Operation Just Cause... ...for as long as it takes
Sent in by Veterans News and Information Services
Background:
On October 21, President Clinton signed into public law the FY 2000 VA-HUD Appropriations Bill (PL 106-74) which provides a $1.7 billion increase for VA Medical Care. This increase is far more than Congress has ever provided for VA Medical Care in a year and raises the VA health care total to $19 billion. The VFW was instrumental in working with members of the House and Senate to get the measure enacted into law.
Current Status:
While the ink is still fresh from the President's signature on the FY 2000 VA budget legislation, House Budget Committee Chairman John Kasich (R-OH-12) has developed a plan that would require every federal agency to reduce FY 2000 spending by 1.4% in an effort to balance the budget. The plan is fully endorsed by the House Republican Leadership and would in some instances cause some agencies such as the VA to curtail vital health care services to veterans. The Republican leadership is trying to sell the plan as a way to cut spending. If this 1.4% cut prevails, this would reduce the enacted $1.7 billion increase to $1.435 billion.
Action Needed:
[All Veterans] are strongly urged to call, write or email their House member (toll free number 1-877-778-9001) and ask them to vote against a 1.4% across-the-board cut. Your message should include the following points:
* A 1.4% mandated reduction would take away valuable resources at a time when the VA needs it the most. It seems deceitful at best that Congress would provide a $1.7 billion increase to veterans' health care and then turn around and take back $293 million of the appropriated funds.
* Congress must find an alternative method to balance the budget without placing the burden on the backs of veterans.
The suggested address style for members of the House:
The Honorable __________
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Nadia Caprice Garnett
VFW Action Corps
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