MUST READ: Bush Budget Turns Back On Veterans

An op-ed by former U.S. Representative and Fox News contributor Martin Frost highlights the disastrous impact President Bush's severe cuts in key veterans' health programs will have on the economic security of the brave men and women who have served in our country's armed forces. Frost details the promise our government made to military families and how this commitment will be broken if the Republican Congress does not stand up for our nation's veterans.

Below are excerpts from Frost's FoxNews.com piece:

Congress Must Block White House From Cutting Military Health Care
March 20, 2006
By Martin Frost

"Once upon a time, our government promised young men and women that they would have lifetime health care if they volunteered to serve as least 20 years on active duty in our nation's armed services. Many young people patriotically accepted and performed long and honorable service to our country. But, after years of obtaining quality military health care, something happened. Our government began looking for ways to renege on its commitment. . .

"But this year, the Bush administration decided it was time to make major cuts in the TRICARE retiree program to help pay for the war in Iraq. The administration has proposed a defense budget which would triple the annual TRICARE Prime enrollment fee for retired officers under 65, double the annual enrollment fee for senior enlisted retirees under 65 and increase the annual enrollment fee by 41 percent for enlisted retirees E-6 and below under the age of 65. . .

"Let's be very specific. Retired officers under TRICARE Prime will see their annual enrollment fee for an individual go up from the current level of $230 to $700 in two years. Family enrollment fees for retired officers will go up from the current level of $460 to $1,400 in two years. For senior enlisted retirees under TRICARE Prime the annual fee would increase from the current individual level of $230 to $475 in two years and the family enrollment fee would go up from $460 to $950 in two years. . ."

"Not only is this short-sighted, it is simply wrong. We made promises to the brave men and women who are willing to risk their lives for their country. We should honor those promises, not turn our backs on our nation's heroes. . ."

To read this entire op-ed, please go to: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,188567,00.html