WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, participated in a joint hearing of the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees today on the legislative priorities of Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

Together, the committees heard testimony from DAV National Commander Robert T. Reynolds.  Commander Reynolds urged Chairman Akaka and other members of the committees to fix the "budget funding nightmare," and to make VA health care funding sufficient, timely, and predictable. 

"VA's health care system enters each fiscal year unsure of its budget, leaving hospital managers and vulnerable veterans in an atmosphere of uncertainty," Akaka said.  "Innovative solutions must be put into action so veterans do not have to worry about the funding process to get the care that they need."

Akaka has consistently advocated to improve VA health care funding.  Last year, in Akaka's first year as Chairman of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, Congress provided the largest annual increase to VA in the history of the Department. 

The full witness list can be viewed here.  Chairman Akaka's opening statement can be viewed here: here.

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March 4, 2008