For Immediate Release:
Wednesday, July 13, 2005

WASHINGTON D.C - Less than two weeks after telling Congress it could ride out the fiscal year with inadequate funding, then reversing and asking for $975 million in supplemental funds, Veterans Administration officials yesterday admitted an additional $300 million is needed to correct this year’s shortfall for veteran’s healthcare.   

 

The nearly $1.3 billion the Administration now says is necessary is exactly the amount Congressman Boren and other members urged in a letter to President George Bush on June 28.

 

Despite efforts by Boren and other House members to boost the amount, the House passed the $975 million supplemental last week, while the Senate exceeded the Administration’s request, approving $1.5 billion. Yesterday afternoon, VA officials conceded that the $975 million mark was incorrect and an additional $300 million is necessary to meet increased “intensity of utilization.”

 

While the differing supplemental measures wait to be reconciled, medical centers within the Veterans Integrated Service Network, which includes Oklahoma, are having difficulty enrolling and accommodating veterans who need care, pending available resources.  “Veterans in my district are experiencing long delays in scheduling appointments and some are even being turned away,” Boren explained. 

 

“This budgeting process for veterans has been very disheartening.  The Administration has a lot of explaining to do,” Boren said.  “Veterans health care funding should be given a higher priority level,” Boren said. 

 

“We need to implement an assured funding process based on the number of veterans enrolled in the system and factor in the needs of veterans returning from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan,” Boren explained.

 

“At a time of war, funding for veterans must be made a clear and unmistakable priority,” Boren said.   

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