VFW APPLAUDS VA, NATIONAL SECURITY BUDGET REQUESTS

WASHINGTON (February 2, 2010) – The national commander of the
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is applauding President Obama for
submitting a fiscal year 2011 budget that strengthens defense and
national security, and boosts programs for veterans, servicemembers
and their families. Thomas J. Tradewell Sr., a combat-wounded Vietnam
veteran from Sussex, Wis., said the president's vision tracks with key
VFW legislative goals that advocate for a strong and secure America,
and for ensuring that those who serve in uniform are properly cared
for by a grateful nation. "Our nation's very existence depends on
strong national defense and homeland security programs, and the men
and women who selflessly shoulder that responsibility," said
Tradewell.

"This budget recognizes the realities of fighting a war against a very
dangerous, unpredictable and determined enemy." The $60.3 billion
discretionary funding request for the Department of Veterans Affairs
is 7 percent above 2010 and 20 percent above 2009 funding levels. Key
initiatives are to hire 4,000 additional adjudicators to shrink the
disability claims backlog; to reduce the homeless veterans'
population; to construct new medical facilities in Denver and New
Orleans; and to maintain a robust information technology program that
will enable a 21st century VA to fully automate its GI Bill benefits
system and create a seamless electronic record for military members
entering the VA system. Other notable recommendations would enhance
women veterans' programs; increase specialized care for Post Traumatic
Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury and other mental health
conditions; and expand the national cemetery system into areas where
80,000 veterans reside within 75 miles of a potential VA cemetery.

Also included for the first time was a request for $50.6 billion in
advanced appropriations for the VA's fiscal 2012 budget. The Defense
Department's budget submission of $548.9 billion represents a
3.4-percent increase over the previous year, plus $159.3 billion in
additional funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Notable
initiatives are improvements to military medical care and family
support programs. Funding would increase for TBI and psychological
care and research, as well as military family counseling and childcare
services. The administration will not propose a Tricare insurance
premium increase, but they did propose a 1.4-percent military pay
raise, which if unchanged by Congress would represent the lowest since
1962.

The Department of Homeland Security would receive almost $43.6
billion, a 4-percent increase over the previous year. The budget
submission focuses heavily on safeguarding the nation's transportation
system and on strengthening border security. High priorities are
preventing terrorists from entering the country; improving security
screening of passengers, baggage and employees; and improving the
process in which illegal immigrants are detained and removed from the
U.S.

"The president's budget will help protect our nation and take care of
the men and women and families who defend her," said Tradewell. "We
look forward to working with the administration and Congress to make
this vision a reality." More information on the VA, DOD and DHS budget
submissions, as well as other federal departments and agencies, can be
found on the White House Office of Management and Budget website at
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget_factsheets_departments/.