[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 42 (Tuesday, March 7, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H2723]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


      CUTS IN VETERANS' BENEFITS CALLED CALLOUS AND UNCONSCIONABLE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 4, 1995, the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Stokes] is recognized 
during morning business for 3 minutes.
  Mr. STOKES. Madam Speaker, last week the House Appropriations 
Committee voted to drastically cut $206 million in funding for programs 
that serve our Nation's veterans. I do not think this is the proper way 
to demonstrate our commitment to individuals who have made the ultimate 
sacrifice in serving this Nation and protecting our lives and property.
  It is especially callous that these cuts come from funds earmarked 
for medical equipment and ambulatory care facilities. The Veterans' 
Administration currently has an unmet need of necessary medical 
equipment exceeding three-quarters of a billion dollars. The bill 
passed by the Appropriations Committee would increase that unmet need 
by at least $50 million.
  How can we even consider such reductions when information we hear 
daily tells us of new and emerging medical conditions being experienced 
by our veterans. Just when our veterans' medical centers and medical 
teams are recognizing and attempting to address these problems, the 
Republican-controlled House wants to slash funds that would be used to 
purchase such types of equipment as cat scanners, x-rays, EKG machines, 
and other vital equipment. Already, due to budget constraints, the VA 
is not able to replace and improve medical equipment nearly as often as 
the private sector.
  Even more shocking is the $156 million reduction in construction 
projects. These funds are targeted for ambulatory care facilities--a 
crucial aspect of the VA's medical care agenda at a time when our aging 
World War II veterans are requiring more medical assistance. Clearly, 
this is not the time to cut back on ambulatory care facilities.
  If the rescissions have been recommended by the Republicans on the 
committee to offset the costs of the California earthquake and other 
natural disasters, it will create another disaster for thousands of our 
veterans. If these actions are intended to offset the cost of future 
tax cuts--including capital gains for middle-class families and 
affluent investors--it is unconscionable.
  These cuts are ill-considered. The veterans of this Nation have 
dutifully served this country. We owe them the same full measure of 
devotion they gave in protecting this Nation with their lives.


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