Steve Buyer: “this budget with regard to the funding of VA is derived from what I call the crucible of hard lessons. I chose to leave…”

“this budget with regard to the funding of VA is derived from what I call the crucible of hard lessons. I chose to leave the Veterans' Affairs Committee to examine the budget modeling issues for the VA. A budget shortfall was exposed last summer. VA Secretary Nicholson and OMB, to their credit, stepped up to the plate, taking accountability for a flawed budgetary process. Their improved use of timely data, methodology, and balanced policy expectations are reflected in the President's budget request for the VA. The budget before us today reflects our priorities: To care for veterans who need us most, those hurt and disabled by their military service, those with special needs and the indigent; to ensure a seamless transition from military to civilian life, and to provide veterans with economic opportunity to live full and complete lives. The veterans spending has increased from $48 billion in 2001 to approximately $70 billion this year. At a time of tough budget choices, when in most Federal spending we see few, if any, increases, veterans spending will rise next year by 12 percent. With the Nation at war, this is altogether fitting. We have heard the rhetoric that describes an increase as a cut, but truly this budget continues a decade-long record of leadership under this majority. I refer here to the chart that shows the historic increases, from the $17.6 billion in 1995 to now $33.8 billion for discretionary spending alone.…”