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IAVA Daily Brief 02.25.09
Posted by Michelle McCarthy on February 25

Here are some today's top stories and happenings at IAVA.

MUST READS

(1) Obama Favoring Mid-2010 Pullout in Iraq, Aides Say

President Barack Obama is reportedly set to announce an August 2010 withdrawal deadline for U.S. combat forces in Iraq.  The 19-month time frame, which is three months short of his original campaign pledge, would signify a compromise with ground commanders in Iraq who sought more time to cement security gains in the provinces.  According to administration sources, the withdrawal plan would leave 30,000 to 50,000 troops in Iraq on an interim basis to train Iraqi security forces and to provide intelligence, but all troops would have to exit by 2011.  Administration officials said Obama might announce the withdrawal decision on Friday during a visit to Camp Lejeune or Fort Bragg.

(2) In Speech, Obama Pledges to Help Troops, Rethink Defense Spending
 
In his first address before a joint session of Congress late Tuesday, President Obama said his budget proposal – which is expected to be released Thursday - would increase the size of the military, boost soldier salaries, cut "Cold War-era" weapons programs and scrap wasteful, no-bid contract work in Iraq.  See detailed excerpt below, or click here to read the full text of the speech.

“Finally, because we’re also suffering from a deficit of trust, I am committed to restoring a sense of honesty and accountability to our budget.  That is why this budget looks ahead ten years and accounts for spending that was left out under the old rules – and for the first time, that includes the full cost of fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.  For seven years, we have been a nation at war.  No longer will we hide its price.  We are now carefully reviewing our policies in both wars, and I will soon announce a way forward in Iraq that leaves Iraq to its people and responsibly ends this war. And with our friends and allies, we will forge a new and comprehensive strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan to defeat al Qaeda and combat extremism.  Because I will not allow terrorists to plot against the American people from safe havens half a world away.  As we meet here tonight, our men and women in uniform stand watch abroad and more are readying to deploy. To each and every one of them, and to the families who bear the quiet burden of their absence, Americans are united in sending one message: we honor your service, we are inspired by your sacrifice, and you have our unyielding support.  To relieve the strain on our forces, my budget increases the number of our soldiers and Marines. And to keep our sacred trust with those who serve, we will raise their pay, and give our veterans the expanded health care and benefits that they have earned.” – President Barack Obama 
 
(3) Document: Afghan Defense Ministry Seeks Greater Control of International Military Operations
 
Foreign Policy has obtained a draft document drawn up by the Afghan Defense Ministry and addressed to NATO, dated January 10, 2009, that seeks to address the Afghan government's concerns about civilian casualties from U.S. and NATO military operations.  The document requests “full coordination” between U.S., NATO and Afghan defense and security authorities at the highest possible level for all phases of military ground and air operations; it also requests NATO provide “information about all interpreters, local guides, and security guards it employs in Afghanistan."  Click here to read the document.

AFGHANISTAN
Af-Pak coverage today focused on new violence in Afghanistan, Pakistani concerns that increased U.S. military presence in the region will boost al-Qaeda presence within their borders, and an agreement NATO has reportedly signed with Uzbekistan to allow passage of non-military supplies into Afghanistan following the closure of the U.S. base at Manas, Kyrgyzstan.

Four U.S. troops and an Afghan civilian were killed by a roadside bomb in southern Afghanistan on Tuesday in the deadliest single attack on international forces there this year.  Separately, 28 militants and two Afghan soldiers died in Helmand and Uruzgan provinces late Tuesday in clashes with coalition forces.

Mullah Mohammad Omar, the leader of the Taliban in Afghanistan, directed Pakistani militants on Tuesday to halt attacks on Pakistani forces and divert their resources to defeat the US-led international forces operating within the country.  His statements came as Pakistan and Afghanistan's foreign ministers met in Washington, D.C., where they declared a "new environment" of trust that will help their fight against cross-border Islamist militants.  At the same time, however, Pakistani officials expressed concerns that continued U.S. missile strikes and the expected deployment of 17,000 additional American troops to Afghanistan would complicate relations by pushing more Taliban and al-Qaeda fighters into Pakistan.
On the supply front, Uzbek news agencies said Wednesday that Uzbekistan has reached a deal with NATO to allow the multinational alliance to send non-military supplies across its southern border into Afghanistan.  To use the transit route the U.S. military and NATO allies would have to send supplies from Western Europe through Russia and Kazakhstan before reaching Uzbekistan.
 

IRAQ
Iraq coverage today focused on new violence against U.S. troops in Mosul and concerns of possible al-Qaeda infiltration of Iraqi security forces.

Two Iraqi policemen opened fire Tuesday at a security post in Mosul killing one American soldier and an interpreter and injuring three other U.S. soldiers.  The attack deepened concerns of security breaches and possible al-Qaeda infiltration of Iraqi police forces battling insurgents north of Baghdad.

OTHER MILITARY NEWS
Military coverage today focused on boosting the VA budget, cutting the disability claims backlog and how the housing crisis is impacting veterans near military bases.
 
Veterans for Common Sense issued a new report Tuesday asking the VA to boost its budget in order to fix the backlog in disability cases; the organization estimated the VA had a backlog of 625,000 disability claims in January.
 
Separately Tuesday, IAVA released two new policy reports on employment and housing challenges facing new veterans amid the economic crisis.  Read the reports here.  Regarding the latter, the recently passed economic stimulus bill includes a $555 million provision to expand the Defense Department's Homeowners Assistance Program with the intent to help military and federal personnel whose homes have lost value because of a base closure.
 
INSIDE WASHINGTON
Beltway coverage today focused on President Obama’s first address to Congress (see MUST READS above) and new legislation introduced by the Senate to revamp substance abuse programs used in the military.

Senator Claire McCaskill (D-Mo) and Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn) introduced a bill Tuesday to require a review of alcohol and drug abuse treatment programs used throughout the armed forces following concerns of understaffing, mismanagement and lack of confidentiality.  The bill calls for the creation of a center of excellence for substance abuse disorders within the Department of Defense.

CONGRESSIONAL SCHEDULE

THE SENATE
The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m.

FLOOR ACTIVITY of  INTEREST
The Senate will resume consideration of S.160, District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2009.

FUTURE COMMITTEE HEARINGS  & MARKUPS of  INTEREST

• February 26 -- SVAC will hold a hearing on caring for veterans in rural areas.  9:30 a.m.; 418 Russell March 10, 2009  SVAC will hold a hearing on “Oversight Hearing: Budget for Veterans Programs for FY 2010” before the committee completes Views and Estimates.  Secretary Shinseki has been invited to testify on top line numbers for VA.  9:30 a.m.; Russell 418 (Lukas)

THE HOUSE of  REPRESENTATIVES
The House  will convene at 10:00 a.m.

FLOOR ACTIVITY of  INTEREST 

Suspensions (3 Bills)

1)H.Res. 47 - Supporting the goals and ideals of Peace Officers Memorial Day (Rep. Poe – Oversight and Government Reform)
2)H.Res. 180 - Supporting the goals and ideals of the third annual America Saves Week (Rep. Hinojosa – Financial  Services)
3)H.Res. 183 - Expressing condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims of the crash of Continental Connection Flight 3407 (Rep. Lee (NY) – Transportation and Infrastructure) H.R. 1105 – Omnibus Appropriations Act (Rep. Obey – Appropriations) (Subject to a Rule) Dispose of H.Res. __ - Raising a question of privileges of the House (Rep. Flake – Privileged Resolution)

BRIEFINGS and VISITS of  INTEREST

• February 23-25, 2009 -- Art Wu, Minority Staff Director, and Dion Trahan, Majority Professional Staff Member, HVAC, Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations, will be visiting the Central Arkansas research program, as well as Montgomery, Alabama, and Austin, Texas.  (Vasquez)

FUTURE COMMITTEE HEARINGS of  INTEREST

• February 26, 2009 - House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Hearing:  VA’s Update on Short and Long-Term Strategies for Implementing New G.I. Bill Requirements  1:00 p.m.; 334 Cannon HOB  (McGinley)
• March 3, 2009 - Joint Subcommittees on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs and Oversight and Investigations Hearing on Document Tampering and Mishandling at the Veterans Benefits Administration  1:30 p.m.; 334 Cannon HOB
• March 10, 2009 - House Veterans Affairs Full Committee Hearing: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2010  2:00p.m.; 334 Cannon HOB
• March 10, 2009 -  House Veterans Affairs Full Committee Meeting to Approve the Views and Estimates for the Fiscal Year 2010 VA Budget  2:00p.m.; 334 Cannon HOB

FUTURE BRIEFINGS and VISITS of  INTEREST

• March 2, 2009 - Mr. Pete Dougherty, Director, Homeless Programs, OPIA will participate in a roundtable discussion with Rep. Christopher Murphy (D-CT-5) on homeless programs.  8:30 a.m.; Waterbury, CT (Vasquez) 

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