Congress Keeps Country’s Promises to Military and Veterans — Finally

Washington, D.C. -- Washington, D.C. – “For many years, America has promised young men and women that if they would serve their country in the armed forces, a grateful nation would see to their needs when they came home,” said U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie. “Finally, we are beginning to make good on the promise.”

Abercrombie, who chairs the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces, referred to today’s release by the President of $3.7 billion in additional veterans funding approved by Congress – the largest single funding increase in the 77-year history of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“I’m certain that most Americans were shocked to learn a year ago that we had a crisis in medical care for soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan,” Abercrombie said.  “This Congress took action, and after opposing the additional funding to begin with, the Bush Administration finally agreed that the need was critical.

Many of Hawaii’s more than 102,000 veterans will benefit directly from the increase, which will be used to:

Expand and improve treatment facilities for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injuries, two of the signature conditions from the war in Iraq;

Add claims processors to reducing the backlog of veterans waiting for approval of their benefits; and

Cut the waiting time for doctor appointments.

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