Tom Harkin: “during the deliberations over the fiscal year 1999 Defense Authorization bill, I offered an amendment to increase…”

“during the deliberations over the fiscal year 1999 Defense Authorization bill, I offered an amendment to increase spending for our nation's veterans medical needs. The amendment, offered on June 25th and numbered as 2982 would have allowed the transfer of $329 million from the defense budget to support the VA medical budget. The amendment would have transferred funds so as to avoid harming the readiness of the Armed Forces and the quality of life of military personnel and their families. The amendment's description was incomplete as to the listing of cosponsors and I would like to correct the record at this time. Along with Senator Wellstone of Minnesota, Senator Bingaman of New Mexico, also a longtime champion of veterans, should have been included as a cosponsor. Although the amendment did not receive the support of a majority of my colleagues, I appreciate the cosponsorship by Senator Bingaman and Senator Wellstone. I also appreciate the support of the 35 other Senators who voted in favor of increasing VA medical funding.”