Editorial: VA needs the funds to match its vision

Friday, Jan. 31, 2003 | 4:32 a.m.

WEEKEND EDITION: Feb. 2, 2003

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is talking optimistically about spending more than $100 million to build new health-care facilities in Las Vegas, including a large new clinic downtown. Although no detail work has been completed, the general concept has been recommended by a VA task force, and VA Secretary Anthony Principi visited Las Vegas in November to scout sites and learn of the need.

The improvements are necessary for at least two good reasons. In 1996 Congress increased VA health-care eligibility, an act that tripled demand. Consequently, existing VA facilities were suddenly of insufficient size and veterans have been unfairly inconvenienced by long wait times. Additionally, in Las Vegas, the VA's Guy Ambulatory Care Center will close in May, forcing veterans to choose from among 11 temporary facilities.

Optimistic talk about improvements, however, is worthless without proper funding. President Bush is proposing $23.9 billion for veterans health care this year, a $2 billion increase. But Rep. Christopher Smith, R-N.J., chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, says that's about $2 billion short. With a war in Iraq on the horizon, Congress and the president need to ensure that benefits guaranteed to veterans are there when needed.