(Washington, DC) - Today, Congresswoman Corrine Brown, the second highest ranking Member on the House Veterans' Affairs committee, attended the White House signing ceremony for the President to sign H.R. 1016 into law (a bill to secure timely funding for veterans' health care delivered through the Veterans Health Administration by authorizing ‘advance appropriations').  The bill provides Congress greater ability to develop appropriation bills that provide sufficient funding to meet the best estimate of anticipated demand for VA health care services in future years by allowing funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical accounts one year in advance.

"Today is a great day for America's veterans," said an ecstatic Congresswoman Brown.  "The advanced funding will give the VA up to a full year to plan for the most effective and efficient way of delivering medical care," continued the Congresswoman.

The issue of advanced funding has been a top priority for veteran service organizations. Over 40 groups, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, have come out in strong support of the legislation.

"Our veterans served with honor and they deserve the best services we can possibly offer – but far too often, critical VA funding gets held hostage by politics," said the Congresswoman. "As of today, it will be easier to address the medical needs of our veterans, ensuring they have full access to quality health care even if funding is delayed."

The bill passed today builds on a significant record of accomplishment for veterans and troops over the last two and a half years, led by the House committee on Veterans' Affairs.  These include the new G.I. Bill, progress in improving veterans' hospitals and facilities, expanding economic opportunities for returning soldiers and improving care for those with PTSD. 

"This Congress made a promise to leave no veteran behind, and we are continuously working to fulfill that promise," concluded the Congresswoman. "Our veterans have already served with distinction, and now, it's our turn to honor them and make sure they have the services they need," said Congresswoman Brown.

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