VA Funding Heads in Right Direction

The wars, the economy, the hoped-for restoration of democratic principles to government, when this Democratic Congress and presidency are over, among many Americans this time will be remembered for a measure of respect given back to our veterans.

A crusial first step has been taken. From Rick Maze at the Army Times "VA advance funding one step closer to reality":

There is good news for military and veterans’ organizations in the 2010 budget agreement reached Monday night by House and Senate negotiators.

The budget, which includes $606 billion for the Defense Department and $106.5 billion for the Veterans Affairs Department next year, also creates a window of opportunity for passage of some high-priority issues this year.

For example, the agreement opens the door for the top priority of veterans’ organizations, providing money for veterans’ health care one year in advance. The key language, in this case, is a provision preventing a point of order being raised against legislation to provide a 2011 VA health funding bill this year.