posted on June 23, 2005 08:04:18 PM new
VA Needs $1B for Health Care By MARY DALRYMPLE, Associated Press Writer
Thu Jun 23, 7:14 PM ET
The Department of Veterans Affairs told Congress that its health care costs grew faster than expected and left a $1 billion hole in its budget this year, lawmakers said Thursday.
House Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Steve Buyer, R-Ind., said the department can meet this year's health care costs by drawing on spare funds and money from other operations, including building construction.
Yet, next year's health care budget falls well over $1 billion short, said Sen. Larry Craig (news, bio, voting record), R-Idaho.
"I was on the phone this morning with Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson letting him know that I am not pleased that this has happened," said Craig, chairman of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee.
"This shortfall results from either deliberate misdirection or gross incompetence by this administration and the Department of Veteran Affairs," said Sen. Patty Murray (news, bio, voting record), D-Wash.
In a written statement, Nicholson responded: "The health care needs of America's veterans are among VA's highest priorities. Working with our partners in Congress, I'm confident that VA's budget will continue to provide world-class health care to the nation's veterans."
The shortage came to light during a routine budget review. Lawmakers said they are still gathering details, but it appears health care for veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and poor budget forecasting contributed to the problem.
Several Democrats urged the Bush administration to push immediately for an emergency spending bill to fill this year's $1 billion deficit and prevent the VA from raiding other operations to pay for health care.
Craig said he didn't yet see the need for emergency action but planned to call VA officials to a hearing next week to pin down more precise spending figures.
"We're going to pound them like hell 'til we get them, then we'll make some judgments," he said.
Murray had urged lawmakers to give the VA an extra $2 billion this spring while they assembled an $82 billion emergency spending bill on war and homeland security, but the VA said it didn't need any more money.
Overall, the administration has proposed increasing the Veterans Affairs Department budget by 2.7 percent to $70.8 billion next year.
posted on June 24, 2005 06:56:58 PM new
Linda_K, more BULL ROAR you need to read better. Soon we will all see again who has been lying to the American people.
I am betting Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson is on his way out.
posted on June 25, 2005 08:45:16 AM new
Thanks Cheryl, I would hope every US citizen no matter where they live support out troops. I know my husband and I do. Anything that is asked of us we will help other than fighting as I doubt if I could shoot a gun anymore.
posted on June 25, 2005 08:46:24 AM new
You know Linda, bear and I are not the only ones that voted for Pres. Bush but yet with the name calling in here it seems like we are at fault. It's the Democrats who didn't put up a reputable candidate. Remember in order for items to pass congress has to pass them. When When Pres. Bush proposes a bill that bill is not written in stone until passed by congress. If Bush doesn't like it he can veto it but then it goes back to see if they can override it. Lots of checks and balances There are positive things going on if you would look deep enough but many can only see the book by the cover.
posted on June 25, 2005 09:33:24 AM new
All one has to do is remember that the ultra-left/progressives/socialists here will use any excuse to try and make this President look like he doesn't care about or he doesn't suport our troops.....when NOTHING could be further from the truth.
This subject is just one of those areas. Truth be told....they don't, politically, support a strong military. They'd be just as happy to see our's rusting just like Canada has allowed theirs to do....and as their clinton did his best to let go to pot.
Issues like these just give them the opportnity to APPEAR to support our troops. When in reality they'd rather have them home being paid to weave baskets or something.
"Whenever the nation is under attack, from within or without, liberals side with the enemy. This is their essence." --Ann Coulter
And why the American Voters chose to RE-elect President Bush to four more years. YES!!!
