House Committee on Veterans' Affairs

Washington, D.C. – House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA) released the following statement after President Obama signed H.R. 1016, the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009, into law:       

“What a great day for America’s veterans!  Today, President Obama signed a law that will secure timely and predictable funding for the veterans health care system.  This needed reform of the budget and appropriations process will allow the Department of Veterans Affairs a more effective way to provide the highest quality care earned by men and women who have served in defense of our nation.  

“Under this new law, Congress will write and approve two budgets for the VA this year: one to provide fiscal 2010 total funding and another to provide fiscal 2011 funding for certain VA medical accounts.  Now, veterans’ health care can be funded one year in advance of the regular appropriations process and will not be subject to political or legislative delays. 

“I would like to thank the dedicated veterans advocates for their leadership on this issue.  Together, we have worked to craft landmark legislation that will guarantee that our veterans have access to comprehensive, quality health care.  Their advocacy efforts were heard by the New Democratic leadership in Congress and supported by the President.  I am proud to witness this legislative victory – a historic day where we can stand together united behind a solution to fix VA health care funding once and for all.”