Ashford: Possible Veterans Cuts 'Unacceptable'

Press Release

Massive cuts to the proposed Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) budget, cuts that strike at the heart of veterans' health care, are "unacceptable and dangerous," Rep. Brad Ashford (NE-02) said today.

The cuts total $1.4 billion and, along with delays in critical medical research, would leave an estimated 70,000 veterans unable to receive the VA care they desperately rely upon.

"It's un-American to turn our backs on the men and women who risked life and limb keeping us safe and secure," said Rep. Ashford a member of the House Armed Services Committee.

Following a series of national news incidents the VA has pushed to correct unsafe and sometimes deadly wait-times.

The turnaround finds 97 percent of appointments are now completed within 30 days.

Looking to stop the 2016 budget slashing orchestrated by the Republican controlled House Appropriations Subcommittee, VA Secretary Bob McDonald told a Senate Committee this week that plans to slash President Obama's proposed funding jeopardize the VA's timely changes.

Rep. Ashford, who has championed veteran's issues, will fight the proposed cuts while continuing his efforts to make Omaha a nationwide model for veteran's health care.

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