2010 Budget Responds to Veterans Needs

Obama Budget 2010: Responding to the Needs of Our Veterans

On Tuesday, March 10, 2009, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Bob Filner conducted a hearing to address the Obama Administration’s budget request for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for fiscal year 2010.

The Administration proposes a VA budget of $113 billion, a $15 billion increase from the 2009 enacted budget. The request calls for $52.5 billion in discretionary funding; an increase of $4.9 billion over 2009 funding levels, or 10.3 percent. The bulk of discretionary spending goes to VA medical care.

“This budget marks the first time any President has submitted a budget that exceeds the recommendations of the Independent Budget, and I am pleased that these recommendations are finally getting the attention they deserve,” said Chairman Filner. “This year’s budget also marks a sharp departure from the previous Administration in that the budget includes increased funding over a five-year period – in this instance an increase of $25 billion above baseline. Although we understand these numbers are not binding on future years, and the levels are lower than the amounts that will be needed, we applaud this move toward presenting a more honest and accurate look at our financial picture. Our veterans do not need to be reminded that last year, the Bush Administration budget plan included a net cut of $20 billion over five years, proposed raising prescription drug co-payments, and called for an enrollment fee for VA health care. I am very pleased with the direction taken by President Obama and Secretary Shinseki in their first VA budget submitted to Congress.”

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki presented an overview of the 2010 budget for VA. He highlighted specific budget proposals necessary to transform VA into a 21st century organization and provided updates on current projects, including on-time implementation of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill and re-engineering the Veterans Benefits Administration into a paperless system. The Secretary discussed expanding eligibility for VA health care to non-disabled veterans earning modest incomes, while ensuring high quality access and care will continue for veterans currently in the VA health care system.

“I applaud the Administration’s commitment to high priority areas of interest, which are shared by this Committee, including caring for our returning service members, improving the VA’s ability to provide mental heath care and services, addressing homelessness among veterans, and not forgetting the veterans of previous generations,” said Chairman Filner. “We are committed to assisting the VA in their goal of turning the VA into a model organization. I am confident that under Secretary Shinseki’s leadership the needs of veterans will be the top priority.”

According to Secretary Shinseki, the Administration will release a detailed budget proposal in late April 2009.

Witness List

Panel 1

The Honorable Eric K. Shinseki, Secretary, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 

Panel 2

Carl Blake, National Legislative Director, Paralyzed Veterans of America
Kerry Baker, Assistant National Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans
Dennis M. Cullinan, Director, National Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
Raymond C. Kelley, National Legislative Director, AMVETS

Panel 3

Steve Robertson, Director, National Legislative Commission, The American Legion
Rick Weidman, Executive Director of Government Affairs, Vietnam Veterans of America
Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
Paul Sullivan, Executive Director, Veterans for Common Sense
Prepared testimony and a link to the webcast of the hearing are available online.