Increase the budget for Veteran Affairs to match at least one quarter of the total military budget. In 2011, VA had a budget of $87.6 billion versus the $683.7 billion total budget for the military. Roughly 12% is insufficient to meet the needs of our veterans. The requested budget for 2012 was $70 billion, versus a total budget of $1.03-1.4 trillion. This discrepancy is appalling. It is only right and proper that we commit more of our resources to supporting our nation's heroes.
Why is this important?
A nation's greatness is reflected not just in its laws and customs, but in the how it cares for and upholds its heroes. This year the number of soldier suicides exceeded the number of casualties in the War in Afghanistan. The plight of our battle-weary soldiers must be addressed, and it is imperative that we strive to honor those who put their lives on the line in defense of our country.
