House panel boosts veterans spending
House panel boosts veterans spending as other programs face sharp cuts
FILE - This April 22, 2010 file photo shows a Customs and Border Patrol agent patroling along the international border in Nogales, Ariz. A key House panel responsible for implementing sweeping cuts to agency budgets would exempt veterans and largely protect spending on border safety and other homeland security programs. The House Appropriations subcommittee that oversees veterans and military construction projects approved a bill Wednesday to boost funding for veterans medical care and processing claims. Their action stuck close to President Barack Obama's requests. (AP Photo/Matt York, File)
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A key House panel responsible for implementing sweeping cuts to agency budgets would exempt veterans and largely protect spending on border safety and other homeland security programs.
The House Appropriations subcommittee that oversees veterans and military construction projects approved a bill Wednesday to boost funding for veterans medical care and processing claims. Their action stuck close to President Barack Obama's requests.
Republican Rep. Harold Rogers of Kentucky is the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. His panel made public Wednesday legislation that would also increase funding to homeland security programs like the Border Patrol. The boosts come even as Republicans controlling the House are demanding large spending cuts to a broad array of domestic programs.
