[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 96 (Friday, July 15, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1493]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1493]]


      VETERANS' COMPENSATION COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT ACT OF 2005

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 13, 2005

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my extreme 
disappointment in the mediocre efforts of the Republican administration 
and leadership to adequately fund the Veterans Administration. Their 
lack of consideration and foresight led to an enormous shortfall in 
veterans' health care funding which we must immediately remedy.
  Time after time, the Republican majority has shown our beloved 
veterans where their priorities lie. For the 2005 and 2006 budgets, 
they were unwilling to listen to Democrats who have consistently fought 
for increases for veterans' health care. More than a year ago, my 
distinguished colleague from Illinois, Mr. Evans, made it known that 
the funding for the VA would fall immensely short of what is required 
for proper health services--over $1.3 billion short.
  Despite these figures, the Administration and Republican leadership 
continued their indifference towards helping our veterans. They were 
reluctant to admit any shortfall in VA health care funding until 
recently, when they reversed their position by asking for supplemental 
funding of $975 million. Still, my Democratic colleagues and I were 
dissatisfied because it still fell short of the $1.3 billion total that 
was necessary. Finally, just yesterday, the Bush Administration 
admitted that an additional $300 million was needed to secure veterans' 
health care for FY05.
  While it is nice to see that the Republican leadership has finally 
decided to take care of our veterans, this delayed and belated action 
is unacceptable. Many VA medical facilities have already been affected 
by the lack of funds. They have begun cutting nursing and medical 
staff, closing operating rooms, and not scheduling medical 
appointments.
  Though many speak of acknowledging the contributions of our veterans, 
actions speak louder than words.
  It is not enough to thank our veterans for their contributions and 
then fail to provide them with the fundamental right of access to 
health care.
  We must continue the work we have seen from the Senate and supplement 
the budget with an additional $1.5 billion in funding for veterans' 
health care.
  It is the least we can do for those that have sacrificed to defend 
our country.

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