A BUDGET FOR AMERICA'S
MILITARY FAMILIES AND VETERANS

This year Congress and the President are preparing a budget to win the war on terrorism, support our military families and meet the needs of the nation’s veterans. Since last October, our military has largely destroyed the terrorist network in Afghanistan and continues to search out remaining al Qaeda members in that country and across the globe. We’ve also taken steps to ensure that our homeland is safe and secure.

There’s much work to be done, but we’ve already accomplished a great deal. The following are a few of our legislative priorities for this year:

• A $37.7 billion budget for homeland security - With an increase of nearly $20 billion, the President proposes heightened support for “first responders” - local police, firefighters and emergency medical professionals. In addition, this funding will increase America’s defense against biological weapons and provide for increasing vaccine stockpiles.

• Improved Health Care Delivery - The President’s budget includes a proposal to coordinate the medical care systems of the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense. This single reform would eliminate burdensome paperwork for veterans, provide more resources for patient care and allow doctors to better track a patient’s medical history.

• Increased Funding and Resources for Disabled and Low-Income Veterans - The President’s budget would fund veteran benefits and services at almost $57 billion, a $5 billion increase over 2002 and emphasize care for disabled and low-income veterans.

• Improved Compensation and Quality of Life for Military Service Members - The President has proposed a 4.1% across-the-board pay increase to attract and retain military members. A new focus on housing for military families will provide improve living conditions for our nation’s service members.

• The National War Permanent Tribute Historical Database Act/H.R. 2748 - This legislation will create a national database to record the nation’s public war memorials. Once completed, this database will provide America with an enduring resource for future generations to learn of the sacrifices made by veterans.