Good afternoon.
As you said, my name is Susan McCrea. I am going to do introductions, but before I do that, I want to give you a few statistics about the VA.
First, we have 24 million veterans in the United States. Our budget for fiscal year 2008 is about $90 billion; and for the next year, the President has asked for $94 billion. We're the second-largest government agency, with 264,000 employees. We partner with our veteran service organizations, such as the American Legion, the VFW, and Disabled American Veterans, who help prepare claims for veterans. They also partner with state veterans affairs agencies in claims preparation, provide long-term care to veterans, and provide burial benefits also.
We have three administrations: health, benefits, and cemetery.
As you've already said, Keith Pedigo will talk to you about veterans benefits; Steve Muro will talk about the cemetery benefits; and Gail Graham and Linda Fischetti will talk about veterans health care benefits.
Keith.