Louis Stokes: “last week the House Appropriations Committee voted to drastically cut $206 million in funding for programs that serve…”

“last week the House Appropriations Committee voted to drastically cut $206 million in funding for programs that serve our Nation's veterans. I do not think this is the proper way to demonstrate our commitment to individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice in serving this Nation and protecting our lives and property. It is especially callous that these cuts come from funds earmarked for medical equipment and ambulatory care facilities. The Veterans' Administration currently has an unmet need of necessary medical equipment exceeding three-quarters of a billion dollars. The bill passed by the Appropriations Committee would increase that unmet need by at least $50 million. How can we even consider such reductions when information we hear daily tells us of new and emerging medical conditions being experienced by our veterans. Just when our veterans' medical centers and medical teams are recognizing and attempting to address these problems, the Republican-controlled House wants to slash funds that would be used to purchase such types of equipment as cat scanners, x-rays, EKG machines, and other vital equipment. Already, due to budget constraints, the VA is not able to replace and improve medical equipment nearly as often as the private sector. Even more shocking is the $156 million reduction in construction projects.…”