Washington, D.C. —
Today Senator John Thune applauded the U.S. Senate for passing (99-1) the $26.3 billion Fiscal Year 2006 Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, which included $1.5 billion in funding to meet shortfalls for Fiscal Year 2005 Department of Veterans Affairs funding.
“America’s veterans sacrificed much for our nation and it is important for our nation to keep our commitment. I applaud my colleagues for providing this needed funding for the men and women who answered the call to service,” said Thune. “I strongly support making veterans healthcare funding mandatory to avoid shortfalls such as this. America’s veterans deserve quality healthcare.”
Senator Thune introduced legislation in May that proposes mandatory funding increases for the Veterans Health Administration and provides new benefits for veterans who live in rural America, including a new pilot program for improved medical access in rural areas and better reimbursement for travel expenses related to VA medical care.
“America’s veterans sacrificed much for our nation and it is important for our nation to keep our commitment. I applaud my colleagues for providing this needed funding for the men and women who answered the call to service,” said Thune. “I strongly support making veterans healthcare funding mandatory to avoid shortfalls such as this. America’s veterans deserve quality healthcare.”
Senator Thune introduced legislation in May that proposes mandatory funding increases for the Veterans Health Administration and provides new benefits for veterans who live in rural America, including a new pilot program for improved medical access in rural areas and better reimbursement for travel expenses related to VA medical care.