June 23, 2009, was a great day for veterans and a proud day for DAV, so I want to take a moment to share this news with everyone because you have all played a part in this success.   On the night of June 23, the House of Representatives voted 409 to 1 to approve H.R. 1016, the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act, historic legislation that will provide advance appropriations for the VA health care system.  Enactment of this legislation will ensure sufficient, timely and predictable funding for the VA health care system, which will strengthen and sustain the delivery of medical services to millions of veterans, particularly disabled veterans.   I am proud to say that H.R. 1016 was developed, proposed and promoted by DAV as part of our Stand Up For Veterans initiative, and we have devoted significant time and resources to aid in its approval.  I encourage you to read DAV's press release, and a New York Times article, which highlights the significance of this legislation.   The House also approved H.R. 1211, the Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act, another bill that comes directly out of DAV's Stand Up For Veterans initiative.  Both of these bills have strong bipartisan support in the Senate and we expect to see President Obama signing them into law sometime later this year.   Although we are not yet finished with this legislative process, I think it is important to reflect on how we have achieved these successes and to thank all of you who have played a role.    When DAV's legislative team meets with Members of the House and Senate, we walk through the door armed with DAV's stellar reputation, something that you have all helped to enrich.  When we put DAV's name behind a legislative proposal, we are strengthened by the many ways in which our service, volunteer, transportation and other programs have assisted disabled veterans.   So whether you are in Cold Spring, Kentucky, Washington, DC or in any one of the 50 States or Puerto Rico where DAV works on behalf of disabled veterans, you should all feel proud of the work you have done to support and sustain DAV.    If you are also one of the thousands of people who made phone calls, wrote letters or sent emails to your Members of Congress asking them to support DAV's legislative agenda, know that you have played a key role in helping us develop such a broad and bipartisan coalition of supporters on Capitol Hill.   I am confident that there are many more good days and many more victories to come, but for now let me express my thanks for the work you do and my pride in the commitment you have shown to improving the lives of disabled veterans and their families.     Arthur H. Wilson National Adjutant Disabled American Veterans