Bush urges Congress to pass veterans bill

WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 (UPI) -- U.S. President George W. Bush Saturday called on Congress to enact an appropriations bill for military veterans.

In his weekly radio address, Bush criticized Democratic congressional leaders for not having met his request to pass legislation by Veterans Day that would implement the recommendations of a bipartisan commission on the treatment of wounded veterans.

"These recommendations are vital to ensuring better care for our veterans," said Bush -- who also urged Congress to confirm his nomination of Dr. James Peake to head the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Bush noted that the U.S. Marine Corps is observing its 232nd anniversary this weekend, when the nation will also celebrate Veterans Day.

"America owes a debt of gratitude to all those who have served in our armed forces," he said. "Veterans Day also reminds us of our solemn responsibility to care for those who have fought our nation's wars."

Bush said federal spending for veterans has increased by "more than two thirds" during his administration.

"We have extended medical treatment to a million additional veterans, including hundreds of thousands returning from Afghanistan and Iraq," he said. "And we have expanded grants to help homeless veterans across the country."