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Alaskan Congressman Don Young joined several of his colleagues today in sending a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urging her to reach a prompt agreement in the conference report for the FY2008 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act (H.R. 2642).  This legislation passed overwhelmingly with bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress, 409-2 in the House and 92-1 in the Senate and yet a conference report still has not surfaced for House approval and ultimately the President’s signature.  Unfortunately it has become clear that the majority has allowed this crucial funding to be held up by the politicking that has come to dominate their reign. 

“I am glad to have the opportunity to sign onto this letter,” said Rep. Young.  “The Speaker needs to know that we in Congress will not sit idly by while funding for our veterans is held in limbo.  The majority of both chambers have agreed that increasing the funding for our Nation’s heroic veterans was appropriate and still nothing has been done to get this bill to the President’s desk for approval.  Congress should be ashamed for withholding support from our Nation’s veterans.  As a veteran myself, I have always vowed to do everything in my power to support those who have put their lives on the line to serve this country.  I hope this letter will serve its purpose in encouraging our Speaker to make this bill a priority and put the necessary funding towards the fine men and women of our Nation’s Armed Forces.” 

Rep. Young was joined by 43 additional House Members in the signing of this letter. 

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