At Pa. town hall, Shinseki pledges to modernize VA system, says veterans benefits are secure

In Pa., Shinseki pledges to modernize VA system

PHILADELPHIA — The nation’s top veterans affairs official says medical benefits for veterans will not change under the health care reforms being considered in Washington.

U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki spoke Monday at a town hall meeting with veterans in Philadelphia, where he pledged to modernize the Veterans Administration for the 21st century. He notes the department’s 2010 budget is being increased 15 percent.

Democratic Sen. Arlen Specter also fielded questions at the forum at Drexel University, which about 200 people attended. There was none of the raucous debate that has characterized Specter’s recent town hall meetings on health care reform.

Specter’s primary opponent, Democratic Rep. Joe Sestak, held his own meeting with veterans Monday.