Post by Avery Adams on Jan 19, 2006 20:30:10 GMT -5
Recently, Democrat candidates have made a number of claims regarding the commitment of Republicans to current and past fighting men and women. For instance, that Republicans "can’t find the time to increase veteran’s benefits, or improve soldiers’ pay" (Representative William Reynolds, D-IL; American Legion Lodge - Columbus, Ohio)
As a Republican, a former naval aviator, and Secretary of Defense, I find these claims insulting and feel these obscurities must be cleared up.
So let’s examine the facts...
The fact is under the Democrat leadership of the 1990s, the “Pay Gap” deficit of military pay and benefits to comparable civilian occupations was over 10%. Under Republican leadership beginning in Fiscal Year 2002 this has improved dramatically to under 4%. There is still more to do, but the difference is clear.
The fact is during these same Democrat budget years (FY1994-2001) the Veterans Affairs Budget went from $36.83Billion to $47.45Billion; less than $11Billion or 29%. During the Republican administration (FY2002-2009) budget years this budget went from $51.91Billion to $115.48Billion, an increased of $68Billion or 143%. Again, the difference is clear!
Democrats continue to dither and play politics, with false and baseless accusations. Rather than support important Defense Appropriation bills, Democrats bombard officials, who are doing their best to support those who protect our country, with partisan charges. Democrats delay on key measures meant to keep the US armed forces equipped with the most modern and advanced systems now and for the future. Democrats may parade themselves in front of military bases and veterans groups, but these numbers and actions speak for themselves.
Attached Fact Sheet
“Pay Gap” between comparable civil and military pay and benefits
Year: Pay Gap %
1994: -12.1%
1995: -12.6%
1996: -13.1%
1997: -12.9%
1998: -13.5%
1999: -13.5%
2000: -11.4%
2001: -10.5%
2002: -7.6%
2003: -6.4%
2004: -5.4%
2005: -4.9%
2006: -4.4%
2007: -4.2%
2008: -4.1%
2009: -3.9%
Annual Veteran’s Funding
Year: Veteran’s Budget
1994: $36.83Billion
1995: $38.05Billion
1996: $38.71Billion
1997: $39,9Billion
1998: $42.77Billion
1999: $44.11Billion
2000: $45.51Billion
2001: $47.45Billion
2002: $51.91Billion
2003: $58.939Billion
2004: $60.3Billion
2005: $67.31Billion
2006: $78.75Billion
2007: $90.56 Billion
2008: $104.14Billion
2009: $115.48Billion
As a Republican, a former naval aviator, and Secretary of Defense, I find these claims insulting and feel these obscurities must be cleared up.
So let’s examine the facts...
The fact is under the Democrat leadership of the 1990s, the “Pay Gap” deficit of military pay and benefits to comparable civilian occupations was over 10%. Under Republican leadership beginning in Fiscal Year 2002 this has improved dramatically to under 4%. There is still more to do, but the difference is clear.
The fact is during these same Democrat budget years (FY1994-2001) the Veterans Affairs Budget went from $36.83Billion to $47.45Billion; less than $11Billion or 29%. During the Republican administration (FY2002-2009) budget years this budget went from $51.91Billion to $115.48Billion, an increased of $68Billion or 143%. Again, the difference is clear!
Democrats continue to dither and play politics, with false and baseless accusations. Rather than support important Defense Appropriation bills, Democrats bombard officials, who are doing their best to support those who protect our country, with partisan charges. Democrats delay on key measures meant to keep the US armed forces equipped with the most modern and advanced systems now and for the future. Democrats may parade themselves in front of military bases and veterans groups, but these numbers and actions speak for themselves.
Attached Fact Sheet
“Pay Gap” between comparable civil and military pay and benefits
Year: Pay Gap %
1994: -12.1%
1995: -12.6%
1996: -13.1%
1997: -12.9%
1998: -13.5%
1999: -13.5%
2000: -11.4%
2001: -10.5%
2002: -7.6%
2003: -6.4%
2004: -5.4%
2005: -4.9%
2006: -4.4%
2007: -4.2%
2008: -4.1%
2009: -3.9%
Annual Veteran’s Funding
Year: Veteran’s Budget
1994: $36.83Billion
1995: $38.05Billion
1996: $38.71Billion
1997: $39,9Billion
1998: $42.77Billion
1999: $44.11Billion
2000: $45.51Billion
2001: $47.45Billion
2002: $51.91Billion
2003: $58.939Billion
2004: $60.3Billion
2005: $67.31Billion
2006: $78.75Billion
2007: $90.56 Billion
2008: $104.14Billion
2009: $115.48Billion