NEWS FROM….

CONGRESSMAN LANE EVANS

RANKING DEMOCRATIC MEMBER

COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS

    U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

WASHINGTON, DC – Citing the need for adequate funding of veterans’ health care programs, Congressman Lane Evans (D-IL), Ranking Democratic Member of the Committee on Veterans Affairs, asked the House Rules Committee last night to permit the full House to debate an amendment to add $730 million for veterans’ medical care next fiscal year. The Rules Committee refused.

Evans and Congressman Chet Edwards (D-TX), the amendment’s author, requested the Rules Committee make Edwards’ amendment in order when the VA-HUD appropriations bill for fiscal year 2000 is considered by the House. Joining Evans and Edwards in support of the veterans funding amendment were Rep. Deborah Stabenow (D-MI), and Rep. David Obey (D-WI), the Ranking Democratic Member of the House Appropriations Committee.

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 had earlier been considered by the House Appropriations Committee and had been defeated by a one vote margin -- a 26-25 straight party-line vote.

Earlier this year, the House Committee on Veterans Affairs had a contentious debate on next year’s funding for VA health care. Evans was denied the opportunity to offer an amendment providing more funding than proposed by Chairman Bob Stump (R-AZ). In Evans’ statement before the Rules Committee, he said approval of the Edwards Amendment would provide approximately the same increase in discretionary funding for VA next fiscal year, $2.4 billion, that Evans had sought earlier.

Veterans’ service organizations have energetically supported efforts to add funds to the VA health care budget. The American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, 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 Evans planned to propose to the VA Committee.

It has been widely acknowledged in the veterans’ community that the last few years in the 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 note waiting times and other problems with access to care that have been affected by this sea of change. Recognizing the urgent need for funding, Democratic Congressmen met repeatedly with members of the Administration. They ultimately secured a revised Administration budget plan offered by Vice President Gore to add a billion dollars to next year’s appropriation for VA health care and construction. Efforts with Congressional Republicans, however, have not been as successful.

After learning the Rules Committee voted against making the Edwards amendment in order, Evans said, "it feels like it’s ‘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."

Evans stated, "VA needs this money, and it is unfortunate to see partisanship get in the way of the House’s deliberations. I am convinced, that given the opportunity, the House would pass the Edwards amendment."

Members are aware that VA’s progress in implementing 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," says Evans, "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".

The House will take up the rule on the VA-HUD Appropriation bill today with a vote of the funding measure expected soon after Labor Day.