Loss of VA Hospital Would Be Devastating

Dear Colleague:

VA rationing of veterans’ health care is occurring now. This serious problem today will only become more severe if Congress appropriates less discretionary spending for VA next year than was enacted for this year. In the face of a possible eight percent cut in funding for VA health care next year, from coast to coast and border to border, our Nations’ veterans are calling on Congress to significantly increase VA funding, especially for veterans health care. Veterans want Congress to honor the $1.7 billion increase for veterans health care next year approved by Congress in the fiscal year 2000 budget conference agreement.

My husband and I are veterans of WWII. He is 100% disabled and his condition is permanent in nature. Over 40 years he has been under the care of VA hospitals. They have always shown courtesy and the willingness to help him, and I believe they have done everything possible to restore his former state of health.

I recall a time when I was a patient at the VA hospital in Nashville. I was impressed by the courtesy and care I received there. In bed at night, I listened to footsteps hurrying to a patient’s room in answer to an emergency call….

I thank God for the VA hospital and the continued care they have given the veterans. Losing the VA hospital would bring about devastating consequences. What could we do without them? The thought of it frightens me.

Ruby F. Witzel, Rossville, Ga.

House VA-HUD-Independent Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee

If Congress truly honors the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans, it will increase the FY 00 discretionary spending appropriation for VA to fully offset current shortfalls in VA health care funding and continuing increases in the cost of health care.

Our Nation’s veterans deserve no less.

Sincerely,

LANE EVANS
Ranking Democratic Member