Alan B. Mollohan: “The amendment would add $1.8 billion in additional funding to VA medical care. It is demonstrably true that veterans'…”

“The amendment would add $1.8 billion in additional funding to VA medical care. It is demonstrably true that veterans' medical care is in need of additional funding. More than 235,000 veterans are currently waiting six months or more for initial appointments. Veterans in certain areas of the country have reported waiting two years to see a doctor. The VA has now reached capacity at many health-care facilities and has closed enrollment to new patients at many hospitals and clinics. The VA has even taken the step of placing a moratorium on all marketing and outreach efforts. These problems are all symptoms of a larger illness--the VA consistently is not provided enough funds to provide all the benefits that are authorized for all veterans--not even in the area of medical care. I know that this amendment will be stricken on a point of order, but I was to express my support of it because we need to do more for veterans medical care.”