The leader of The American Legion expressed disappointment today at the failure of Congress to okay an appropriations bill to fund the Department of Veterans Affairs during this new fiscal year, though a Continuing Resolution (CR) to provide additional funding for VA medical accounts was approved.
“A year ago, Congress made history by passing, on time, before the beginning of the new fiscal year, the Military Construction, Veterans’ Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for FY 2009.” said Clarence E. Hill, national commander of The American Legion. “We at The American Legion applauded the record-setting event, especially since the majority of federal agencies did not receive their new appropriations until March 11 – six months into the new fiscal year.”
Early last month, Hill testified before a joint session of the Veterans’ Affairs Committees that timely passage of the FY 2010 Mil Con-VA budget was a top priority of The American Legion. “Since my election, I have emphasized this to every member of Congress with whom I have met,” Hill said. “Running the ‘best health care system in the nation’ is an important responsibility and having a budget that is sufficient, predictable, and on time will help hospital administrators make efficient and cost-effective management decisions. Both long and short range strategies are more relevant and reliable when ‘the money is in the bank’ rather than having a ‘check in the mail.’ Therefore, we urge Congress to approve VA funding immediately.”