SUBJECT
Veterans Administration Funding

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED!

BACKGROUND
It was recently announced by Veteran’s Administration Secretary Jim Nicholson that the VA is facing a healthcare budget shortfall that could be in excess of $1.6 billion for FY 2005. Estimates for FY 2006 show a $2.6 billion shortfall.

On June 29, 2005, the Senate added $1.5 billion for veterans and administration healthcare to the Interior Appropriations bill for FY 2006. The House passed a stand alone bill (H.R. 3130) on June 30, 2005 which provides for and additional $975 million in funding for veterans medical services until September 30, 2006. The two bills will be in conference this week. It is urgent that veterans call your elected representatives and tell them to vote for the Senate version of the supplemental VA appropriations legislation.

RECOMMENDATION:

Step one: Dial 1-866-877-HILL(4455). This is a toll-free number. Calling it will connect you to the Capitol switchboard where you can ask to be connected to your Congressman=s office.

Step two: Tell the individual who answers the phone in the Capitol Hill office that you are a constituent of the Congressman. Give your name, address and phone number. Tell them you support the Senate version of the supplemental funding for VA healthcare.

Step three: Fax a letter to the Congressman at his Capitol Hill or district office. Tell them that you called the office, the date you called and the name of the person you talked to. Remember, ask for a reply.

Step four: Forward a copy of the correspondence you sent to the Capitol Hill office to the Congressman’s state/local office. Ask them to contact the Capitol Hill office to express your view on the issue. State and local offices are in constant communication with the Capitol Hill offices.

Step five: Send the EANGUS National Office a copy of your correspondence.
Email: eangus@eangus.org
Mail to: EANGUS
3133 Mount Vernon Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22305-2640
Fax: (703)519-3849

The Honorable [name of your representative]
U.S. House of Representatives:
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative:

I would like to ask for your support of legislation that would provide additional funds to the Veterans Administration budget for FY 2005 for veteran’s healthcare.

On June 29, 2005, the Senate added $1.5 billion for veterans and administration healthcare to the Interior Appropriations bill for FY 2006. The House passed a stand alone bill (H.R. 3130) on June 30, 2005 which provides for an additional $975 million in funding for veterans medical services until September 30, 2006. The two bills will be in conference this week.

Please support the Senate passed bill that provides an additional $1.5 billion in funds for veteran’s healthcare. These funds are necessary to ensure that adequate healthcare can be provided to all veterans including those now returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

If you have any questions, please contact me or my representative at the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, 1-800-234-3264.

Sincerely,

The Honorable [name of your Senator]
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator :


I would like to ask for your support of legislation that would provide additional funds to the Veterans Administration budget for FY 2005 for veteran’s healthcare.

On June 29, 2005, the Senate added $1.5 billion for veterans and administration healthcare to the Interior Appropriations bill for FY 2006. The House passed a stand alone bill (H.R. 3130) on June 30, 2005 which provides for and additional $975 million in funding for veterans medical services until September 30, 2006. The two bills will be in conference this week.

Please support the Senate passed bill that provides an additional $1.5 billion in funds for veteran’s healthcare. These funds are necessary to ensure that adequate healthcare can be provided to all veterans including those now returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

If you have any questions, please contact me or my representative at the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, 1-800-234-3264.

Sincerely,