FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AFA APPLAUDS CONGRESSIONAL ACTION ON VA BUDGET SHORTFALL

Contact: Ladd Everitt at (703) 247-5847 or leveritt@afa.org

Arlington, VA, July 1, 2005 – The Air Force Association (AFA) applauds the United States Senate and House of Representatives for taking prompt action to address a projected $2.7 billion shortfall in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care budget for FY 2006.

The shortfall was acknowledged by VA officials during a House hearing on June 23. The department had known about the shortfall since April, but had failed to inform Congress until last week.

Bipartisan cooperation has led to quick action to restore the funding, however. The Senate attached an amendment to the FY 2006 Interior appropriations bill that would add $1.5 billion to the VA budget. It was approved by a vote of 96-0. After receiving a formal request from VA Secretary Jim Nicholson, the House approved $975 million in emergency supplemental funds for the department by a vote of 419-0. AFA urges the leadership in both chambers to reconcile their approaches and get new funding approved as soon as possible.

“As we prepare to celebrate our nation’s birthday during the Independence Day weekend, it is important to send a clear message to America’s veterans that we honor their service, sacrifices and dedication to country,” said AFA Chairman of the Board Stephen P. (Pat) Condon. “As George Washington once stated, ‘The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.’”

The Air Force Association remains committed to the maintenance of promises made to–and the betterment of benefits for—our nation’s veterans, retirees, and their survivors. While AFA recognizes progress the VA has made in recent years in addressing the medical needs of veterans, much remains to be done. The Association calls on Congress to approve legislation to require mandatory funding of the VA health care system.

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The Air Force Association (AFA) is an independent, nonprofit, civilian organization promoting public understanding of aerospace power and the pivotal role it plays in the security of the nation. AFA has more than 230 chapters nationwide and overseas, and more than 130,000 members. Visit us on the Internet at www.afa.org.