Washington, D.C., Feb 5 -

U.S. Representative Ginny Brown-Waite (FL-05) today released the following statement regarding President Bush’s proposals to dramatically increase veterans’ prescription drug co-payments, as well as to start charging enrollment fees for certain classes of veterans.  These proposals were included in the President’s FY2009 Budget that was made public yesterday.

“I have consistently opposed charging veterans an enrollment fee or dramatically increasing their prescription drug co-pays,” said rep. Brown-Waite.  “Access to VA Healthcare was a benefit promised to veterans with no strings attached. Since I first came to Congress, I have fought against the Administration’s recommendation to charge higher-income veterans, such as those veterans grouped as category 7 and 8, enrollment fees and higher co-payments.  It is unfair to ask the hard-working men and women who sacrificed so much defending our county to pay ever more for their health care when savings could be found elsewhere. 

“This policy change has been requested by the Administration, and summarily rejected by Congress, in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007.  Thankfully, I see no signs that the President will be successful in his efforts this year.  However, the best defense is a good offense, and I will work with my colleagues on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee and will once again lead the opposition here in the House to charging veterans even more for their health care needs. 

“I agree with the President that we must restrain the out-of-control growth of the federal bureaucracy, including the use of earmarks, but we should not balance the budget on the backs of veterans.  They sacrificed for all Americans, and should not be forced to pay yet again for health care that was promised when they agreed to serve our nation.  Our veterans deserve the best, and I will continue to fight for them as long as I have the honor of serving in this body.”

The President’s Budget request is a starting point to begin a dialogue with Congress.  It falls to the United States House and Senate to pass appropriations bills (and the President to sign them into law) that fund each of the federal agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs.  As the budget and appropriations process continues over the next several months, Rep. Brown-Waite will continue to advocate for the needs of American veterans.