WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Veterans of Foreign Wars is urging its 2 million members to plead with Congress to spare military and veterans' benefits as lawmakers look to slash the deficit.
In a "call to action" on Tuesday, the VFW said it opposes any changes to the programs and decried any effort to balance the budget on the backs of military retirees and disabled veterans. The organization called on members, their families and friends to contact lawmakers immediately.
Last week, the top Democrat and Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee wrote to the special supercommittee looking for $1.2 trillion in spending cuts and recommended cost-saving changes in military health benefits.
The top lawmakers on the House and Senate Veterans Affairs committees also wrote to the supercommittee suggesting budget savings from veterans' programs.
