Published November 1999 — Download PDF of the original newspaper column
Byrd's-Eye View By U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd Standing Firm for Veterans Health Care
On November 11, 1919, our nation observed the first anniversary of the end of World War I. In 1926, Congress proclaimed that day Armistice Day, and passed a resolution that called for an annual observance of "thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through goodwill and mutual understanding between nations." In 1954, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, the holiday on which Americans now annually recognize the sacrifices that our nation's soldiers, sailors, and airmen have made to protect our freedoms. Largely through the might of our Armed Forces, the United States enjoys an unprecedented position of international leadership. Yet, the promise of lifelong health care that this country made to our veterans has been threatened. not by the aggression of a foreign power but by inadequate funding. Across the country this year, veterans have been concerned about the Clinton Administration's proposed budget for veterans health care services. In fact, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) predicted that the Administration's proposed funding level of $17.3 billion would result in significant reductions in medical care. In response to these concerns, I worked to raise the level of funding for veterans' medical care in an appropriations bill. During consideration of the bill by the Senate Appropriations Committee, on which I serve as Ranking Member, I added $1.1 billion for veterans' health care, bringing the total funding level to $18.4 billion. When the appropriations bill came to the Senate floor, recognizing that even $18.4 billion was still not sufficient for veterans health care, I offered an amendment that added another $600 million for their medical care. My amendment was adopted, and brought the total funding for veterans' medical care for Fi seal Year 2000 up to $19 billion. This level of funding will enable the VA to continue to provide quality health care to veterans, and will prevent the kinds of cuts in services that many veterans feared would place their eligibility for care in question. Throughout America's history. our sons and daughters have always been ready to answer the call to duty. In particular, West Virginians have a proud and enviable record of service to our country in perilous times of war and conflict. It is a matter of simple honor that the nation stand behind its promise to provide quality medical care for our veterans November 3, 1999