VA-HUD Appropriations for FY 2000
On H.R. 2684

Mr. Speaker, many of us have worked hard to make improved funding for health care for veterans a hallmark of this Congress. I want to thank the Members on both sides of the aisle for their efforts in this regard.

We began this budget process with a funding proposal from the Administration that was inadequate. I commend the Administration for its willingness to reconsider its initial budget proposal. By adding one billion dollars, they were responsible for the significant additional funding for veterans’ health care which this Congress is now discussing.

I particularly thank Vice President Gore for his leadership in the Administration’s decision to request an additional one billion dollars for veterans medical care for fiscal year 2000.

That said, I am going to reject this proposal for VA-HUD appropriations. It goes farther in meeting some of the challenges faced by the VA health care system, but it does not go far enough.

The 700 million dollar add-on that the Republicans are now supporting sounds substantial, but it still fails to meet the needs expressed by VA officials both on and off the record.

Unfortunately, the Republican majority of the Committee on Rules failed to protect the Edwards-Evans-Stabenow amendment under the rule. The Edwards amendment would more than double the additional funds the appropriators added for the veterans’ health care system.

I regret that our efforts to delay a cut in the capital gains tax for one year will mean that veterans’ may not receive the health care they need and the level of service they deserve.

Many VA leaders would agree that these funds would have offered welcome relief to an overwhelmed VA health care system facing growing demands. These additional funds would have expanded access to veterans not previously able to use VA medical care.

VA could have eliminated serious problems with waiting times that confront veterans in primary care and other clinics. It would have helped veterans obtain much needed medical supplies, such as wheelchairs, oxygen tanks, hearing aids, and eyeglasses on a more timely basis.

Additional funds would help VA face the emerging public health crisis of Hepatitis C by adding funds to over-extended pharmaceutical budgets. It would have assisted VA to restore some of the significant reductions that have been made in mental health services.

It would have also helped facilities meet the overwhelming need for long-term care that our aging World War II veterans are now facing.