House Panel Backs $1B for Vets, Heat Aid

[NVMojo]

WASHINGTON (AP) - While a plan to block a controversial ports deal drew most of the attention, the House Appropriations Committee has also approved freeing up more than $1 billion for veterans medical care and heating subsidies for the poor.

The provisions were added to a huge $91 billion measure funding overseas operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and new assistance for hurricane relief along the Gulf Coast.

As the Appropriations panel worked until almost midnight Wednesday night, it also provided $50 million in new economic aid to the fragile government of Liberia.

Only the Liberia funds, sponsored by Democratic Rep. Jesse Jackson of Illinois, added to the overall cost of the sweeping spending bill.

The veterans amendment would clear the way for the Veterans Administration to steer $275 million in emergency funds away from construction of a new VA hospital in New Orleans and toward financing health care for an influx of Iraq war veterans.

more...

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/bw-cong/2006/mar/09/030909662.html

and this story...


snip...

"People who had planned to make the military a career are being forced into premature retirement because of medical problems," said Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., the bill's sponsor. "That means they lose their retirement pay, and I think that's unfair."

more...

http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Mar-09-Thu-2006/news/6271236.html

[BOSSHOG]

1. Wow, sounds like a legitimate way

to "take care of the troops." So, no doubt "conservatives" will oppose it. Imagine an enlisted E-7 or E-8 in any service with 17 years of honorable service medically discharged due to combat service with nothing but an artificial leg to show for it. Fuck him, he can take care of himself.

[NVMojo]

2. I know, they are so damn kind....

[BOSSHOG]

3. I do appreciate

your Senators efforts. Its often a pain in the butt job as Leader with so many egos to juggle. And the daily fight with the knucklheads on the other side of the aisle. All I have to offer is lott and cochran; please don't hate me.

I really like that picture of Harry as a boxer. Saw it somewhere a long time ago, I think from his College days.

[mom cat]

4. They may not me so quick to oppose it with the 2006 elections

staring them in the face.