John Thune: “Yesterday the Senate, again, acted in a unified bipartisan manner when it voted 95 to 0 to add an additional $1.5…”

“Yesterday the Senate, again, acted in a unified bipartisan manner when it voted 95 to 0 to add an additional $1.5 billion to the Department of Veterans' Affairs. Although a family medical emergency unfortunately prevented me from being able to vote on the Murray amendment, I fully support the measure and would have gladly voted in favor of it. Even though the VA could provide some health care to veterans until fiscal year 2006, it would have to do so by taking funds from other accounts and slashing other projects. This is simply unacceptable. I am proud the Senate chose to emphasize our position that the VA needs an additional $1.5 billion to properly carry out its mission of caring for America's veterans. Thank you Mr. President. ____________________”