Democrats accuse administration of shortchanging veterans

House Democrats and members of veterans' organizations criticized the Bush administration and Republicans in Congress Friday for underfunding the Veterans Affairs Department, in particular veterans' healthcare programs.

"This was a significant week to honor our veterans," said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. "There are real differences in the priorities of the parties at this time."

Democrats cited the Senate's failure to approve an amendment by Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., to increase funding for veterans' healthcare programs, as well as a similar amendment defeated Thursday in the House.

"I hold the president, the leaders of the Senate and the leaders of the House responsible," said House Veterans' Affairs Committee member Rep. Ted Strickland, D-Ohio.

Budget ranking member Rep. John Spratt, D-S.C., also sent out a "Dear Colleague" letter today critical of the administration for budget cuts to the Veterans Affairs Department, saying the administration's planned fiscal 2006 budget proposal has a $1.6 billion shortfall for veterans programs.

"While it remains to be seen what the actual impacts of these cuts will be," the letter states, "it is certain they will be significant and could mean a reduction in the number of veterans that can be treated or a reduction in the level of healthcare services that veterans receive."

A spokesman for House Budget Chairman Rep. Jim Nussle, R-Iowa, took issue with Democrats' claims. "Republicans have provided some of the largest increases in veterans' funding," the spokesman said. "Veterans have faired unbelievably well in the past several years under a Republican president and a Republican Congress."

The spokesman said Nussle has prioritized veterans' funding, adding that Nussle "cares tremendously about this issue." He acknowledged that funding levels are not consistent with requests by veterans' organizations, but said their budget requests are a "wish list."

He added: "Is it short by [their estimates]? Yes, absolutely. But we are trying very hard, under very difficult budget restraints, to provide them with what they need."

According to a Democratic leadership aide, veterans' issues will be a focal point of communications effort over the July Fourth recess.