 |
|
|
|
|
|
WASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2007--America’s largest organization of combat veterans is urging the U.S. Senate to follow the lead of the House of Representatives and increase the fiscal year 2007 Department of Veterans Affairs budget by $3.6 billion.
“The failure of the 109th Congress to pass VA funding legislation before it adjourned is well known within the veterans’ community,” said Gary Kurpius, the commander-in-chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) of the U.S.
“It would be impractical to expect the 110th Congress to correct their predecessor’s failure and work on new FY 2008 funding legislation at the same time,” he said. “That’s why we were very pleased to see the passage of H.J. Res. 20 yesterday that adds $3.6 billion to the continuing resolution that is funding the VA at last year’s levels. We applaud the House of Representatives for taking the initiative to care for America’s veterans, servicemembers and families.”
The VFW is aware that the additional funding will not bring instant relief to the VA or to the millions of veterans who rely on its services, primarily because the current fiscal year could be almost half over by the time the money is appropriated, and because it takes time to properly plan new construction and infrastructure upgrades, and to hire new employees.
But Kurpius did call the plus-up a good start for the new Congress, and now urges the Senate to accept the House proposal. He also wants both bodies to ensure that the FY 2008 VA budget is sufficient to the task and passed before the federal government’s new fiscal year begins on Oct. 1.
“Supporting those who this country owes its very existence are nonpartisan, nonnegotiable issues,” he said.
> back to news
|
|
|
|
