Daniel Akaka: “Over the past 10 years, VA has made tremendous strides in its delivery of health care. In fact, VA's quality of care…”

“Over the past 10 years, VA has made tremendous strides in its delivery of health care. In fact, VA's quality of care currently surpasses that of the private sector, according to several notable studies. Though VA has been able to provide high-quality care despite less than generous budgets, we cannot count on that holding true. Indeed, if the administration's proposed cuts for VA care come to fruition, VA will no doubt begin to lose its footing. The President's budget offers a very modest increase for VA care--one that does not even cover medical inflation. Veterans groups are united in saying that the proposed budget is not sufficient. The Disabled American Veterans has called the Administration's budget, 'one of the most tight-fisted, miserly budgets in recent memory.' The Paralyzed Veterans of America says that this budget shortchanges America's 'sick and disabled veterans.' The President's budget calls on VA to save some $600 million by squeezing efficiencies out of the system. I have been to VA hospitals and clinics, and I can tell my colleagues that $600 million worth of efficiencies are not possible without cutting staff and services, the very services that have made VA care excellent.”