Unexpected Guest, "Dr. No," Blocks Veterans Bill

[DearAbby]

Democratic Senators Daniel Akaka, Jon Tester and Mark Begich held a press conference today calling on Republican Senator Tom Coburn to release his hold on a veterans' health bill. The bill offers assistance and improves benefits to wounded veterans and their caregivers. In addition, the legislation will provide assistance to caregivers who, at times, have to give up their jobs to stay at home and care for injured soldiers.

On the eve of Veteran's Day, Senator Akaka said, "Let us allow our deeds to speak for us." He continued, referencing Tom Coburn, "the senator who has been blocking parts of this bill since the summer argues that this bill is too expensive. I believe that when we vote to send troops to war, we have an obligation to take care of them."

In an unusual move, Senator Coburn arrived a few minutes prior to the start of the Democrats' press conference. Coburn seated himself in the front row among the press corps as his action to obstruct the bill was highlighted by Democrats.


http://democrats.senate.gov/journal/entry.cfm?id=319797&

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. But, but them GOPers support the troops really

:sarcasm:

In reality they do.., healthy soldiers that have not had the god given sense to get hurt. Aka they are still useful.

And yes, they hate spent bullets... and that is the way they think of the military and veterans in particular.

[11 Bravo]

2. Yeah, the GOPers were always behind the troops. We felt them there many times.

[blm]

6. GOP elite are for Defense Industry execs lining their bank accounts while troops and veterans suffer

with substandard equipment, care and remuneration.

Republican leadership is RARELY in tune with servicemembers and their needs because they DON'T KNOW what military service entails. They are ALL talk to the public and ALL asskiss behind closed doors to the Defense Industry execs who bankroll them.

[MrScorpio]

3. Was Coburn waving his dick in his hand?

[Ardent15]

4. And that's Oklahoma's "good" Senator.

Don't even get me started on the other guy...

[DearAbby]

5. Happy Veterans Day - Senator Coburn....n/t

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

7. Dumb question on Senate procedure ...

How does one senator put a bill on hold? Especially one from the minority party?

Anyway, in a way, I don't care much for the bill. It seems like a good benefit to offer, but I have a problem limiting it to wounded veterans, when there are many others who can also use this kind of assistance. This smacks of "divide and conquer". Yes, we should support our veterans, as we should support all our people.

:hi: