A Birthday Wish for the VA

U.S. Senator Tim Johnson

This Monday, July 21, the Veterans Administration turns 73. Established in 1930 to "consolidate and coordinate Government activities affecting war veterans," the VA has become the second largest Cabinet in the Federal Government, and rightly so. Serving the needs of our nation's veterans makes our country stronger, and cannot be ignored.

I want to recognize the outstanding work the VA has done in its 73 years. Honoring our nation's veterans takes more than raising the flag and giving them a pat on the back: it takes keeping America's promise to them by seeing their needs are addressed. In doing so, we repay those men and women who have sacrificed - put their lives on the line - to defend our freedom. They deserve the very best we can give them. Pure and simple.

When the men and women serving in Iraq come home, we should assist them in making the transition back into life at home. That means they should not have to endure waiting lists for their medical care, or be turned away all together because the VA is underfunded. Keeping our commitment to funding the VA has gone unaddressed by this Administration, whose priorities are tax cuts for the wealthiest elites.

I find it horribly ironic that while sending American troops into battle, the White House is putting VA funding on the back burner. The Administration argues that we don't have the $2 billion necessary to fully fund the VA to address veterans' healthcare needs, but we are currently spending $4 billion every month for the aftermath of the war in Iraq. At the very least, it shows a lack of planning for the soldiers' return home.

Let us be clear: the VA is not just about the wars in our past, or the current conflict in Iraq. In promising veterans benefits to new armed forces recruits, we ensure that our best and brightest young people can continue to choose service to our nation as their career. They can be assured they will receive the best medical care our nation can offer. The VA is about America's defense. It is about America's future.

The VA health care system has grown from 54 hospitals in 1930, to include 171 medical centers; more than 350 outpatient, community, and outreach clinics; and 126 nursing home care units. VA health care facilities provide a broad spectrum of medical, surgical, and rehabilitative care.

In service to our nation's finest, the VA has accomplished a great deal. Still, much work remains to be done. An estimated 70 million Americans, roughly 25%, are eligible for benefits and services as veterans, family members, or survivors of veterans. They have given of themselves, sacrifice on behalf of our freedom. In return, don't they deserve the best we can give them?