    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book I)]
    [May 21, 2002]
    [Page 836]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives Transmitting
    Requests for Supplemental and Emergency Appropriations
    May 21, 2002

    Dear Mr. Speaker:
        I ask the Congress to consider the enclosed request for an FY 2002
    supplemental appropriation for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
    This request is for an increase in the mandatory cost of disability
    compensation and pension benefits for veterans.
        During the current year, VA has made dramatic improvements
    processing claims, significantly accelerating the rate of payments. This
    supplemental request for $1.1 billion is needed to help pay the benefits
    associated with reducing the backlog of claims from previous years.
        Absent this adjustment, there would be insufficient funds in
    September to pay the 2.5 million veterans who are entitled to benefits.
        This transmittal also contains requests for FY 2002 supplemental
    appropriations for the legislative branch. As a matter of comity,
    appropriations requests of the legislative branch are transmitted
    without change.
        Furthermore, in accordance with provisions of Public Law 107-63, the
    Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act,
    2002, I hereby request and make available $54.0 million in emergency
    appropriations for the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land
    Management. These emergency funds will be used to undertake necessary
    rehabilitation projects on lands damaged by wildland fires and to
    support fire suppression activities. I hereby designate this amount as
    an emergency requirement in accordance with section 251(b)(2)(A) of the
    Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, as amended.
        The details of these requests are set forth in the enclosed letter
    from the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. I concur with
    his comments and observations.
             Sincerely,

                                                              George W. Bush