WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Representative Adam Schiff issued the following statement today in opposition to cuts in funding for veterans benefits included in the House Budget Resolution narrowly passed last week:
"Today, our nation is united behind one goal and one purpose: to support our men and women in uniform who are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Their bravery and courage is unmatched and we pray for their swift and safe return.
Our support for our troops must continue even after those battles are won. And for those who have answered the call of duty in the past, now is not the time to renege on our commitment to them. We need to support our troops of the past in the same way we support our troops of the present.
That's why I rise today to call attention to the terrible cuts to veterans benefits that narrowly passed the House of Representatives as part of the Budget Resolution last week. It is unconscionable that at the same time our military men and women are fighting overseas, Congress passes legislation to pull the rug out from under them when they return.
That's why I speak again today in opposition to the Budget Resolution that passed narrowly last week. It doesn't reflect the priorities of this Congress and it doesn't reflect the values of Americans. How can we support a budget that includes $28.8 billion in cuts to veterans programs over 10 years? How can we turn our backs on the men and women that fight to protect and defend our homeland? The answer is: we can't.
The Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Paralyzed Veterans of America and the bipartisan leadership of the Veterans Affairs Committee all have publicly opposed these cuts in veterans' funding and I stand with them. I support a budget alternative that provides $30.8 billion in higher funding for veterans programs over 10 years.
In my district, I gather with hundreds of veterans each November at McCambridge Park near my home in Burbank to honor men and women who have fought for our country -- both those who have survived injuries received in battle and those who lost their lives while serving their country so proudly."
I hear scores of first-hand stories about the importance of veterans programs and I cannot sit idly by while billions of dollars are cut from their healthcare and disability benefits. Let's honor our troops overseas and let's honor them when they get home.