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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2003

President Bush today will release a $2.25 trillion budget to fund the federal agencies.

According to The New York Times, Bush seeks a $16 billion increase in spending for the military. If there is a war with Iraq, the White House will probably ask for additional funds.

But don't expect major boosts for Indian programs, said Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colo.). "I don't see big increases in financial services or money because the money just isn't there, but we're going to fight to get every little bit we can," the chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee told the Associated Press in response to the State of the Indian Nations address, which called for more funds for Indian programs.

Nevertheless, increases are expected at the Department of Interior in order to fund the administration's trust reform initiatives. The exact figures are being released by Secretary Gale Norton at a press conference this afternoon.

Overall, the budget will grow by 4.1 percent, The Washington Post reports, down from 9 percent for this year's budget.

Get the Story:
Indian Leader Cites Poverty and Pleads for Aid (The New York Times 2/1)
Username: indianzcom, Password: indianzcom
The 'State of Indian Nations': Indigenous population 'alive and well' (The Seattle Post-Intelligencer 2/1)
Bush's Budget to Favor Military, Education (The Washington Post 2/3)
Bush Unveils Ambitious New $2.25 Trillion Budget (The New York Times 2/2)