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Rep. Miller votes to correct funding shortage for Veterans' health care

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. George Miller (D-Martinez) tonight voted to correct the $1 billion shortfall in veterans’ health care funding belatedly acknowledged by the Bush Administration last week. But Miller also faulted House leaders for not offering a full, immediate fix for the problem.

“Congress should not make Veterans pay for the reckless budget deficit that has grown over the past few years,” said Miller. “Americans who show their dedication to our country by serving in the Armed Forces have every right to expect that as veterans they will receive the care they need. But under this Administration, the money is running out for veterans. We have the power to restore those funds and that’s exactly what we should do.”

Last week, the Bush Administration acknowledged that it is short $1 billion for covering current needs at the Department of Veterans Affairs this year. Democrats in Congress had been warning of this shortage all year but have been repeatedly rebuffed by Republican leaders when they pressed for greater funding. In response to the revelation, the Senate voted unanimously on Wednesday to give the VA an extra $1.5 billion this year to cover the health care shortfall. Just last week the House rejected the amendment by Rep. Chet Edwards (D-TX) to restore the $1 billion.

Tonight, finally, the House voted to add more money for VA health care. But the House approved just $975 million, meaning more work will have to be done to correct this serious problem. Because the amount offered by House Republicans did not match the amount passed by the Senate, the House and Senate will have to go to conference to agree on an amount, rather than sending the bill straight to the President for his signature. Funds will not get to VA medical facilities and veterans will continue to wait in lines for health care.

“This outrageous problem has not been solved,” said Miller. “This $1 billion shortfall should be fixed immediately, but instead the House has chosen to force veterans to keep waiting for their healthcare. Particularly in a time of war, when new veterans are coming home every day, supporting the troops requires a lot more than just rhetoric and bumper stickers.”

Over the past two years, House Democrats have been standing with America’s veterans fighting to increase support for veterans’ health care. Republicans consistently chose other priorities and voted no on veterans’ healthcare, leading to a shortfall that did not have to happen. In the last week, House Republicans have twice blocked consideration of amendments offered by Democrats to add the needed funds for VA health care to various spending bills. [HR 3010, Vote #320, 6/24/05. Failed 185-216; HR 3057, Vote # 325, 6/28/05. Failed 217-189]

healthcare veterans

Posted by Intern, CA07 at 10:24PM | Comments ()

Miller opposes new oil and gas drilling off CA and other Coastal States

WASHINGTON, D.C.–Rep. George Miller (D-CA) today blasted a Republican bill to overturn a longstanding and bi-partisan ban on oil and gas drilling off the coasts of California, Florida and other states.

“This bill takes America in the wrong direction, the same wrong direction that has brought us dramatic prices at the pump, a lack of innovation and energy independence, and a lack of fiscal responsibility,” said Miller, the former chairman of the House Resources Committee. “We should continue to protect our coastal communities from oil and gas drilling, because the coastlines are the economic lifeblood of so many of our states.

energyandenvironment fuel efficiency gas prices global warming water wildlife

Posted by Peake, Amy at 09:20PM | Comments ()

West Coast Dems win help for Salmon Fishermen

WEST COAST DEMOCRATS USE “JOB ACTION” IN THE
HOUSE TO WIN HELP FOR SALMON FISHERMEN

WASHINGTON, DC – Republican leaders in the House backed down today in a dispute with Democrats regarding the need to provide federal aid to West Coast salmon fishermen and small businesses facing a severe salmon population shortage.

Rep. George Miller (D-CA) and other West Coast Democrats led by Rep. Mike Thomspon (D-CA) vowed earlier today to block regular order in the House of Representatives because the House would not allow debate or a vote an amendment proposed by Thompson to provide $81 million in immediate disaster relief to the salmon fishermen and women of California and Oregon and the businesses and communities that depend on them.

baydelta Contra Costa economy water wildlife

Posted by Peake, Amy at 09:17PM | Comments ()