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I have to believe that our service organizations know what they are talking about when it comes to Veterans Issues. This is what they all recommend and I have to agree with them. I found this on the DAV web site and thought it would be of interest. If it has been posted before I apologize. Go to Thomas.org and look up bill s.50 for more information and the status of this bill.

Access to priority health care for our nation?s service-connected disabled veterans has been seriously eroded over the years due to insufficient health care funding. The veterans health care system is in crisis. Continued budget shortfalls, combined with rising costs for medical care and increased demand for VA health care, have resulted in unprecedented waiting times for routine and specialty care nationwide. According to VA, in December 2002, nearly 236,000 veterans are either waiting for their first appointment or waiting at least six months for care. Additionally, VA reports that many of its facilities have reached capacity with closed enrollment at some hospitals and clinics. But most disturbing are reports of severely disabled veterans having to wait months, and, in some cases, more than a year, for basic health care and specialized services.

DAV believes it is disingenuous for our government to promise health care to veterans and then make it unattainable because of inadequate funding. Rationed health care is no way to honor America?s obligation to the brave men and women who have so honorably served our nation. Guaranteed funding for VA health care will help to ensure timely access to quality health care for our nation?s service-connected disabled veterans. It would also ensure that VA receives its new funding level on October 1, the first day of the new fiscal year, instead of being forced to operate under last year?s spending level until Congress can pass an appropriations bill. Currently, VA is funded at last year?s level until the new Congress passes an appropriations bill in January or February of 2003. Therefore, to avoid the uncertainties of the annual appropriations process, we are pressing for funding for veterans? health care to be mandated in permanent law.