Operation Just Cause... ...for as long as it takes
Sent in by Veterans News and Information Services
WASHINGTON, D.C. - House Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Bob Stump (R-AZ) welcomed the Clinton/Gore Administration's proposed $1.3 billion increase for VA health care in fiscal year 2001, but wondered why veterans had to wait so long to get their attention.
The proposed increase is the first from the Administration since the 1996 budget.
"This could be the start of productive cooperation between Congress and the White House on behalf of veterans," Chairman Stump said. "If the White House is serious, we can build upon last year's legislative gains and make the 106th Congress one of the most pro-veteran in history. If they aren't serious and this budget is simply election year politics, then progress may only be short-term, depending on election results in the fall."
Another test, Stump said, will be how well the Clinton/Gore Administration manages the money Congress has already provided, including the unprecedented $1.7 billion increase for VA health care in the fiscal year 2000 budget.
"Last year we resisted giving VA more money than it could responsibly handle, given the waste pointed out in a GAO study," Stump said. "Now that the Clinton/Gore Administration has finally recognized the needs of veterans and the VA in this new budget, the key will be improving the management of benefits and services so we can reduce spending on inefficient systems."
"Veterans should not be an afterthought," Stump said. "They are men and women who have sacrificed more than others protecting our freedom and advancing the cause of liberty around the world. Despite the many challenges facing VA management we are glad to see a budget that is a substantial improvement over those of the past few years and will work with the VA and veterans' community to continue making progress."
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