From the Office of Senator Kerry

Monday, August 25, 2003

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator John Kerry issued the following statement regarding a Veterans Administration proposal to cut beds at the Bedford, Massachusetts, VA Hospital:

“I believe our veterans have fought enough and they shouldn’t have to fight, year after year, for the benefits they have already earned. Our veterans’ health care shouldn’t depend on the yearly whims of budget cutters. They’ve earned their benefits. Those benefits ought to be there.

“The Bedford hospital is well respected across the country for many of its programs and the quality of care it offers veterans from across New England. The plan to move some of its services is a bad decision that will cause veterans to lose their beds and must be reconsidered.

“In addition to cutting important services at the Bedford facility, this proposal sends a message to veterans everywhere that this Administration is not willing to keep the commitment our government made to them when they signed up to serve. America’s veterans deserve an Administration that respects their service, but that is not what they are getting right now.”

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