[George W. Bush]

Rep. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., a fiscal hawk, asked how $18.1 million for a bachelor enlisted quarters at Camp Pendleton in California or $102 million for a brigade complex at Fort Lewis, Washington, could be considered emergency spending.

He is The Man.

[CPOSharky]

But, but, that bridge in Alaska needs that $500 million more than the vets. /s

[P3pilotJAX]

"I don't know why they (the troops) should be stuck in the middle of a family squabble within the Republican Party," said Rep. David Obey of Wisconsin, top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee.

As I have said it before, this guy's days are numbered. When I joined the Navy 19 years ago, Obey was my congressman. I had to join because there were no jobs up in Northern Wisconsin. He is a laugh. After working my way up the enlisted ranks, receiving an appointment by the Secretary of the Navy to Annapolis(and graduating), vet of both Gulf Wars and having spent the last 10 years as a Navy Instructor Pilot(jets and P-3s), I am getting ready to retire and take this guy on in a run for congress in a couple of years. I have met with Bar Association of Northern Wisconsin members and NEA members and they are ready for a change. Remember the name Scott Gunderson(born and raised true Wisconsin native). I will be a freeper always and I will remain incorruptible as a public servant. After I kick Obey's butt, next will come Russ.

[YaYa123]

This was probably a wise decision, looks like most of it is for unneeded military construction, but..............


The problem is Democrats will take this headline and use it against Republicans.

REPUBLICANS CUT VET BILL. You know that reads as if Republicans have cut veterans' benefits. There could be no more damaging accusation during time of war, democrats know that.

[Army MP Retired]

The White House, while expressing support for the legislation, issued a statement questioning some of its components. It criticized the use of war reserve funds for military construction projects, and urged Congress to eliminate the 66 earmarks that the administration had not requested. This little tid bit is buried in this story so deep I almost missed it. Please someone correct me if I'm wrong - but, I read this: in committee and on it's rounds, this bill gained 66 addendums... undoubtedly by members with special interests and pet projects in their home states. I say BRAVO for knocking the bill down a few notches.

[rock58seg]

Why are Officers Quarters and Brigade Complexes part of a Veterans bill? Hospitals, pensions, survivors benefits, and cemeteries seem more like Veteran benefits.

[ImpBill]

It used to be said:

God and Soldier, all men adored
In time of danger, and not before
When the danger has passed, and all things righted
God is forgotten, and the Soldier is slighted

I guess that will have to be modified.

The GOP is certainly, in many ways, trying their best to once again become the party of "loyal opposition".

[stylin19a]

The bill provides $25.4 billion for veterans' health programs, up $2.6 billion from the current fiscal year, and $21 billion for the Defense Department health program, up $1 billion.

Rats, of course, will call this a cut.

[Danette]

The White House, while expressing support for the legislation, issued a statement questioning some of its components. It criticized the use of war reserve funds for military construction projects, and urged Congress to eliminate the 66 earmarks that the administration had not requested.

It also opposed cuts in spending to carry out the 2005 base closing act, and urged Congress to consider administration proposals to increase copayments and enrollment fees for higher-income non-disabled veterans and for military retirees under 65 using Tricare.

___________________________________________________________
Military retirees are about to get screwed at the request of President Bush. I'm very disappointed in Bush.

[kittymyrib]

Jeb Hensarling is a rookie, but he's already making conservative waves. He's one of the good guys who deserves re-election.