Andrew Duck For Congress Committee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Memorial Day, 2005

It is disappointing to see that Congressman Roscoe Bartlett has voted against increasing the funding for medical care for veterans injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. In voting against House Amendment 216 to the 2006 Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, Mr. Bartlett has shown that he is willing to disregard the needs of veterans who have been wounded in combat.

At a time when over 13,000 brave Americans have been wounded in action in Iraq and Afghanistan, Mr. Bartlett refuses to provide the additional $8 million for treating combat trauma. While we have a dramatic increase in the number of soldiers and marines who are returning home as amputees, Mr. Bartlett is unwilling to provide the requested increase of $9 million for research into prosthetics. While we rely on National Guard and Reserve forces to provide the personnel to fight our wars, Mr. Bartlett is unwilling to provide the additional $6 million to remotely serve those veterans using telemedicine, requiring them to make lengthy trips to obtain needed medical care.

The proposed amendment also included cuts in funds for base closure expenses, so the amendment would have also reduced the deficit. The amendment proposed $58 million in increased health care for veterans, offset by a $169 million reduction in base closure expenses.

This amendment was an opportunity to demonstrate priorities. It was a choice between providing funds for health care for wounded veterans or providing administrative expenses for shuffling of government offices. Mr. Bartlett chose to shuffle government offices, rather than care for people.

Congressman Bartlett had the opportunity to make a difference. The final vote on this amendment was 214 against and 213 for. If Mr. Bartlett had chosen to help veterans, his vote would have made the difference, and resulted in passage.

Mr. Bartlett's vote on this amendment shows that he does not support veterans, and is out of touch with the voters of the 6th District. It is time for a change.