CONGRESSMAN LIEU FIGHTS FOR INCREASED FUNDING FOR VETERANS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 29, 2015
CONTACT:Jack d'Annibale | 202-330-1613

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles) released the following statement on the 2016 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, which allocates $1 billion less than President Obama requested for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

"Last year Congress justifiably scrutinized the VA because Veterans were waiting too long to get appointments at its hospitals. This year – under the new, bold leadership of Secretary McDonald – the Department has requested the resources it believes are necessary to give our Veterans the care and services they have earned and deserve. Unfortunately, the Republican-authored Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act allocates more than a billion dollars less than Secretary McDonald's recommendation.

Historically, Congress has signed blank checks to send our brave men and women overseas. In contrast, Congress has often struggled to forge a fully-committed and comprehensive plan to care for our servicemembers when they come home. This time around, our heroes should not be subject to the arbitrary, across-the-board, discretionary budget cuts of the Republican sequester. Veterans' medical care, VA information technology and VA construction must be fully funded according to the needs outlined by Secretary McDonald – a Veteran himself and a CEO with deep private sector experience. President Obama has absolutely done the right thing requesting VA funding in line with the Secretary's recommendation. As a Veteran and a member of the Budget Committee, I stand with AMVETS, VFW, IAVA, American Legion, PVA and DVA – in opposition to this legislation. I will be voting No and I fully support the President in his stated intention to veto this bill."

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