Noteboom The Law Firm

President Obama Keeping Promises to Veterans

May 5, 2010 - Not every Presidential Campaign promise can be kept. The best you can hope for is the one that was made to you and yours is one of those that are actually met. For those veterans promised funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the President has kept his promise.

Last year President Obama gave the VA its largest funding increase in 30 years. Congress is now in the process of writing 2011's bills and despite a stern crackdown on spending, President Obama is already trying to find more funding for veterans. Despite veterans still facing many uphill battles when it comes to veteran health care services, President Obama has made substantial progress on his promises to:

• Keep the VA fully funded;
• Expand VA care in rural areas; and
• Improve VA Mental Health treatment.

 President Obama's budget for the VA for next year asks for a 10% jump from 2010 - $125 billion. As for veteran mental health care, President Obama has earmarked $5.2 billion for the treatment of PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and similar conditions. Additionally, the budget calls for $2.5 billion for the improvement and construction of VA facilities.  

Much of President Obama's work on veteran's issues does not draw much news attention because it largely garners bipartisan support. Both parties worked together last year to streamline the VA's medical care portion of the bill. Additionally, bipartisan support has helped pass:

• The Post-9/11 GI Bill;
• Expanded telemedicine programs; and
• A bill increasing benefits for caregivers of disabled veterans.

Veteran issues seem to be able to bring together support across the aisle. Support like this makes it much easier on the President to keep his campaign promises and thereby ensuring veterans are given the support and benefits they deserve.