Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. form letter to constituent, August, 1996

ROB.-, . Г L. EHRLICH, JR. 2d District, Maryland COMMITTEES Congress of tbe Umteb States ^ottst of -RepreemtatibHf Magfjington, ©C 20515-2002 ЭТО Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Bol Air, MD 21011 14101 838-2517 BANKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES August, 1996 Government Building 7701 Wise Avenue Dundalk, MD 21222 Dear Friend . I firmly believe part of my responsibility as a member of Congress is to keep my constituents apprised of matters important to them. This letter provides an update on Congressional issues of interest to veterans and to share with you facts pertaining to budget decisions affecting veterans. Daring this year, Congress has focused on balancing the federal budget, providing middle class tax relief, and reforming the current welfare system. These important legislative reforms, however, have been vetoed by President Clinton. Although these measures represent tough choices and votes in shaping the direction of this country, they also reflect my own strong support for our veterans. I am proud of my voting record on veterans’ issues and will continue to support our military personnel -- active, reserve, and retired. ♦ VA Maryjan.d_Health_Care System: In order to determine firsthand the level of care veterans receive, I visited both the Fort Howard VA Medical Center (Hospital and Nursing Home) and the Perry Point VA Hospital within the past year. These two excellent facilities provide superb care, service, and treatment with a personal touch for our veterans. In addition, the “state of the art” VA Medical Center in downtown Baltimore will soon be joined by the VA Rehabilitation and Extended Care Center on Loch Raven Boulevard. Scheduled to open its doors this month, this new 120-bed Center promises to dramatically expand the scope of services the VA will be able to provide local veterans in need of extended care. ♦ Aberdeen Proving Grounds: As the largest military installation in the Second District, the importance of Aberdeen Proving Grounds cannot be overstated. In addition to frequent visits to APG and many positive meetings with APG officers and personnel, I have worked to ensure that this facility, which is critical to the economic base of Harford County as well as to the national security of our country, remains viable. ♦ The VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act of 1997: The Republican VA Appropriations bill has come under patently unfair and inaccurate criticism by the Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs, Jesse Brown, for alleged “cutting” of departmental funds. The truth is, despite a decreasing veteran population, this bill (with bipartisan support) will increase funding levels, thereby assuring that benefits and health care will continue to reach our deserving veterans. C PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER