DeLauro Statement on Vote against Legislation Shortchanging Our Veterans

Bill Fails to Adequately Fund Key Needs of the Veterans Administration

WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) released the following statement today on her vote against the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs (VA) Appropriations bill that the House of Representatives voted on today.

“This bill would cut $1.4 billion from the VA’s budget, shortchanging our veterans. According to an analysis by the VA, this bill cuts Veterans Medical Care by $690 million compared to what the President requested. That is the equivalent of 70,000 fewer veterans receiving VA medical care.

“I cannot in good conscience vote for a piece of legislation that has outrageous reductions in critical areas such as medical care and major construction projects, such as health care facilities. This bill fails to adequately fund these key needs of the Veterans Administration. It falls short of what we owe the brave men and women who served our country so well.

“Our veterans stand up for our freedoms when they are called to do so. Now we are being called to stand up for them. This bill does not do that and I cannot support it.”

The bill is opposed by a number of major Veterans Service Organizations, including: Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion’s National Commander and American Veterans (AMVETS).


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