Space Blasts Boehner Proposal to Cut $62 Million in Veterans Funding

Press Release

Once again standing up for the needs of Ohio's men and women who have served in uniform, U.S. Rep. Zack Space (OH-18) today blasted a proposal from Republican Leader John Boehner to cut over $62 million from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"I'm proud that when I came to Congress, we passed the largest increase in VA funding in history," said Space, ranked as one of the most moderate members of Congress by the nonpartisan National Journal. "And now, we've seen what the Republican priorities are; they want to take us backward and slash funding for services that our veterans earned as soon as they put on the uniform of the United States."

"These priorities are absolutely wrong, they are absolutely out of touch, and they are absolutely a disservice to our veterans," Space continued. "I won't allow us to go backward when it comes to our men and women in uniform."

Yesterday, Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) introduced three amendments to the Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill -- which funds the Department of Veterans Affairs -- that would have gutted over $62 million from the Department.

Congressman Space, a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, has been leading the fight to provide funding and services to our nation's veterans -- especially those in rural areas. Earlier this year, Space hosted VA Secretary Eric Shinseki at the Chillicothe VA Medical Center to see firsthand the unique issues faced by local veterans.

Congressman Space has represented Ohio's 18th Congressional District since 2007. He has been working to restore integrity to the office, and to create the conditions to bring new industry and jobs to Ohio. Recently, Congressman Space launched FIGHTING TO RENEW OHIO, the second phase of his plan to provide long-term economic growth in Ohio's 18th Congressional District.

More information on FIGHTING TO RENEW OHIO is available at http://space.house.gov/RENEW.

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