By Laura Smith – University of New Mexico/Talk Radio News Service

A collection of Republican Representatives urged Congress Thursday to listen to soldiers who have served in Afghanistan.

“This is about Congress being informed about how our decisions affects those people out there fighting … this is not a partisan deal,” said Hunter during a press appearance with the organizations Vets For Freedom. “This is about winning in Afghanistan and then bringing our troops home victoriously. That’s what this is all about.”

Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), who joined Hunter, said the appearance was held to back up President Obama, and not in opposition, noting that when Obama was campaigning for President he offered support to the families of those overseas.

“As he was campaigning, he made it very clear that the best way to protect American families was to defeat the terrorists in Afghanistan,” Wilson said.

Pete Hegseth, Chairman and Executive Director of Vets for Freedom, said his organization had one non-partisan message, and that was to “support and listen to the commanders on the ground.”

“You’ve appointed General McCrystal. He’s the smartest guy we’ve got on Afghanistan. He’s lead the counter-terrorism fight for the last five years in Iraq and Afghanistan. If there’s anybody that who knows how to kill bad guys, it’s General Stan McCrystal,” said Hegseth.

“Our message today on the Hill is: ‘Let’s give that commander the assets and resources he needs to finish the job. It’s a very simple message. Give him what he needs to finish the job,” Hegseth added.

By Suzia van Swol, University of New Mexico-Talk Radio News Service
At a news conference which took place on the steps of the Capitol, concerning the House Wounded Warriors Program, Speaker of the U.S. House, Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Democratic Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), and Members of Congress, announced the initial hiring to include nine of the twenty-five wounded warriors who will continue to serve America as staff of members of Congress. The U.S. House established the Wounded Warriors Program last year to provide employment for wounded and disabled veterans within the House of Representatives.

“For us this is a very, very proud day. But the Wounded Warrior program is only one part of the new direction congress; of our sustained commitment to meeting the needs of America’s veterans,” Pelosi said.

Hoyer stated that this program opens the doors of Congress to our Veterans when they return home, as they have served so deeply overseas, and they defended our country, they will now serve their country in another capacity. “It provides a unique opportunity for Veterans to pursue an interest in public service and gain valuable experience working on Capito Hill that will open doors for employment and future opportunities,” Hoyer said.

Dan Lasko, a fellow in the Wounded Warrior program, now works for Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz (D-PA). Lasko said that, “I saw this as a great opportunity once again to serve my country, and especially our nations hero’s.”

Representative Chet Edwards (D-Texas) discusses the need for funding for veterans as opposed to Bush’s tax cuts for people who make over $1 million dollars and for promises made to American veterans to not be broken. (1:48)

 

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Representative Chet Edwards (D-Texas) discusses the life of military families and the sacrifice they make by not having their family members present for some of the most important moments of life. (0:31)

 

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Briefer: Dana Perino

President’s Schedule

President Bush had his normal briefings this morning. At 10.30 am he signs H.R. 3403, the New and Emerging Technologies 911 Improvement Act of 2008, in the Oval Office of the White House. At 10.55 am, the President will drop by the National Security Advisor’s meeting with the Defense Minister of Columbia. At 12.55 pm the President travels to the Pentagon to participate in U.S Department of Defense briefings. At 3.25 pm, President Bush participated in a photo opportunity with the 2008 Boys and Girls Nation delegates. Later this afternoon, the President also signs the Presidential Proclamation in honor of the 60th anniversary of the Armed Forces Integration. (more…)

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is opening its eyes and ears to small businesses and new technology. Frederick Downs, Jr., chief prosthetics and clinical logistics officer in the VA Office of Prosthetics and Clinical Logistics, discussed the new VA developments at a House Small Business Committee hearing. (more…)

Senator John McCain’s (R-Ariz.) presidential campaign held a conference call on a new ad, “God’s Children,” that will air in Colorado, New Mexico, and Nevada. The ad focuses Hispanic voters. Senator Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) said the ad is an effort of the McCain campaign to target the “tremendously” important Hispanic vote and the ever-growing Hispanic community. (more…)

 

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The House Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity met to discuss the Independent Living Program (ILP,) a rehabilitation program of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA.) Rep. John Hall (D-N.Y.) explained that the ILP’s goal is to help veterans maintain independent lives through learned skills despite physical and mental barriers. Hall said federal money is often underutilized which causes delays in services. Hall closed his statement by saying veterans deserve the best programs possible.

Bruce McCartney, a Vietnam veteran from Georgia, recounted his four year struggle with the ILP, saying that various actors like doctors and case officers were unable to give him adequate answers and that assistance took too long to obtain. After recalling his experience, he said he sees no benefit from the ILP. McCartney said Americans want to help their troops but that unnecessary bureaucracy in the Department of Veterans Affairs prevents ILPs from helping veterans.

John Lancaster, the executive director of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) said his organization helps many veterans acquire housing and employment, adding that the NCIL often serves as a voice for veterans’ advocacy. Lancaster said the NCIL is working to provide additional funding and services that would improve government programs while creating new ones.

At a hearing of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, Congressman Bob Filner (D-Calif.) voices his support for a bill to increase funding to paralympic sports training. He describes the invaluable benefits that participation can give to disabled veterans. He says that the sports training improves the self-esteem and the sense of well-being of disabled veterans, an image that moves one to tears. (0:40)

 

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The Economic Opportunity Subcommittee of the House Veterans Affairs Committee met to review several bills meant to improve veterans’ benefits upon return from duty. (more…)