Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) made the following remarks regarding President Obama’s proposal to improve programs at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) and increase the VA budget.  Obama’s proposal would unify electronic medical records for soldiers and military personnel by creating the Joint Virtual Lifetime Record system, and the increases in the budget would improve VA programs like comprehensive education benefits and assistance to homeless veterans. 

Said Congressman Dingell, “I have long held that to properly care for veterans, the Department of Defense (DoD) and the VA must coordinate their efforts as soldiers transition from active-duty.  Congress made important strides last year by passing the Wounded Warrior Assistance Act to ensure the Department of Defense is communicating with the VA on plans for care of soldiers once they leave the Service.  President Obama’s plan to streamline medical records electronically builds on that effort and, with the proper administration, has the potential to serve as a model for our nation.

“I am also pleased that Obama’s proposed budget encourages timely implementation of education benefits for our soldiers who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.  The GI Bill has created opportunities for millions of Americans in the last sixty years.  As a veteran of World War II, I directly benefited from the GI bill.  It helped to put me through law school and to succeed in my career as a Congressman.  Without that opportunity, I would not be where I am today.

“Obama’s calls for improvement to our military and veterans health care system, including much-needed provision of mental health services, increases in veterans’ benefits, and assistance to our most needy veterans have shown that he is committed to making our young men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country a national priority.  I, and other Members of the 111th Congress, will work with President Obama on realizing that aim.”