[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 21 (Monday, May 27, 2002)]
[Page 866]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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