Issue Position: Veterans' Affairs

Issue Position

Nearly 27 million Americans wear the proud title of Veteran of our Nation's Armed Forces, including 366,000 that live in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. All of these men and women have earned our respect, our thanks and our praise for protecting the freedoms we hold so dear. Throughout our nation's history, they have answered the call of duty and have been committed to see their missions through to the very end. We must never forget what they have done and what they continue to do to ensure the continued safety and security of this great nation.

I have always worked for increased funding for our veterans and retirees. In 2006 Congress provided $22.5 billion for Veterans health care, $1.7 billion above the amount provided the previous year. Over the previous two years, funding for Veterans medical care has increased by 18 percent. The total Veterans Administration budget has increased from $48 billion in 2001 to $70.2 billion in 2006. Congress also approved an additional $1.5 billion in supplemental funds for the veteran's health care program when it was discovered that a shortfall in funding was imminent. I will continue to work to ensure the improvement of benefits for our veterans.

In the First District of Kentucky there are multiple resources available to our veterans and retirees. In the cities of Hanson and Paducah, Community Basic Outpatient Clinics are available for primary healthcare. The Kentucky Veterans Affairs Department is extremely active in the Commonwealth sponsoring programs such as the Korean War Missing DNA Project, the High School Diploma Program for Veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, and multiple recognition programs for events such as Memorial Day ceremonies to monument dedication around the state. The Kentucky Veterans Affairs Department also has regional administrators available to assist veterans and their dependents regarding benefit claims.

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