Atlanta, GA -- Today, Michael Coles joined veterans groups across Georgia and the United States in opposing Congress’ attempts to cut health care benefits for veterans with tobacco-related illnesses. Both the House and the Senate have included a $10.5 billion cut to such benefits in their current legislation to fund the Intermodal Surface Transportation Act (ISTEA). Coles noted, “It is shameful to break the promises that have already been made to veterans to treat their smoking-related illnesses. These veterans were encouraged to smoke by the military, and it is our responsibility to provide them proper health benefits.” Coles has criticized Paul Coverdell for voting both for and against this cut to veterans’ health care. Although Coverdell sided with the veterans on some earlier votes on this issue, he ultimately voted for the 1999 Senate Budget Resolution [Senate Conference Resolution #86, 4/2/98, Vote #84] which mandated that the $10.5 billion cut be part of the ISTEA legislation. The Senate Budget Resolution passed by a vote of 57-41. In a letter to House Transportation Committee Chairman Bud Shuster, R-Pa, four veterans groups expressed their opposition to these cuts. “Blindly looting veterans’ programs is not a legitimate or honorable way to fund our transportation needs.” [AP, 5/21/98] Disabled American Veterans National Commander Harry McDonald called the cuts “a shameless money-grabbing scheme.” [AP, 5/21/98] Coles added, “Although maintaining and improving our nation’s roads and expanding our mass transit systems are important issues, we cannot do so by breaking promises to our nation’s veterans.” # # # |
