DAV National Commander Roberto "Bobby" Barrera on Friday presented a special "Going to Bat for Veterans" award to Rep. David Obey in recognition of his leadership and support for legislation that will ensure sufficient, timely and predictable funding for veterans health care, according to a news release issued by Disabled American Veterans.
"Without Rep. Obey's support of this vital legislation, the Department of Veterans Affairs would continue to cut services, ration care, be unable to hire sufficient staff and put off needed construction and repairs to its medical facilities, all because of inadequate funds and budget delays," said National Commander Barrera.
The Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act authorizes Congress to approve veterans medical care funding one year in advance to better meet the anticipated demand for veterans health care services. The advanced funding will give the Department of Veterans Affairs up to a full year to plan for the most effective and efficient way of delivering medical care. Additionally, this would require the Government Accountability Office to review the budget development process to ensure that sufficient funds are included.
"This legislation will help every disabled veteran and every future disabled veteran," said Commander Barrera. "This important legislation was passed because so many in Congress saw the need to put an end to chronic lapses in budgets that had persisted for decades. They stood up for veterans together, and veterans and their families are going to benefit."
Commander Barrera expressed DAV's gratitude to Representatives and Senators who played leading roles in getting the legislation approved.
ADVERTISEMENT
A picture from the event is attached showing DAV National Commander Roberto "Bobby" Barrera presenting Congressman Obey with the "Going to Bat for Veterans" award.
The 1.2 million-member nonprofit organization was founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932, represents this nation's disabled veterans.
