AARP: Vets Benefit from Washington Working Together

$3.7 billion released in VA funding shows that Congress, White House capable of tackling critical issues

Source: AARP Press Center |  | January 18, 2008

January 18, 2008

Contact: Michelle Alvarez, AARP, 202-434-2560, malvarez@aarp.org

WASHINGTON — AARP’s Bulletin website - aarp.org/bulletin – reported today that $3.7 billion in additional funding for Veterans Administration (VA) hospitals has been released after Congress and the White House came together. The President’s agreement to release these funds, requested by Congress, was given yesterday.

“Congress and the President put aside their partisan differences by recognizing and acting on the health care need of veterans,” said John Rother, AARP Director of Public Policy. “As we look to solve national problems, like skyrocketing health care costs and ensuring economic security, this action in the face of overwhelming need provides a ray of hope that progress is possible.”

The funding was contained in the omnibus spending bill Congress passed at the end of last year, but required the President’s agreement before the money could be released.