Last Friday, March 2, I joined several of my Senate colleagues in a tour of the Walter Reed Medical Center. The debate over appropriate care for injured service members and veterans is the hot topic in Washington. I am glad this discussion is finally occurring. For the past several years, I have been critical of the Bush Administration's insufficient funding of programs and benefits for injured service members and veterans. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I am asking for a significant increase in President Bush's Fiscal Year 2008 budget for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

On Monday, March 5, I meet with Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann to discuss transportation and wastewater issues.

Later that afternoon, I will deliver a statement on the Senate floor regarding the Veterans Affairs budget for Fiscal Year 2008.

My Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management will meet to discuss unionization of TSA security officers.

On Tuesday, the Senate considers amendments related to unionization of TSA security officers.

Tuesday morning our series of joint House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees meetings continue with a presentation by the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Tuesday afternoon, I meet separately with representatives from the Hawaii Psychological Association and the Hawaii Bankers Association, in Washington, D.C. for annual conferences.

I also plan to attend a meeting of the National Association of State Veterans Homes. David Kowalski of the Hilo Veterans Home and Ronald Schurra of the Hilo Medical Center will be in attendance.

On Wednesday, my Veterans' Affairs Committee will hold a hearing on the Veterans Affairs adjudication process.

Wednesday afternoon, I meet with council members from Hawaii in Washington, D.C. for their annual National Association of Counties conference.

Later that afternoon, I will meet two Hawaii students participating in the U.S. Senate Youth Program, Francis Choe from St. Louis School and Carolyn Pearce from Mid-Pacific Institute.

Finally, on Wednesday I am also scheduled to receive the Jewish War Veterans of America's Medal of Merit for my work on veterans issues.

Thursday morning, our series of joint House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees meetings continues with presentations by the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Jewish War Veterans of the USA, the Blinded Veterans Association, Vietnam Veterans of America, Non Commissioned Officers Association of the United States of America, and Air Force Sergeants Association.

The Armed Services Committee considers military nominations including that of Admiral Timothy Keating as Commander of the US Pacific Command.

Honolulu Community Action Program Executive Director Joan White will stop by my office to update me on HCAP's agenda for 2007.