Congress took off a couple of weeks from Washington to finish campaigning and the American Legion scolds them for neglecting veterans.
Legislation that veterans say would give military retirees their dues was put on hold until after the election.
Right now, disabled veterans receive disability compensation after they retire, but they don't get retired pay.
Local veterans say that's not the case for any other federal worker, and instead of a recess, Congress should have stayed and changed the law. “They're gong to use it for the last couple days of the election,” says American Legion District Commander Rick MacDonald. “They'll use it as a tool. To see, okay, if you elect me again, I'll make sure we get concurrent receipt and there's no guarantee it's going to be proposed.”
Veterans say President Bush plans to veto this legislation if it passes, but the House and Senate can override that.