Frank Pallone: “America's veterans are still waiting. It has been a week now since the Department of Veterans Affairs finally admitted…”

“America's veterans are still waiting. It has been a week now since the Department of Veterans Affairs finally admitted that veterans health care funding was short $1 billion. As a result of that shortfall, VA facilities around the country can no longer schedule appointments for new veterans. House Republicans, however, do not seem to be too concerned. Democrats have tried repeatedly over the last week to offer amendments that would provide the VA the $1 billion so veterans can get the services they were promised, but Republicans have shot down every effort to increase funding. Last week, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Edwards) tried to offer an amendment to the Labor-HHS bill to eliminate the Republican VA funding shortfall, but the Republican majority refused to allow a vote. Then, yesterday the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Edwards) wanted to offer the amendment to the Transportation spending bill, and once again, Republicans refused to allow a vote. Mr. Speaker, this House should not adjourn for the 4th of July recess until we honor our promise to our veterans. ____________________”