The Congressional Budget Office is out with another cost estimate on a bill that would affect veterans programs and benefits. The Veterans Housing and Employment Improvement Act of 2005 would include readjustment benefits, housing, and employment programs. CBO estimates that the bill, if enacted, would cost $1 million in Fiscal 2006 and an estimated $140 million between 2006 and 2010. Enacting the bill would increase direct veteran spending by less than $500,000 in 2006, $2 million between 2006 and 2010 and less than $500,000 between 2006 and 2015.
The new defense reconciliation bill includes $7.2 billion for Air Force and Navy aviation accounts, almost half of which will buy more F-15EXs. While electronic warfare, drones, connectivity and airlift all get attention, the F-35 was conspicuously absent from the package, with no explanation given.