VA backlog reduction derailed

VFW Magazine, Oct, 2002

President Bush declined in August to spend $5.1 billion in emergency funds earmarked by Congress for the military, domestic security and several other initiatives. It included $275 million for reducing backlogs at VA medical centers.

"Those funds are needed now to provide continued access to a wide range of health-care services," said VFW Commander-in-Chief James Goldsmith. "Releasing the funds will prevent the rationing of VA health care to eligible veterans and will begin to make a dent in the current backlog of 300,000-plus veterans waiting for medical care appointments."

Congress stipulated that Bush had to approve the entire package instead of only those initiatives he supported.

"Those are the rules they placed upon my Administration," Bush said on Aug. 14. "I understand their position. And today, they're going to learn mine. We'll spend none of it."