Press Release
CONGRESSMAN HENRY CUELLAR LAUDS U.S. HOUSE VETERANS’ AFFAIRS CHAIRMAN BOB FILNER’S VISIT TO SOUTH TEXAS A SUCCESS
Washington,
August 6, 2007
Today, Rep. Henry Cuellar expressed his gratitude to the Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives Congressman Bob Filner for meeting with South Texas Veterans and said the gatherings were a success. The meetings started Sunday in San Antonio and continued through Monday in Laredo, Zapata, Roma and Donna. “It is clear that better access to healthcare is a top priority for all veterans,” said Congressman Cuellar. “The veterans had an opportunity to share their concerns, which gave Chairman Filner a first-hand look at the daily hardships that veterans in my district are facing.” During the meetings, most veterans’ organizations said driving to Audie Murphy Hospital in San Antonio is one of their biggest concerns, and that in addition to it placing a burden on their finances, it also takes away time from the family and many have to miss work to receive these services. Veterans also spoke about the need for more health services at the local offices and the long delay in time to process the applications. A strong advocate for veterans’ benefits, Congressman Cuellar stated that recent legislative activity by both chambers of Congress increased the Department of Veterans’ Affairs budget by $6.6 billion. This discretionary funding represents the largest annual increase to Veterans’ Affairs healthcare spending in the department’s 77-year history. “We need to protect our veterans who protected our country. It is a responsibility I take very seriously and am proud that we were able to increase this funding and help improve healthcare for our veterans,” said Congressman Cuellar. “I appreciate Chairman Filner taking time off from his busy schedule to meet with the veterans of South Texas and hear their concerns. This historic visit to South Texas is an indication of his commitment to the veterans in our area.”
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