May 01, 2015

Lujan and VFW Agree: VA Spending Bill a Bad Bill for Veterans

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District voted against the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies appropriations bill today over serious concerns that the funding bill is inadequate to meet the needs of New Mexico’s veterans.  The legislation is opposed by Veterans Service Organizations, including the Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and American Legion, and includes spending reductions they have called “unconscionable.”

“The VFW has called this ‘a bad bill for veterans’ and I agree.  The Republican spending bill does not provide the necessary resources to fully address the challenges facing the VA and fails to honor the commitment made to our veterans.  VA Secretary McDonald has said that cuts in this bill are the equivalent of 70,000 fewer veterans receiving VA medical care,” Congressman Luján said.  “Sadly, we have heard too many stories of veterans in New Mexico who have faced long delays when seeking care through the VA.  Our veterans deserve better.  They deserve the care and benefits they have earned due to their brave service to our nation, and this legislation fails to deliver on that promise.”  

This legislation funds the VA at $1.2 billion below the President’s request. 

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