U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) addressed a rally of veterans from across the country, including a group of more than 30 veterans from VFW Daniel Boone Post 5578 in Madison, W.Va., Tuesday during a veteran's march for mandatory funding in Washington.

"As most of you know, I have been and will continue to be a tireless advocate for the brave men and women who have served our country and who are currently overseas." Rahall told those in attendance. "You are the heart and soul of this Nation, you have fought to protect our Nation in times of war and times of peace and I firmly believe our Nation must always help protect all who have served in their lives after military service."

The veterans attending were voicing their support for the mandatory funding of the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) system, an attempt which failed last year in the Senate after every Republican voted against it.

Rahall supports mandatory funding and pledged to continue his fight for that and other veterans benefits. Guaranteed funding would eliminate the year-to-year uncertainty about funding levels that have prevented the VA from adequately planning and meeting the growing needs of veterans seeking care.

"It a shame that we have to be here rallying for something like mandatory funding for veteran's health care," Rahall said. "To me, it's a no-brainer. Ensuring that the VA has enough money so that not one single veteran is left out in the cold? Makes sense to me. Letting these chronic shortfalls in veterans' health programs continue? That's something I just don't understand."

"Then again, there's a lot about this Republican leadership I don't understand," Rahall continued. "I don't understand why this Administration talks a lot about helping our veterans, but over and over again they present us with proposals that are offensive to every veteran in America."

James Watson, a disabled Vietnam veteran and Post 5578 member who invited Rahall to speak at the rally, thanked the Congressman for his support of such a critical issue.

"Without mandatory funding, we will have no veterans left," Watson said. "Rep. Rahall has been one of our best advocates, has stood by us year after year and I knew that he would be here today to support us in this fight."

"We know who is standing for us and who is standing against us and Mr. Rahall has always been there and has been very supportive and we thank him for that," Watson added.

Contact: Tonya Allen

(202) 225-3452