Paul Ryan: “It is no secret that our veterans population is aging. In fact, in 2010--over half of the veterans population will be…”

“It is no secret that our veterans population is aging. In fact, in 2010--over half of the veterans population will be over the age of 62. Currently, 36 percent of all veterans are over the age of 65 and that number is expected to increase exponentially over the next eight years. The increasing age of most veterans means additional demands for medical services for eligible veterans. This surge of older veterans will undoubtedly put a strain on our nation's Veterans Health Services. The House and Senate approved $90 million in funding for the State Extended Care Facilities Construction Grant Program for FY99 and FY00. This year, however, the Committee has funded the program at $60 million--$30 million below last year's funding. This amendment would increase funding for these States Care Facilities by $30 million to the fiscal year 2000 level of $90 million. Last year, 354 Members of Congress voted to support our aging veteran population by voting for a similar amendment to restore funding the State Nursing Homes Construction Grant Program in the VA-HUD Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2000. Once again, this amendment must be offered to prevent a massive, 33 percent cut in funding to this vital, cost-effect program for our veterans.”