FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 16, 1997
CONTACT: Dana Hagerty 202/225-2165
WASHINGTON, DC -- An amendment to increase funding for veterans' medical care passed the U.S. House of Representatives today. Congressman Collin C. Peterson (DFL-7th District) supported the amendment to the VA-HUD Appropriations Act for FY 1998.
"I am very pleased that we were able to increase this important funding for veterans' health care. Although I would like to see even more funding for health care, passage of this amendment sends a strong signal of support for the well being of the men and women who have served our country in uniform," Peterson said. "I voted against the Budget Reconciliation bill earlier in the session, in strong part because of the lack of funding for veterans' health care."
The amendment, sponsored by Congressman David Obey (D-WI), increased funding for VA medical care by $48 million by eliminating funds for a wind simulation center.
The vote on the Obey amendment was 322 to 110.