William F. Smith: “I strongly support H.R. 2684. Last February I hosted a town meeting in Kerrville, Texas, to discuss the President's VA…”

“I strongly support H.R. 2684. Last February I hosted a town meeting in Kerrville, Texas, to discuss the President's VA budget and the future of the Kerrville VA Medical Center. Over 1,400 veterans attended and voiced their concerns about the President's proposed budget cuts that would reduce services at the Kerrville VA. At that time, the President had submitted a proposed VA budget that was woefully inadequate. It was an insult to those that have served our nation. But thanks to the leadership of the Appropriations Committee members and the millions of veterans around the country, this bill contains the largest veterans' medical care increase ever. In the face of a seriously under-funded Administration budget for veterans' health care, this bill sends a clear message: Veterans will continue to receive the high quality, accessible health care they were promised. Mr. Chairman, this budget keeps the promises that we made to our veterans. I urge passage of H.R. 2684.”