VA budget: Lawmakers trying to find money to increase spending for veterans

Congressional Republicans are looking for a way to increase spending for the Veterans Administration.

We hope they find a way to come up with the extra money. The VA has been neglected for far too long, and our veterans deserve the best care that we can give them. Too often they fall between the cracks in the system.

A House committee is considering a 5 percent increase in spending for VA programs. Members of the chamber's committee met earlier this week in an attempt to find ways to come up with the money. A story in Tuesday's edition indicated that not only would the VA benefit from the bill but that the Pentagon also would receive additional money if it becomes law.

There are several roads that could lead to the additional expenditures. They include cutting social programs to come up with the extra money. We believe some programs could be trimmed and not damage their core mission.

And speaking of core missions, keeping our military strength at a high level is something this nation needs to be keenly aware of these days. We live in perilous times, and a strong military -- one that keeps its promises to its veterans -- is the best way to keep our nation strong and our people safe.

Published in Editorials on June 13, 2017 10:30 PM