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The Memorial Day holiday, although sometimes celebrated because of the three day weekend or as a summer kick-off, is and should be a day of remembrance and gratitude for the men and women who sacrificed for our freedom. Memorial Day has a deeply rooted history in the United States dating back to the late 1800's to commemorate those who died during the Civil War. Over the years, Memorial Day became a day to remember all U.S. men and women killed or missing in action during any war. It is a significant day for our country, and especially to the families and friends who have lost loved ones.
We are forever indebted to those who gave their lives for our country. I believe we also have an important responsibility to ensure that the men and women who served our country are taken care of after they retire. Last week the House passed the Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2007. This bill makes some important improvements to veteran's services including:
ü Providing historic levels of funding for Veterans Medical Services: This bill increases funds by 6.3 percent to accommodate the spike in veterans returning from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition, it increases resources for mental health services, prosthetics and dental care.
ü Improving Administration of Care: $100 million was shifted from Medical Services to Medical Administration to ensure that care is being administered effectively and to help avoid potential shortfalls in funding.
ü No Proposed Fees for Veterans: Does not contain additional fees as proposed in the Administration’s original budget request.
ü Expanding Community-Based Outpatient Clinics: The bill increases funding in order to open a minimum of 10 clinics in fiscal year 2007. These clinics are popular with veterans because they provide more convenient care than traditional large hospital facilities.
ü Improving State Veteran’s Homes: The bill increases resources by $20 million over last year’s level to make facility improvements in existing state veteran’s homes.
ü Supporting Medical Research: The bill increases funds by $13 million for basic research. In addition, $12 million was added to start upgrading VA medical research facilities nationwide.
ü Mandatory Veteran’s Benefits are increased $4.2 billion over last year.
This Memorial Day, let's make a special point to thank our veterans and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I will be traveling to the Lawton area to participate in a Memorial Day ceremony at Fort Sill. I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to participate in one of these ceremonies to do so. We live in a great country, and it is because of these men and women that we are able to enjoy the type of lifestyle we have today. |
