HOUSE AND SENATE VETERANS’ AFFAIRS COMMITTEES HOLD
JOINT HEARING 

Washington, DC – Today, House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Steve Buyer (R-Indiana) and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Larry Craig (R-Idaho) hosted a joint hearing to receive the testimony of veterans’ service organizations.  Testimony was provided by the Fleet Reserve Association, Air Force Sergeants Association, The Retired Enlisted Association, and Gold Star Wives. 

“It was an honor to hear the testimony of these veterans’ advocates,” said Chairman Steve Buyer. 

“As someone who has lost a friend and comforted those left behind, we are reminded that it is not only the soldier that sacrifices for his nation, but his family as well,” Chairman Buyer said, addressing Mrs. Penny Splinter of the Gold Star Wives.   

In next year’s budget, Buyer has set out to strengthen veterans’ healthcare and benefits with increases to the President’s Budget Proposal in many key areas:

• $293 million increase to continue the State Nursing Home Partnership.

• $317 million increase in discretionary funding for veterans’ healthcare on top of the President’s increase translates into over 1 billion in health care. 

• $12.6 million increase for medical and prosthetic research.

• $45.6 million increase in minor construction to begin a five-year 300 million dollar National Shrine Commitment Project.

Overall the committee has recommended a $434 million increase to the President’s budget request.