[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 94 (Wednesday, July 13, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S8207]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


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                            VOTE EXPLANATION

  Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, yesterday the Senate, again, acted in a 
unified bipartisan manner when it voted 95 to 0 to add an additional 
$1.5 billion to the Department of Veterans' Affairs. Although a family 
medical emergency unfortunately prevented me from being able to vote on 
the Murray amendment, I fully support the measure and would have gladly 
voted in favor of it. Even though the VA could provide some health care 
to veterans until fiscal year 2006, it would have to do so by taking 
funds from other accounts and slashing other projects. This is simply 
unacceptable.
  I am proud the Senate chose to emphasize our position that the VA 
needs an additional $1.5 billion to properly carry out its mission of 
caring for America's veterans.
  Thank you Mr. President.

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