[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 47 (Tuesday, April 6, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S3789]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS

 Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, it is a pleasure to be here today 
with our colleagues from the House Veterans Affairs Committee and the 
members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The VFW has a rich tradition 
in enhancing the lives of millions through its community service 
programs and special projects, and I am proud to have their services in 
the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
  The work of our committees is as important as ever because of the 
thousands of new wartime veterans leaving the service and the 
increasing needs of our aging veterans. We owe all our veterans a debt 
of gratitude and I am committed to making sure we provide them with 
ample benefits and quality medical care.
  President Bush has proposed significant increases in spending for our 
veterans, but it is important to keep in mind that his budget is only a 
starting point. Each year he has requested increases in funding for the 
VA and Congress has provided even more beyond those requests.
  The last 2 years Congress has provided unprecedented increases in 
funding for VA health care. I support another substantial increase for 
VA health care this year and I am confident we will deliver. In fact, 
the budget resolution currently before the Senate provides for an extra 
$1.3 billion for the VA and rejects the proposed co-pay increases and 
enrollment fees.
  VA conducts some of the most specialized medical research in our 
Nation. That research is especially important to disabled veterans. I 
oppose the proposed cut in VA research. The Budget Committee rejected 
that cut and I added an additional $101 million for research, a 25 
percent increase.
  Now that the CARES process is wrapping up, VA can begin new 
construction projects. We will be watching to make sure the Secretary 
carefully considers all proposed closings. I look forward to seeing new 
hospitals and clinics opened in Kentucky and around the Nation.
  Last year I told the Secretary that VA had come a long way in fixing 
its problems but there was still a long way to go. I am glad to say 
that the system is stronger this year, but we must not let up. We must 
keep working to make sure our veterans receive the assistance they need 
in a timely and convenient manner. I am committed to doing just that.
  Finally, I recognize all the Kentucky veterans in the hearing room. I 
had a good visit with some of you in my office earlier this week. Thank 
you for making the trip today and thank you for your service to our 
Nation and your fellow veterans.

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