Victory - But Remain Vigilant

My entry on March 12 expressed my concern about this administration and Congress weakening national security and eroding benefits for military personnel and veterans. Shortly after my premonition, the Obama administration proposed billing veterans' health insurance for care they receive through the Veterans Administration (VA) for service-connected injuries and illnesses. Every Veterans' and military service organization objected to this proposal; some met with the President.

The first word was that their meeting made no impact on the proposal. However, it was later announced that this proposal has been dropped. This was probably the result of concerned citizens making contact with both Congress and the administration.

It is probably not over, though. This excerpt from an e-mail comes from Captain Ike Puzon, Director of Legislative Affairs for the Naval Reserve Association:

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The most disturbing issues surrounding this event... is that the proposal seems to be a bargaining chip for Veterans and military members to accept or agree to other pending (and unknown) budget cuts. When asked about what the 'savings' would go toward, if anything in VA health care, the White House answer was more disturbing - 'we don't know, we'll get you that information.' Many believe that the President may still move forward with the 3^rdparty billing plan and use the saving for other health care initiatives or other mandatory spending programs unknown to us at this time. It is reported from those that attended the meeting... that there was a clear lack of knowledge of how this would affect veterans and veterans' groups, and that the President did not want to hear the argument about 'moral and governmental obligations to wounded veterans that would be compromised by this initiative, if implemented.'

We urge you to write your Congressional delegation in opposition to 3^rd Party billing of Veterans care, and in opposition to any fee increases to military members' health care systems. (3/20/2009)

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It is extremely troubling when the proposal to erode veterans' benefits originates from our Commander-in-Chief. Every American who is concerned about our national security and benefits for military personnel and veterans must remain vigilant... very vigilant.