[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 110 (Wednesday, July 23, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1560]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              VETERANS HEALTH CARE IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2003

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. MICHAEL H. MICHAUD

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 21, 2003

  Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support H.R. 2357, the 
Assured Funding for Veterans Health Care Act of 2003 and I would like 
to thank Congressman Evans, Ranking Member of the Veterans' Affairs 
Committee for introducing this important measure.
  As we speak, our young men and women in uniform are selflessly 
risking their lives in Iraq and in Afghanistan. The bravery that they 
show reflects the proud tradition of this nation's military and 
demonstrates the great sacrifices made by our veterans and their 
families. America owes a great debt to its veterans.
  Recently, the President's Task Force to Improve Health Care Delivery 
for Veterans released its final report, which noted ``a significant 
mismatch in VA between demand and available funding.'' To ensure 
funding for veterans' health care, the report recommends 
``modifications to the current budget and appropriations process by 
using a mandatory funding mechanism.''
  The ``Assured Funding for Veterans Health Care Act of 2003'' would 
address the findings and recommendations of the Task Force by creating 
a guaranteed funding stream for veterans' health care. We need a 
process that ensures that our veterans do not have to wait for 
discretionary funding each fiscal year, and that is why I support H.R. 
2357.
  The American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of 
Foreign Wars have built a coalition to fight for the passage of 
mandatory funding for veterans' health care. It is one of the highest 
priorities for the veterans of this country and it should be one of the 
highest priorities for this Congress.
  We need to work to ensure that both bodies pass legislation to 
guarantee funding for veterans' health care. The veterans of this 
country need to know that this Congress is serious about caring for 
their needs, and that this country keeps its promises.




                          ____________________