John Bel Edwards: “Passage of the budget resolution as presented would be a disservice to those men and women who have served this country…”

“Passage of the budget resolution as presented would be a disservice to those men and women who have served this country and who are currently serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world in the fight against terrorism. Those are not my words; those are not the words of some Democrat. They are the words written in a letter yesterday to all House Members signed by the legislative directors of the Disabled American Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, and the Paralyzed Veterans of America. Why is it these nonpartisan, respected national veterans organizations are strongly opposing this budget resolution? The answer is simple: they believe, as I do, that it is wrong and unfair to reduce veterans health care services during a time of war. Now, my Republican colleagues will tell Members that this bill increases veterans health care spending. It is what they do not tell Members that will harm veterans all across America. The truth is this budget for veterans health care does not even keep track with inflation. The truth is this budget will reduce veterans health care services by $1.3 billion this year and by as much as $21 billion over 5 years even though our Nation is at war.”