" "Senate Won't Boost VA Hospital Spending"

[GreenPartyVoter]

WASHINGTON (AP) - Republicans on Tuesday beat back a Democratic attempt to provide almost $2 billion in additional health care funding for veterans, rejecting claims that Veterans Affairs hospitals are in crisis.

The proposal was part of an $80.6 billion emergency spending bill for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and other costs. The bill would give President Bush slightly less than the $82 billion he sought. It is also less than the $81.4 billion approved by the House.

The Senate's Republican leaders hoped to have the bill approved by the end of the week and ready for Bush's signature by the end of the month. But the timing of the bill has become uncertain, with Senate leaders dealing with stacks of amendments and a possible battle over immigration restrictions.

The first debate came Tuesday over a proposal by Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., to provide an additional $1.98 billion for veteran's care. She said VA hospitals are underfunded and overcrowded.

http://apnews1.iwon.com/article/20050412/D89E39K81.html

[babylonsister]

1. Lovely, isn't it. I saw Murray and Durbin yesterday

fighting for this, but it fell on deaf ears, especially that despicable Kay B. Hutchinson who argued against this passing. So much money has been blown on this war, but vets aren't worthy? Does not compute...

[GreenPartyVoter]

4. "Despicable." You said it!

[LiberalEsto]

2. Ed Schultz was all over this on Air America yesterday

and he was magnificent. He made a beautiful speech about how Democrats have always stood by our veterans, and always will.

Schultz said people who have those yellow magnetic "support the troops" ribbons on their cars should call their members of Congress objecting to this disgraceful vote, or remove the magnets.

:dem:

[WearyOne]

3. Veterans are of no use to them after they have done the fighting

[zbdent]

5. $9 Billion cash handed out in Iraq like Rockefeller handing out dimes

and $2 BILLION WITH A "B" refused to the people who actually fought for this country to be free.

"All gave some. Some gave all."

[MaineDem]

6. Maine's Second CD Congressman, Mike Michaud...

is ranking member of the Veterans' Health subcommittee, if I remember correctly. He's been talking about the veterans' cuts for months now. The Repugs are just decimating the VA and the Dems are almost helpless to stop it - at least in the House.

Mike feels the new head of the VA is a decent guy and will work with them but I'll wait and see what happens.