June 19, 2000

Dear Colleague:

When the House considers H.R. 4635, VA-HUD Appropriations for FY 2001, I will be offering an amendment to increase funding for a number of veterans programs currently underfunded by the Committee’s bill. I urge you to support this amendment.

Specifically, my amendment will provide the following increases in funding in FY 2001:

• $25 million more for VA medical research;

• $80 million more for state veteran home grants;

• $62 million more for minor VA construction projects;

• $3 million more for the National Cemetery system; and,

• $14 million more to improve accuracy & timeliness of VA claims adjudication.

These targeted increases in funding for VA programs are fully offset. The offset is a $184 million reduction in the $5.5 billion appropriation provided by the Committee for the Human Space Flight account, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

My amendment is strongly supported by many veterans’ organizations. These include Paralyzed Veterans of America, The American Legion, Blinded Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, and Vietnam Veterans of America.

As a nation, we have a special obligation to America’s veterans. They have earned the benefits they receive from a grateful nation. The service and sacrifice, blood, sweat and tears of the men and women who have honorably served in our Armed Forces has allowed for the historic prosperity our nation now enjoys.

While Congress may choose to continue providing support for NASA’s efforts to reach for the stars, let’s first make certain our obligations here at home have been fully honored. As we continue to benefit from the prosperity, peace, and democracy hard won and protected, we are honor-bound to fulfill our special obligations to America’s veterans. I strongly urge you to join me in standing behind these brave men and women. Honor our veterans by Voting "YES" on the Evans amendment.

If you should have any questions concerning my amendment, please contact Todd Houchins of the VA Committee’s Democratic staff (5-9756).

Sincerely,

LANE EVANS
Ranking Democratic Member