Statement of Honorable Lane Evans
on H.Res. 275

August 5, 1999

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to the rule on H.R. 2684. Last night, I joined Chet Edwards, Debbie Stabenow, and David Obey in asking our Rules Committee to support a waiver to allow Mr. Edwards’ amendment to add $730 million for veterans’ medical care in fiscal year 2000 to be considered by this House. Had the amendment been made in order, we could have been assured it would be debated and voted on by the full House.

To offset the cost of providing the additional funds for veterans’ health care, the Edwards amendment would have delayed implementation of a proposed cut in the capital gains tax, a part of the nearly $800 billion tax cut passed by the House. The Edwards amendment was considered earlier by the House Appropriations Committee and was defeated by a one-vote margin on a 26-25 straight party-line vote.

Earlier this year, the Committee on Veterans Affairs had a contentious debate on next year’s funding for VA health care. At that time, I was denied the opportunity to offer an amendment providing more funding than proposed by our Chairman. The Edwards Amendment would have provided approximately the same increase in discretionary funding for VA next fiscal year, $2.4 billion, as I had earlier sought to provide.

Mr. Chairman, veterans’ service organizations have steadfastly supported efforts to add funds to the VA health care budget. The American Legion, Disabled Veterans of America, and Paralyzed Veterans of America sent letters to the Rules Committee in support of the Edwards amendment being made in order. A coalition of veterans’ groups had earlier supported the increased funding level I planned to propose to the VA Committee.

The last few years in VA health care system have been pivotal. VA has reformed its delivery system, bringing its acute care system into line with modern health care practice. But clinicians and patients alike have begun to cite waiting times and other problems with access to care that have been affected by this sea change. Recognizing the urgent need for funding,

I, and other Democratic Members, have met repeatedly with members of the Administration. Our meetings ultimately succeeded in securing a revised budget request offered by Vice-President Gore to add a billion dollars to next year’s appropriation for VA health care and construction. Our efforts with the Republicans in this body, however, have not been as successful.

This latest vote against making the Edwards amendment in order is "déjà vu all over again". We only asked the Republican majority to give us a chance for an honest debate on where veterans fit into our Nation’s priorities. The priority of Congressional Republicans is obviously cutting capital gains taxes and not providing added funding for veterans programs. I can understand why Republicans want to avoid an open debate on funding for veterans programs vs. capital gains tax breaks.

Unfortunately there will be real consequences for this partisanship. VA needs this money, and I am convinced that given the opportunity the House would pass the Edwards amendment. Members are aware that VA’s progress in implementing some positive and necessary changes has come at a price. Shifting health care practice styles are eroding some of the VA’s best programs-its long-term care programs, its rehabilitative and extended care for seriously disabled veterans, and its mental health care treatment for veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or substance abuse issues.

We are now at a point where we must restore certain programs to their past distinction. Congress must take the initiative to fund VA and allow it to re-build its most excellent programs-those that serve the veterans who were injured physically or psychically on the battleground-those that have borne the battle. The Edwards amendment would have allowed VA to do this. I regret the Republican majority has, once again, seen fit to thwart an honest debate on National priorities.