Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

n2doc

(47,953 posts)
Sat Oct 3, 2015, 11:48 AM Oct 2015

Sen. Manchin Destroys Republicans for Underfunding VA by $850 Million

James Woods |

Yesterday, members of the Senate approved the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill (MilCon-VA). The main focus of the bill was originally intended to give a much needed boost to care for veterans. But like most legislation that makes its way through the house, the MilCon-VA bill in it’s current form will cost taxpayers more while providing $857 million less for veterans benefits and programs.

Opponents of the bill were vocal in their disgust for the GOP majority and their continued efforts to underfund VA programs. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) addressed the house just before the vote to explain the shortfalls of the proposed bill.

“We made a sacred commitment to our veterans when we sent them to war that we would do whatever it takes it take care of them when they returned, this bill does nothing to address that promise. Disappointingly, this bill takes an ax to needed funding for the VA, underfunding medical care by over $500 million dollars, which is equal to the cost of providing care for more than 60,000 veterans.”


The bill also includes more than $340 million to purchase an additional missile program and NATO actions, which will, in no way, benefit wounded veterans.

The passage of the MilCon-VA Appropriations Bill comes one day after Congress allowed the Zadroga Act to expire, which will leave more than 70,000 victims and first responders of the 9/11 attacks with no long term health benefits

more with video

http://usuncut.com/politics/senator-destroys-republicans-on-veterans-healthcare/
2 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Sen. Manchin Destroys Republicans for Underfunding VA by $850 Million (Original Post) n2doc Oct 2015 OP
Oh, if only he could literally destroy Congressional Republicans. nt valerief Oct 2015 #1
MilCon refers to miltary contractors? Human101948 Oct 2015 #2
Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Sen. Manchin Destroys Rep...