Guaranteed Funding of VA Health Care

I believe there is no more important way of honoring our veterans than to ensure they receive quality health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  Indeed, I think we should have guaranteed funding for the VA. I don 't think that the VA should be fighting every year to get enough money to take care of the people that took care of us.  In fact, I have voted in support of legislation that would have ensured full funding of veterans’ health care by taking into account the fluctuating number of veterans and inflation. I was proud to accept the “Unsung Hero of the 108th Congress” award from The American Legion for helping lead the way in securing a record increase in funding for veterans’ health care for fiscal year 2004.  

I also oppose the Administration’s proposal to impose an annual enrollment fee for veterans classified as priority 7 and priority 8 veterans, and likewise oppose the proposed increase in co-pays these veterans make for prescription drugs.