Political Quotes

“this bill on the floor today will significantly improve the lives of the veterans who have served us so honorably. H.R. 4514, Veterans Major Medical Facilities Construction Act, provides an increase to the Veterans Administration to improve patient care facilities. This bill is targeted at specified medical facility projects in California, Ohio, Alaska, Connecticut and Florida. It authorizes ten projects to improve, renovate and update patient care facilities at VA medical centers in these five states. The measure sets specific authorizations for each project in FY 2003 and an overall authorization of $285 million in FY 2003 for all ten projects. The much needed improvements in patient care at these facilities will include accommodations for veterans with disabilities, blind rehabilitation centers, programs for seriously mentally ill patients, rehabilitation programs for substance abuse, and facilities for hospice care. My colleagues may recall that when we were debating the rule for the Defense Authorization Act earlier this month, I expressed concerns about the projected rise in the number of veterans and retirees over the next few years, especially those over the age of 65. Caring for these Americans in the coming years will be one of the greatest challenges facing the military health care system and the Veterans Administration.”