Evening star., 1933-05-28
HOUSE DEMOCRATS
MOVE FOR INCREASE
IN VETERAN FUNDS
Continued From First Page.)

CONTINUED From First Page)
would be funds available for only 225,
900 disabled men. This will mean a
cut, according to Veterans Administra-
ton records, Of .658 from the rolls,
effective July /. The average veteran
is now drawing $44 a month pension.
After July l, it is estimated he will
receive approximately $21.
Following the meeting, Chairman
CrosSer informed a representative OF
The Star that the veteran article pub
liShed Friday was read to the commit
tee and that the statements contained
therein were in accordance with the
facts presented by others"
Reports Relayed to Capital.
Soon after the Veterans Administra-
ton began sending out notices to dis
abled World War men that their COM
pensation would be cut, the reports
were relayed back by the latter to
Capitol Hill. AS these reports piled up
Democratic House members became in
dignant and forced the calling Of a
secret caucus on Thursday night. At
this meeting they assailed the admin
istration of the national economy act
as it affects veterans.
The members voted for a committee
to be appointed by the party's Steering
Committee to protest to President Roose-
welt. In statement issued yesterday
by Representative Lea it was explained
that the action taken was not due to
distrust of President Roosevelt or his
motives.
I'VE have faith that the President
will favor revision of the regulations,
20 icfn rIifh
economy that the country has right
to expect and yet not put the govern
ment in the position Of shirking its just
responsibility to our disabled service
men and their dependents"
The Californian asserted that the ac-
ton of the Steering Committee and the
caucus was not unfriendly to the
President"
On the contrary" he explained, this
movement originated with those entirely
friendly with the President. Decided
opposition was asserted in the caucus
to some of the regulations, but the
President was not criticized therefor.
The economy program must harmonic
with reasonable liberality and just
treatment to our disabled service men
and their dependents.
Regulations Too Drastic.
Il think it accurate to say that the
average member Of the caucus is firmly
convinced the regulations heretofore
declared are too drastic and create un-
warranted difficulties in establishing
meritorious claims. 1t is undoubtedly
the purpose Of Congress to be Just and
reasonable, If not liberal, with those
whose disabilities justly place an OBJ
legation on the Federal Government.
I'VE confidently expect that the Pres
ident will concur in the viewpoint of
our members and our committee is
taking the subject matter up with the
President in the spirit of confidence
and cooperation"
Explaining the reason for the caucus,
he said:
Congress passed the economy act in
March which gave the President sweep
ing powers to make regulations as to
pensions and benefits for ex-service men
and their dependents. Subsequently
regultions were provided for the
reduction and curtailment Of many
benefits and including requirements for
the establishment of claims
Recently, the President issued a
statement recognizing that excessive
cuts had been made and declaring his
purpose to reconsider and hberalize the
regulations.
Caucus Approves Action.
In the meantime, much informa-
ton has been presented to members Of
Congress as to the practical effects Of
these reguations which are TO- 90 into