Matsui: “The first amendment by Ranking Member Obey would pay for the $507 million cost for 20 routine military construction…”

“The first amendment by Ranking Member Obey would pay for the $507 million cost for 20 routine military construction projects instead of designating them as ``emergency spending'' so that the funding would not count against the bill's allocation. The Obey amendment pays for the 20 projects by reducing the tax cuts for people making more than $1 million a year by $1,400 or 1 percent. The second amendment by subcommittee Ranking Member Edwards provides the $735 million needed to fully fund the Defense Health Program throughout the next year. The cost of the amendment is offset by reducing by 2 percent the tax cut for those making over $1 million annually. The third amendment by Representative Farr, would increase veterans health care by $1.82 billion and pay for it by reducing the average tax cut for those with incomes above $1 million a year by about $5,000, leaving them with $109,025, Mr. Speaker, these amendments together will help us meet the obligations we have to the members of our military, our veterans and their families. This Nation made a promise to those serving in the military that they would receive quality health care in return for their valiant service to this country, and now that wounded soldiers are returning to their homes, they deserve the best medical treatment and care available. We can fix this today if we allow these amendments to be considered on the floor. But the only way that will happen is if we defeat the previous question.…”