FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2003
Contact:  Marie DesOrmeaux
(202) 225-3772
 
Ross Speaks Out on Behalf of Veterans 
 
(Washington, D.C.) Fourth District Rep. Mike Ross (D-Ark.) today made the following statement for the Congressional Record regarding cuts to veterans’ benefits in the House-passed budget:

I rise today in objection to the treatment of our veterans in the House-passed budget.  Last October, we authorized President Bush to send our men and women in uniform into battle.  Is this how we show our support for the brave soldiers who are risking their lives to fulfill their missions, by slashing funding that will take care of them after they have served time taking care of us?

Last week the House managed to pass a budget that cuts veterans’ benefits by $28.3 billion over the next ten years.  This includes cuts to disability payments and pensions, the Montgomery GI Bill, the VA Health Care System, and other veterans programs.

I reject the notion that we need to cut funding for veterans and retirees in order to pay for a multi-billion dollar tax cut package.  During this time of military conflict, we have no business supporting tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans over benefits to provide for the needs of our veterans.

As the conference committee meets to resolve the House and Senate budget differences, I urge them, on behalf of those who have served our country and those who are serving our country right now, to restore funding to the veterans programs that protect those who protect us.


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