Video: First Lady Announces $$ Support for Military Families

First Lady Michelle Obama joined military wives for lunch today to announce  increased federal spending for military support programs.  The more than 3% increase -- includes money for counseling and support to spouses and families, spousal career development,  as well as military child care and youth programs for military kids.

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The increase, which brings the total federal investment in such programs to $8.8 billion, is part of the President's 2011 budget which is to be released on February 1st.

"These are all major investments," said the First Lady in her luncheon remarks at Bolling Air Force Base.  "They are the result of military families speaking up and being heard.  And they are part of a larger ongoing commitment to care for our troops and their families even after the fighting ends."

White House officials explain that the Mrs. Obama's role in the budget announcement is about spotlighting her engagement with military families  and not so much as a policy maker.  She has not been a participant in number crunching sessions at the White House and don't expect her to testify to Congress on the budget, say the officials.

"While she is not dictating policy, she does point us in the right direction," explained an official.  "She helps influence and allows us to know from her interaction with military family members, with wounded warriors, where the problems lie. She demands that we make progress in these areas."