Issue Position: Veterans

Issue Position

Veterans have given a great deal to this country and helped make it what it is today. Their service has sustained democracy and embraced freedom around the world. We owe them and their families a great debt.

According to the Veterans Administration (VA) in Washington, of the 25 million veterans currently alive, nearly three of every four served during a war or an official period of hostility. About a quarter of the nation's population, approximately 70 million people, are potentially eligible for VA benefits and services because they are veterans, family members or survivors of veterans.

With such a large population to serve, it's incumbent that the VA receive the necessary funding to ensure that we're providing the service that they need. As a result, I fully support the President's FY 2008 budget request of $86.75 billion, which is an increase of 2.8%, or $2.35 billion dollars over last year's appropriated amount.

I also believe that we need to keep an eye on the VA healthcare system to ensure that our veterans are receiving the best medical care that we can give them.

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