[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 83 (Monday, May 21, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E694]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                VETERANS CEMETERY BENEFIT CORRECTION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. SUZANNE BONAMICI

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 16, 2018

  Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to S. 2372, the VA 
MISSION Act because the bill falls short in fulfilling our commitment 
to veterans. Though this legislation contains many positive provisions 
to support our veterans and their caregivers, on balance it is a short-
sighted approach that does not adequately provide for the long-term 
needs of those who have honorably served our country. The bill subjects 
funding for VA programming to the nondefense discretionary caps, which 
leaves it vulnerable to being underfunded or being funded at the 
expense of other critical programs in the future. Our veterans and the 
VA need certainty; this bill does not provide it.
   Additionally, I am concerned that this bill represents a concerted 
effort to shift resources away from VA care and instead rely 
disproportionately on private providers. I support veterans having the 
flexibility to receive expedited treatment for acute health issues 
outside the VA if timely care is not available at a VA facility, but 
veterans often have unique care needs that are best served by dedicated 
VA providers. Instead of making critical, lasting investments to make 
sure veterans receive the best possible care, this bill puts future 
services at risk of significant cuts by relying on funding that may 
fall captive to political agendas.
  I am glad this bill expands benefits to all caregivers, and I 
appreciate the effort to ensure veterans do not have difficulty 
accessing care. But I cannot support a bill that brings uncertainty 
because it fails to provide for the needs of our nation's veterans in 
the future. I urge my colleagues to advance legislation that would 
provide long-term stable funding and support for the Veterans 
Administration and our veterans.

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