(Warwick, R.I.) Congressman Jim Langevin hailed the President’s recent release of the $3.7 billion in additional veterans funding provided by Congress. There are about 86,000 veterans in Rhode Island.

“Americans were shocked to learn one year ago of a crisis in care for soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Langevin.  “Our nation can do better, and this historic funding increase, paired with the Wounded Warriors Act reforms, puts us on the right track for America’s veterans.  I am glad that the Bush Administration finally agreed that this critical funding is needed.”

With the release of these funds, the 110th Congress has provided an extra $6.7 billion over last year, which comprises the largest single funding increase in the 77-year history of the Department of Veterans Affairs. This funding will:

- Strengthen quality health care for 5.8 million patients, including about 263,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, in the 5th year of the war in Iraq;
- Invest in much-needed maintenance for VA health care facilities and treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury for returning veterans;
- Reduce the backlog of veterans (400,000 claims) waiting for their earned benefits by adding 1,800 claims processors.
- Build on the first steps by this Congress at the beginning of 2007 -- increasing veterans’ health care and benefits by $5.2 billion for improved care and shorter waiting lines for veterans waiting 177 days to receive their earned benefits.

Most veterans receiving VA health care are struggling to get into the middle class, with a median annual income of $23,000.

This increase won widespread support and praise from America’s leading veterans’ organizations including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Officers Association of America, Paralyzed Veterans of America, AmVets, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, National Association for Uniformed Services and Disabled American Veterans.

“Providing quality care and services to our veterans is one of my top priorities,” continued Langevin. “On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind.  And with this national investment, we will begin to fulfill our pledge that when they return home, we leave no veteran behind.”

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