[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 157 (Thursday, December 8, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2487]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 2528, MILITARY QUALITY OF LIFE AND VETERANS 
                    AFFAIRS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2006

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 18, 2005

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the 
conference report on Military Quality of Life/Veterans Affairs 
appropriations for Fiscal Year 2006 and to commend the conferees for 
their hard work on this legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, this has been a difficult year for veterans--there has 
been misrepresentation, confusion, and overall misuse of the funding 
allocated to the Medical Services Account for the Department of 
Veterans Affairs. I have heard from veterans in my District, and 
throughout Minnesota, of their extreme concern regarding funding for 
the VA. Veterans in Minnesota and this country have told me that they 
are worried about how the funding shortfall that was revealed over the 
summer will directly impact their VA benefits.
  The good news for veterans today is this bill provides $22.5 billion 
for Veterans Medical Services for Fiscal Year 2006, $1.7 billion more 
than the current funding level and 3 percent more than the 
Administration's request. This conference report also provides $1.2 
billion in emergency funding for the Medical Services account. I am 
pleased to be able to tell Minnesota veterans that Congress heard their 
concerns, values their service, and will keep our promises regarding 
their health care.
  The mental health and welfare of our returning soldiers, and of our 
veterans, must be a priority. The agreement also includes $2.2 billion 
specifically reserved for mental health care, and designates $15 
million: for further research into Gulf War Illness. Too many soldiers 
return and do not have access to proper mental health care. We have an 
obligation to do all that we can to address these conditions and help 
these brave men and women rebuild their lives. This bill takes an 
important step in providing this care.
  I am also very pleased that Congress rejected the Administration's 
proposals for imposing new fees for health care services. When the 
Administration proposed a $250 enrollment fee for particular veterans 
without service-connected disabilities, and an increase in drug co-
payments to $15, I heard loud and clear from the veterans throughout 
Minnesota that this would greatly impact their health and well-being.
  Veterans' health care should not be cut to solve the budget deficit. 
Veterans deserve to continue to have access to affordable, quality 
health care. It is what they were promised and it is our responsibility 
to ensure that those services remain for today's--and tomorrow's--
servicemen and women.
  Mr. Speaker, the Americans who have served our country in the Armed 
Services deserve to return home to a country that values their service. 
This agreement reflects, in part, the gratitude of Congress for their 
sacrifices, and I am proud to support it.

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