“During a time of war when Members of Congress, the Cabinet and corporate CEOs have received large tax cuts, it just doesn’t pass the fairness test to raise prescription drug and hospital costs for our veterans,” said Edwards. “Whatever happened to the American principle of shared sacrifice in wartime?”

Specifics of the Administration VA fee increase include: ? Increased monthly co-pays from $7 to $15 per prescription per veteran if you are a single veteran making over $10,162 or $13,309 if you are married. ? $250 annual enrollment fee for single veterans who earn $25,842 or more annually or married veterans with an income of $31,013 or more annually.

For example, a married veteran earning $31,100 a year ($25,842 if single) would have to pay $250 to enter the VA healthcare system and $15 per prescription per month. A single veteran who earns over $10,162 annually ($13,309 if married) would not have to pay the proposed $250 annual enrollment fee, but would still be subject to the increased monthly co-pays for prescription drugs under the Administration proposal. Edwards is one of only six House members serving on both the House Budget and Appropriations Committees, and is the Ranking Member of the Military Construction Appropriations Subcommittee.