Before breaking for the Mid-Term Elections earlier this month, Congress passed only two FY 2007 appropriations bills to cover the ongoing cost of the global war on terrorism.

Unfortunately, they forgot that VA health care is also an ongoing cost of war that lasts long after the guns are silenced, treaties are signed, and the dead are buried.

There is much talk in Washington that the current leadership plans to delay final passage until the new 110th Congress is convened. Therefore, VA would continued to be funded at the current funding level, some $8.8 billion less than planned for FY 2007.

Please take time to contact your Senators and Representatives. Remind them that before they adjourn the 109th Congress, there is important business to be finished. The current continuing resolutions fails to provide adequate funding for VA health care. VA medical facilities are continuing to receive new patients returning from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. War does not provide “recesses” or “timeouts” for casualties. The “thanks of a grateful nation” is not conditional, but a national commitment.

The Senate plans to return next week for just 3 business days – that is plenty of time to complete their obligations to the men and women of the armed forces, veterans, and their families.

Pass the VA health care appropriations bill before Congress goes home to celebrate the holidays with their families and friends.