President Ensures that Veterans Medical Programs Get Timely Funding
EmailABC News’ Jordyn Phelps reports: President Obama formerly signed the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act into law today.
The law will advance funding on veteran medical programs by a full fiscal year. Funding to the Department of Veterans Affairs has been late in getting approved by Congress in 20 of the last 23 years, which impacts the ability of veterans’ health care programs to efficiently function.
The advance funding will ensure that the VA can depend on receiving funding for these programs on time and that they will not be affected by politicking on Capitol Hill.
President Obama called the new law a fundamental reform in how the United States approaches health care to veterans.
“It's frustrating for our vets, who pay the price when budgets are delayed,” the President said in remarks in the East Room prior to signing the legislation into law. “The new doctors, nurses and critical staff that aren't hired. The new medical equipment that isn't purchased. The construction of new facilities and clinics that isn't started. The new programs for medical care that are delayed.”
President Obama praised the far-reaching bipartisan support for the legislation in Congress.
“This is a reminder of what's possible when we come together, Democrats and Republicans, to do right by our veterans,” President Obama said.
The President was joined for the signing by Members of Congress who played a key role in getting the legislation through Congress and handful of veterans.
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Posted by: Christie St. Clair | October 22, 2009, 4:05 pm 4:05 pm
We are going to need it. With this presdient taking his time to send help to afgahnistan more of our kids will be hurt and need special care. Its like he thinks a a bill collector calling and ignoring the call thinking they will go away and not call back?? The leader of mice has fotgotten the men and women who need help!!
Posted by: Jim Rod | October 22, 2009, 4:10 pm 4:10 pm
“We are going to need it. With this presdient taking his time to send help to afgahnistan more of our kids will be hurt and need special care.”
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Do some historical research. You’ll find out who abandoned Afghanistan and allowed Al Qaeda and the Taliban to regroup and have the ability to attack our troops.
Here’s a hint – they abandoned Afghanistan to attack Iraq.
Posted by: billyjessop | October 22, 2009, 7:24 pm 7:24 pm
Where are all the Obama-haters on this one?
Posted by: OB-Wan222 | October 22, 2009, 9:46 pm 9:46 pm
If President Obama signed the bill TODAY, he did not do it FORMERLY. Tsk! tsk! Someone should have caught this one.
Posted by: Teacher1213 | October 22, 2009, 11:28 pm 11:28 pm
Bravo! It seems that the government and the military only care about our soldiers while they are bravely serving. Once they get home, they seem to become invisible, almost as if the government that asked them to serve wants them to go away and cost nothing. If this measure keeps them from becoming homeless, mentally damaged transients, like the Vietnam vets, I applaud it.
Posted by: DaveM | October 23, 2009, 8:41 am 8:41 am
I served in the Army for 22 years and every year I see more cuts, delays, and denied claims as TRICARE continues to find ways in which to not pay for care.
I’m fortunate in that I am not disabled nor wounded while serving our Country; however, I have medical problems.
Looking at my current TRICARE statement the start of this fiscal year (Oct 1) I will now have to pay higher deductible amounts this year.
So, no matter what the President is saying, or what Congress is “doing”, it is not happening. I have to pay MORE for TRICARE and for MEDICARE for my wife. Please tell me … where’s the relief and the “great” care we are supposed to enjoy?
Posted by: W Wellman | October 23, 2009, 8:59 am 8:59 am