Political Quotes

“I rise in opposition to the motion to instruct the conferees to agree to Senate provisions that would cut discretionary spending over 5 years by an additional $43 billion and outlays by $26 billion below the caps set by last year's deficit reduction package. I will oppose the motion because if enacted it would have a serious impact on VA's health care system. You have already heard from many of your constituents about the inadequate budget for VA hospitals, outpatient clinics, and nursing homes. You've heard complaints about inadequate equipment and long waiting periods in order to get appointments with specialists. If we cut an additional $43 billion in budget authority over the next 5 years, I can tell you that you will hear even more complaints from veterans than you have in the past. Since there is no indication how the cuts will be made, we assume that VA would take its fair share of the cuts and, therefore, I shall oppose the motion to instruct the conferees. Cuts in discretionary funds are killing us. Every time we come in here, someone is trying to take it away from veterans' programs.”