John Thune: “I applaud my colleagues for coming together in a bi-partisan manner to fix the budget shortfall at the VA. I proudly…”

“I applaud my colleagues for coming together in a bi-partisan manner to fix the budget shortfall at the VA. I proudly cosponsored the amendment and believe it was the best thing and the right thing to do. The amendment will provide $1.5 billion in badly needed funds. Although the VA could limp along until fiscal year 2006, it would have to do so by raiding other accounts and cutting back on other projects. This is simply unacceptable. I am proud the Senate chose unity over division to make sure that the shortfall at the VA does not affect veterans. I applaud the Senate leadership, Republican and Democratic, for both decisive and effective action. The importance of adequately funding the VA cannot be understated. Along with our existing veterans, our men and women returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom need a VA that can support them and care for them. ____________________”