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Bush & Kerry on vet issues.

Article Excerpt
Where do the major party presidential candidates stand on the issues? VFW magazine found out directly from President George W. Bush and Sen. John F. Kerry. VFW magazine was among those publications represented during a joint interview aboard Air Force One on June 16. However, further questions were posed to both candidate's campaign teams. These are their responses, which have been edited for clarity and preciseness.

VA-RELATED ISSUES

Do you support mandatory funding for the VA budget, and if so, where would the funds come from? We must ensure that the VA system is accommodating to the veterans. My budgets are enabling the VA to respond to the health care needs of veterans. My Administration is already fully funding health care services for all enrolled veterans. Since 2001, my four budgets have provided a more-than-40% increase in medical care for veterans.

How soon will you permit Category 8 (non-service-connected and higher income veterans) patients to enroll in the VA medical system? What would be the source of funds to accommodate this influx of patients? My 2005 budget fully funds those Priority 8 veterans (higher income, non-disabled) already in the system, ensuring that no veteran in the system will be denied care.

Will you add more personnel to the Veterans Benefits Administration to reduce the backlog of claims? If so, where would the funding come from? My Administration has already reduced the disability claims backlog from 432,000 to 250,000 and cut the time needed for the VA to process a claim to 100 days.

Do you support a new GI Bill for the 21st century that eliminates the current enrollment fee and covers the full cost of attending a four-year college/university? If so, would you request additional funds in the VA budget for this specific purpose? I have signed into law H.R. 1291--the 21st Century Montgomery GI Bill Enhancement Act--which increased the rates of basic educational assistance under the MGIB for eligible veterans and active-duty personnel. Although I'm inclined to support the $1,200...