Keeping promises to America's veterans

"In just two years, the 110th Congress has passed the largest increase in veterans health care and benefits in the history of any Congress," said Representative Chet Edwards (D-Texas) in his presentation "Keeping Promises to America's Veterans" at the Center for American Progress. As the chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Edwards has worked against the Bush administration who has proposed higher health care premiums for veterans and a veteran's enrollment fee for health care. Congressional successes include a $3.8 billion annual budget for veterans health care, an increase in mental and physical health research for veterans, and a doubled housing per diem budget for homeless veterans.

Edwards, whose constituency includes Bush's ranch in Crawford, Texas, believes America's "greatest asset is those who serve" and that supporting veterans is not only the right thing to do, but the smart thing to do. Edwards said that caring for veterans now will protect the military in the future. Soldiers have volunteered to defend their country so they pay particular attention to how the government treats those who served in the past and breaking promises of care now could affect future enlistment, Edwards said.