Berkley votes against cuts

Berkley votes against cuts

Congresswoman Shelley Berkley (D-Nev.) questioned the commitment of House Republicans to veterans following passage of a budget that cuts Veteran's Administration (VA) health care by $6 billion over five years.

Berkley voted against the 2007 budget on May 18 and has consistently called for greater investment in the VA in order to meet the health care needs of current veterans as well as upcoming needs for a new generation of vets who will be completing their service in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Cutting health care for America's veterans is a slap in the face to those who bravely defended our nation's freedom and sends a signal to our troops that Congress will not honor the promises that have been made to those serving in the military," Berkley stated.

"At a time when our troops are returing with serious injuries that may require a lifetime of care, we should be investing in VA health care services ..."

Berkley serves on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. While spending increases slightly for 2007, Nevada veterans will see a total of $6 billion cut from the VA between 2008-2011. The $2.7 trillion Republican budget for 2007 was passed by the House on a vote of 218-210. Berkley voted against the GOPbill and for a Democratic alternative that would have increased, not decreased, funding for veterans' care.

http://www.pahrumpvalleytimes.com/2006/05/24/news/vets.html