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Washington, D.C. -  Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis (CA-32) released a report which reveals that President Bush’s budget proposals would result in widespread denial of health care for veterans. Under these proposals, 1,500 veterans in the 32nd Congressional District would lose current health care services and those who retain care would pay nearly $400,000 more each year combined.  

“No one has paid a higher price and sacrifice for our freedom than our veterans, but the Bush administration seems to ignore that fact when proposing to cut care and increase fees to more than 45% of our nation’s eligible veterans,” said Congresswoman Solis. “At a time when our nation is seeing increasing numbers of servicemen and women in need, the last thing that should be done is proposing cuts to needed care. San Gabriel Valley veterans deserve better.” 

The new report, “The Impact of President Bush’s Budget on Veterans’ Health Care in California’s 32nd Congressional District” analyzes the impact of President Bush’s proposals to cut costs at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Three proposals would result in less health care for veterans. These are:

- Prohibiting otherwise eligible “priority 8” veterans from enrolling in the VA health care system;

- Requiring 45 percent of veterans receiving care to pay a $250 annual enrollment fee (all “priority 7” and “priority 8” veterans); and

- Doubling prescription co-pays.

If enacted, the effects on veterans in the 32nd Congressional District would be disastrous. Approximately 1,500 veterans would be denied access to the system, including 1,000 who would be forced to drop out of the system because of the new fees. Those veterans who remain in the system will pay approximately $510 more per year for their care, nearly $400,000 a year for veterans in the 32nd Congressional District.

Congresswoman Solis has voted to increase funding to ensure veterans and their families access to health care, including mental health counseling. Solis introduced H.R. 5007, the Culturally Competent Veteran and Family Care Act, to require the VA to extend mental health counseling to all eligible veterans and their families, and ensures care of culturally and linguistically appropriate. In 2003, legislation introduced by Solis to expedite the naturalization process for legal immigrants serving in the U.S. military was signed into law (Public Law 108-136).