Senator John Thune earlier this week co-sponsored S. 2639, a bipartisan bill to require mandatory funding for veterans health care. The bill was introduced by Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) last month and is also cosponsored by Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Byron Dorgan (D-ND), and Jon Tester (D-MT).
“Mandatory funding for veterans health care means that veterans health programs will not be subject to the politics of the appropriations process,” said Thune. “This legislation guarantees adequate funding for veterans health without annual wrangling over spending levels. I look forward to working with Senator Johnson and Senator Snowe to pass mandatory funding for veterans health care that fits within the budget and does not raise taxes.”
The bill would establish an annual formula of funding for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) based on the number of enrolled veterans. It would prevent the VHA from spending health care dollars on construction or acquisition of medical facilities.
“I am proud to support this legislation because it helps America keep its promise to those who served so nobly.”