Sutton Votes to Renew Commitment to Our Troops

Press Release

Sutton Votes to Renew Commitment to Our Troops

Legislation brings veterans health care funding to the highest level in history

Today, Congresswoman Betty Sutton (D-OH) voted in favor of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act. This legislation rejects the President's proposed cuts in funding for veterans, supplying critical support for veterans' health, housing and other needs. The measure passed by a margin of 409 to 4.

"Providing for the needs of our brave servicemen and women is one of our country's most important responsibilities. Today, by rejecting the President's proposed budget cuts we are sending a clear message to our service members and their families that their sacrifice is valued and appreciated.

By passing this legislation we are ensuring that the medical and mental health needs of our soldiers are addressed. We are bringing veterans' health funding to the highest level in the history of the VA, providing the necessary support so our veterans can receive the quality care they need and deserve.

We have also rejected the President's budget cuts to housing assistance for our veterans. No soldier should have to struggle with the possibility of homelessness, and this legislation provides critical assistance to help returning service members secure affordable, quality housing.

This legislation is extremely good news for our nation's soldiers and I am proud to support its passage."

This legislation has been endorsed by a wide array of veterans groups, including Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, Disabled Veterans of America, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and AMVETS.

Congresswoman Sutton has been a leader in the fight to support our troops. Along with Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) she introduced a measure to compensate soldiers that have been affected by "stop-loss," the Pentagon's policy to forcibly prolong a soldier's service beyond his or her enlistment. The Stop Loss Compensation Act would require the Pentagon to pay affected troops an additional $1500 for each month their service is extended. This week, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense marked-up the Fiscal Year 2009 Defense Appropriations Bill and included compensation for soldiers affected by the Pentagon's stop-loss policy.

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