Albio Sires: “as America prepares to honor our veterans and those who continue to wear the uniform this weekend, the Democratic…”

“as America prepares to honor our veterans and those who continue to wear the uniform this weekend, the Democratic Congress is proud of our record over the last 10 months that has provided real support for our troops and our veterans. Today, we will take a vote on a final veterans bill that increases funding for veterans health care by $6.7 billion, making it the single largest increase in veterans funding in the 77-year history of the Veterans Administration. This bill invests $3.8 billion more than the President requested. The final conference report also includes $500 million above the President's request for much-needed maintenance in VA health care facilities, and $600 million more than the President's request for mental health, PTSD and traumatic brain injury. This investment is critically important at a time when one-third of the veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan face mental health challenges. Madam Speaker, today let us ensure that no veteran is left behind by supporting this bill that fulfills our promises to our Nation's veterans.”