Senator Conrad Details Boost in Veterans Healthcare

DAV Leader Thanks Senator for Support of Veterans Issues

May 26, 2009 -- Fargo – In recognition of Memorial Day services for America's veterans, Senator Kent Conrad today met with Fargo-area veterans and veteran care leaders to discuss the recently-adopted Congressional budget resolution, which boosts federal support for veterans’ health care.

“We have a solemn obligation to honor our veterans by delivering the best health care our federal government can provide,” Senator Conrad said. “This new budget makes great progress, yet still more needs to be done. We need to continue to work to ensure our veterans of today and tomorrow receive the care and respect they deserve.”

Senator Conrad met with Robert McDivitt, director of the Fargo VA Medical Center, as well as health care leaders and representatives from veterans’ service organizations. Conrad outlined the fiscal year 2010 Congressional Budget Resolution that was approved last month by Congress and the President. Senator Conrad’s budget provides $53 billion in funding for veterans' programs, a record $5 billion increase from the previous fiscal year for veterans’ health care and services.

As Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, Senator Conrad made quality health care a priority when he wrote the budget resolution. Specifically, Senator Conrad included additional resources to expand research and improve treatment for mental health, post-traumatic stress disorder, and traumatic brain injury. Veterans-care advocates say the increased funding for health programs is critical to meeting the needs of returning Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans.

The Conrad budget also includes a provision that would end the previous Administration’s ban on enrolling modest income veterans in the VA health care system. According to the VA, this measure would bring more than 500,000 additional veterans into the VA system by 2013.

According to America’s leading veterans’ organizations, Senator Conrad’s budget “surpasses” their own budget requests. This investment reflects Senator Conrad’s commitment to ensure that veterans receive the care and benefits they have earned.

After inspecting the Fargo VA Medical Center and meeting with McDivitt and other hospital executives, Senator Conrad met with members of local veterans’ service organizations.

Greg Seurer, National Service Officer for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), thanked Senator Conrad for standing up for North Dakota’s veterans. “Your work makes a real difference in the lives of veterans in North Dakota and all across the nation,” he said. “We appreciate all you’ve done to ensure veterans receive quality care in a timely manner.”

Source: Senator Kent Conrad