Patty Murray: “first, I thank Senator Akaka for his tremendous leadership on this veterans issue. I couldn't agree with him more. This…”

“first, I thank Senator Akaka for his tremendous leadership on this veterans issue. I couldn't agree with him more. This isn't about a bidding war; this is about getting it right. I want to, first of all, thank Senator Burns for his amendment because what it does is recognizes and acknowledges the serious problem we have today in making sure we have the funds available to pay for the services that our veterans not only deserve but were promised to them. We are at a critical time in our Nation's history. We are at war. What message does it send to those we have sent overseas if we are telling veterans today that they are going to have to pay copays and increased fees once they return? What message does it send to those who are serving us overseas today that the veterans who have gone before them are waiting in long lines, they are not getting help and the promises that were given to them? What I appreciate is that Senator Burns' amendment acknowledges the serious challenge we have within this budget in making sure we meet the rising demand for our veterans today. I know Senator Craig has said we have increased the VA budget dramatically. My colleagues all remember us last year having to come to the floor to add billions of dollars to the veterans budget because we were shorthanded. But, Mr. President, to many of us, you will recall, it was not a surprise.…”