DAV Fights Washington

It's that time of the year again, with the President issuing his financial goals and Congress issuing their increases in his budget. So the fight starts. As usual, it is the Veteran who takes the first financial hit. I find if very difficult to swallow the voices of the President and that of Congress, both praising the spirit and bravery of our soldiers and sailors. They spend every camera minute declaring the need to help our veterans, for all they have given America. This year is no different than any other year.

President Bush has vowed to veto appropriation bills exceeding his spending limits. This years Department of Veterans Affairs is $93.7 BILLION, $44 BILLION for health care and discretionary spending, the remainder is for mandatory spending. Congress, on the other hand, plans on increasing discretionary spending to $48.2 BILLION, which exceeds the Presidents proposal by $3.5 BILLION. The administration is also proposing an increase in fees charged veterans seeking medical attention. The President would like to see an income-based annual enrollment fee which would range from $250.00 to $750.00 and would increase pharmacy co-payment fees from $8 to $15.00. Another shocker from the administration is the possibility of restricting the educational benefits to those servicemen and women who re-enlist.

According to DAV National Adjutant Arthur H. Wilson, "We've set the wheels in motion to improve and enhance heal care for disabled veterans of the current wars and those from previous eras as well." Included in the DAV's proposed legislation are means to ensure treatment for psychological wounds and PTSD; proper screening for veterans who may have had traumatic brain injury; support for caregivers; reform the federal budget process in order to ensure sufficient and timely funding. In addition to the DAV's struggle to ensure care for veterans, they are pressing our representatives in Congress to sign onto "The Stand Up for Veterans" initiative. As the congressmen and women sign onto this new initiative, the DAV will post their support on their website www.dav.org . You can watch and verify that your congressmen/women support all the initiatives pressed by the Disabled American Veteran. Call your congressman/woman and request their support for the Veterans benefits. Seek support for H.R. 4107 and S. 2799.

It is reprehensible for our leaders to continually take from the veteran. This disgraceful attitude has permeated our government ever since our Revolution. Our very first congress lied to our forefathers while relying on their blood to give this great nation birth. Every President and Congress since those disgraceful days of our beginning, has succumbed to the same disgusting premises, the veteran cannot fight back, they have sworn to "protect and defend".
Here are the bravest of our society, those who knowingly provide for their country, rather than sit an home complaining or protesting, they seek out the dangers that threaten our country. When you look at the perks that congress gets, is becomes all to clear. When a congressman only has to serve one term and get a pension plus benefits, including health, office, stamps, etc., who can afford to take care of the only true American, the Veteran.