October 28, 2008 

BOISE, Idaho – Congressman Bill Sali today called on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to immediately implement improvements to veterans’ benefits, and strongly criticized their unacceptable delay.

“President Bush signed a law approving the changes nearly two years ago.  Veterans are still waiting, and that’s just not acceptable,” Sali said.

On Oct. 3, Sali wrote to Veterans Secretary James B. Peake, asking why the Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006, introduced by Senator Craig and supported by the Idaho delegation, has not been implemented. Bush signed the legislation into law nearly two years ago on December 9, 2006. 

“This is absolutely inexcusable,” said Sali.  “Our veterans have sacrificed enormously to keep our country strong and free. They deserve better than this and shouldn’t have to wait for years for an agency to implement a law passed by Congress and signed by the President.

“As a result of this delay, residents of our state veterans’ homes continue to face the difficult decision of whether or not to leave those homes.  Veterans should not have to face this difficult decision. The men and women who served their country, whether in peacetime or wartime, deserve our full and unconditional support. I am hopeful that the agency will work to implement this law without further delays to our Veterans,” said the Congressman.

The bill permits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to make reimbursement payments for veterans residing in state veteran nursing homes. This bill was passed so that state veteran nursing homes are reimbursed the same as non-VA nursing homes.  Currently, state nursing homes have not been reimbursed for the care they are providing to Idaho veterans, as required by the new law.

In response to Sali’s letter, the department said that the VA is “currently working to clarify questions and comments from (the Department of Health and Human Services) and anticipates responses to be completed by November 3, 2008.”

“Given the delay, VA anticipates the projected implementation date will be January 2009,” the VA told Sali.

Sali is a strong supporter of America’s veterans. Earlier this month, Sali, along with other members of the Idaho congressional delegation, worked to guarantee funding for a program serving 7,800 Idaho veterans. The program has helped thousands of veterans meet the costs of college, flight schools, apprenticeships, trade schools and on-the-job training. These programs are used by active duty veterans, Guard members and Reservists and eligible dependents. The program also assists qualified veterans in applying for Montgomery GI bill (MGIB) benefits for education.