During budget negotiations. the administration asked that spending for certain programs--not including veterans health carebe protected from future reductions. For instance. in 1998. the President insisted that of about $258 billion in projected spending for nondefense discretionary spending. approximately $127 billion be protected for categories such as international affairs. natural resources and environment. transportation. and education. training. employment and social services. The Budget Agreement includes $33.6 billion in funding over 5 years for the Presidents domestic initiatives such as assistance to immigrants. nutrition assistance. welfare to work. childrens health. Federal land acquisition. environmental reserve. and an offset for lowincome Medicare premiums. Under the agreement. total spending for veterans benefits and services would rise very slightly over the next 5 years. from $40.5 billion in 1998 to $42.6 billion in 2002. a 5percent total increase over this period--compared with almost a 13percent increase in overall Federal spending authority over the same period.
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immigrants