Gordon Praises Release of Veterans Health Care Funding

January 18, 2008, WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon praised the president’s release Thursday (Jan. 17) of $3.7 billion in additional veterans funding passed by Congress to provide the largest single funding increase in the 77-year history of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“With this funding, Congress has begun to fulfill our promises to honor American veterans with both our words and our deeds,” said Gordon. “The United States can do a better job of ensuring our veterans have the resources and benefits they have earned and improved facilities to provide the care they deserve.”

With the release of the funding, the 110th Congress has provided an additional $6.7 billion over last year’s budget. The funding will go toward:
• Strengthening quality health care for 5.8 million patients nationwide, including about 263,000 veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq;
• Maintaining VA health care facilities;
• Treating post-traumatic stress disorder;
• Adding 1,800 claims processors to reduce the backlog of 400,000 claims from veterans waiting for earned benefits; and
• Providing shorter waiting lines for veterans waiting almost 6 months to receive their benefits.

The funding increase won support and praise from America’s leading veterans’ organizations, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Officers Association of America, Paralyzed Veterans of America, AmVets and Disabled American Veterans.

“My father and my uncle served in World War II. Their service motivated me to volunteer at the VA when I was growing up, and it led me to volunteer for the Army,” said Gordon. “I know the sacrifices made by members of our military and their families. That’s why providing quality care and services to them is one of my top priorities.”