Political Quotes

“I thank the ranking member for yielding and for her leadership on the VA Committee. Mr. Speaker, I rise in reluctant support of this bill, S. 2082, the VA Expiring Authorities Act. As my colleagues have outlined, this legislation will extend the authorization for some very good programs at the VA that provide valuable support and services for our Nation's heroes. I have serious concerns, however, about one provision included in the bill. Title V raises the authorization for the Denver medical facility by more than $600 million. This facility is already $1 billion over budget and years behind schedule. The bill, however, does not explain how we are going to pay for this increase. That will come later today when the House considers a continuing resolution to keep the government running for another 10 weeks. Buried in the CR is a provision that allows the VA to play a shell game within their budget to pay for the Denver project. Now, we all believe that veterans everywhere, including in Denver, should have access to the best health care possible. But the funds for the Denver project should not come at the expense of veterans in Nevada and in other parts of the country. Nonetheless, the VA has identified the $600 million to pay for the Denver facility and has said that these specific cuts are designed to ``minimize the impact on veterans.'' Well, this couldn't be further from the truth, and it ignores reality. It is the epitome of robbing Peter to pay Paul.…”