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Obama Praises Senate Decision to Provide VA $1.5 Billion for Veterans' Health Care

Thursday, June 30, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington Contact: Robert Gibbs or Tommy Vietor, (202) 228-5511
Illinois Contact: Julian Green, (312) 886-3506
Date: June 29, 2005

OBAMA PRAISES SENATE DECISION TO PROVIDE VA $1.5 BILLION FOR VETERANS' HEALTH CARE

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Barack Obama Wednesday praised the Senate's decision to add $1.5 billion in emergency funding to fill the shortfall in the VA's health care budget for 2005.

"When we make the decision to send our troops to war, we also make a promise to care for them when they come home," said Obama. "To ensure that they receive that care, we must adequately fund the VA and never nickel-and-dime those who risked their lives to protect ours. That is why I am pleased that the Senate chose to add $1.5 billion in emergency funds to fill the shortfall in the veterans' health care budget."

On March 26, 2005, Senator Obama voted to add an additional $2.85 billion to the VA health care budget, but the amendment was defeated.

"I don't think anyone wants to look a returning soldier in the eye who fought and bled for our country and say 'Sorry, but when it comes to getting health care, you're on your own,'" said Obama.

Senator Obama is a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee.

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