Congressman Akin Calls on Democrat Leadership to Fund Veterans not Pork Barrel Spending

Press Release

Congressman Akin Calls on Democrat Leadership to Fund Veterans not Pork Barrel Spending

Congressman Todd Akin (R-MO), the ranking member of the Oversight and Investigations subcommittee is calling on the Democrat leadership to fund a Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill. The bill will provide funding for veterans who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other brain injuries.

"The bill passed the House but has been held up in conference by the Democratic leadership for 145 days," said Akin. "This is inexcusable. Our veterans deserve better."

The Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill also funds prosthetics research and improvements to Veterans Affairs facilities.

"We have veterans who are in need of prosthetics and other necessary items. After 145 days, it is time the Democrat leadership funds our veterans and not another pork project to someone's Congressional District."

Congressional Democrats have recently been criticized for attaching a Labor-HHS spending bill to the Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill even though President Bush has threatened to veto the bill.

"I have signed on to a House Resolution, 786, that would ensure all veterans bills will stand alone. The resolution will require no spending bills or pork projects be allowed to be included in a veterans bill," concluded Akin.

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