Repthugs once again deny veterans benefits improvements

[Gimpy]

Here's MORE evidence the "Republicans" don't support the troops!

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Sarasota Herald

September 2008


Senate Republicans Delay 09 Defense Authorization Act-

Once again Congress delays two bills that are crucial to active and reserve service members, veterans, military retirees and their families. Due to the usual partisan bickering in the Senate the measure was pulled the FY 09 National Defense Authorization Act from the floor. Ironically, the House of Representatives finished its version of this bill in May.

The authorization bill is the key vehicle for nearly all military personnel changes, and the Senate is scheduled to consider amendments to prevent undue TRICARE increases, ease compensation penalties for disabled retirees and military widows, plus up military pay raises, and fix Reserve retirement inequities, among others. All issues discussed in earlier columns.

But it's hung up in the Senate because some senators won't agree to limit amendments to defense-related issues. The single biggest issue is that some Republicans insist on being able to add amendments to expand oil-drilling. But Sen. John Warner (R-VA), the elder statesman and former chairman of the Armed Services Committee, isn't among them. Warner voted to move on with the defense bill and limit amendments to defense issues. But that effort gathered only 51 votes...9 short of the 60 needed to end the debate and move on. While we recognize that Congress has the responsibility to produce some meaningful energy legislation, we don’t believe that this important bill should be delayed because of silly partisanship.
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NO SHIT!

Gimp