Representing North Carolina’s Ninth District                                                                        

Since the beginning of the war with Iraq, I have spent much of my time urging citizens to show their appreciation and gratitude to the men and women of our armed forces who are currently serving overseas.  In addition to supporting our troops, it is equally important to ensure that others who have served their country with pride, valor and dignity receive our commitment.

I have heard from a number of people recently about their concern over the level of priority given to veterans in Washington, D.C.  Some have suggested that Republicans in the United States Congress have lessened their commitment to the veterans’ community by cutting funding for certain veterans’ programs.  I’d like to set the record straight.

In the Budget Resolution for Fiscal Year 2004, which Congress just passed, $63.8 billion is set aside for veterans’programs.  This is $6.2 billion more than was appropriated in Fiscal Year 2003.  Not only is this NOT a cut in funding to our veterans, it is, in fact, a 10.7% increase in funding for veterans.  A large portion of this increase is to be used for disability compensation and veterans’ medical care.

As Americans, we all owe our country’s veterans a debt of gratitude.  As a Member of Congress, I owe them my commitment to always fight for them in Washington.  I will continue to do so. 

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