[SkyPilot]

This abortion of a "deal" is a travesty. It provides relief from Sequestration to domestic programs and the military, and partially "pays for" it by cutting the pensions of military retirees, even those who have already retired, AND cuts pensions for disabled veterans.

Murray is blaming Paul Ryan:

"She’s also promising a “fix” next year that would exempt all disabled veterans. And at least one person close to the issue is pointing a finger at Murray’s Republican counterpart, the chairman of the House Budget Committee. “This was something that Ryan pushed for,” said a source close to the negotiations, discussing the issue on the condition of not being identified. Ryan’s backing of the provision would make sense, given that he’s long called for major reforms to federal pensions. But an aide to the Wisconsin Republican sidestepped the question on Wednesday, noting the two budget committee leaders both agreed to the terms of the deal.

Lindsey Graham is vowing to find out who did this to our veterans by putting this injustice into the bill:

“It’s funny that nobody will step up and own this,” said Graham, who faces several conservative primary challengers back home and has much to gain from his opposition to the budget agreement, which met fierce resistance from tea party groups because it increases the spending caps set by the Budget Control Act of 2011.

“Patty Murray said ‘Ask Paul Ryan,’” Graham said of his search for person responsible. “I talked to Paul Ryan; he said it came from the Pentagon. I talked to [Defense Secretary] Chuck Hagel, who had nothing to do with it.” But, Graham added: “We’re going to find the culprit here.”

They are "vowing" to change the disabled military clause, but it does not matter because it is in the bill the Senate passed, and now goes to Obama. As Graham said last week, once something is a Federal statute, it is almost impossible to change.

I believe Hagel is lying when he said he didn't suggest this cut to retired military - he has been dropping bombs since last Spring in speeches, vowing to cut pensions, Commissaries, healthcare, compensation, and more.

Paul Ryan is the biggest loser - he is now being exposed as the author of the provision, and we know he was the only one taking to the airwaves to brag to everyone that it was HE that jammed that provision through.

[Hulka]

Okay.

For those with military service, we know there are different levels and types of disabilities.

When ‘they’ are talking about exempting those with a ‘disability,’ just what are they talking about?

Combat-only disability ratings?

I don’t have a combat disability but after a career flying fighters I have darned near lost my hearing in one ear and have permanent spine damage and a torn muscle in my neck that causes discomfort (mostly on cold days). With my 30% VA disability rating, where do I fit in. . .or do I not fit in?

They have not given this much thought at all.

Heck, it’s like they never read the bill they voted on. . .oh, wait. . .

[TheErnFormerlyKnownAsBig]

The reason these cuts were included was they know there is no way they will survive...they get ti claim the supposed “cost savings” then replace the spending after the outrage.

It is the same reason why the citizens of King County (seattle area) are asked to vote for a Medic One levy every few years...because they fund needle exchange programs first and then let the people vote to raise their taxes to pay for the skilled nedics who arrive when your seriously injured and need to be rushed to the E.R..

[HarleyD]

When you dance with the devil you’re going to get burned.

Paul Ryan just proved how stupid he is to partner with these Democrats.