Bachmann keeps vet benefits on chopping block
I read in the Army Times about Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., the Tea Party’s mouthpiece these days, who has recommended $400b in cuts which include veterans’ benefits;
…Bachmann…has unveiled a plan for cutting $400 billion in federal spending that includes freezing Veterans Affairs Department health care spending and cutting veterans’ disability benefits.
Her proposed VA budget cuts would account for $4.5 billion of the savings included in the plan, posted on her official House of Representatives website.
So, it didn’t sound right to me. I called Bachmann’s office and the receptionist, obviously being fed information by another aide confirmed that Bachmann did indeed include veterans benefits in her plan “for the moment” said the receptionist. Another politician who sees the easy way out by balancing the budget on the backs of veterans and retirees.
This is from her proposal;
I always thought the Tea Party felt a little too much like the Ron Paul movement and this proves it to me. Look, I’m all for cutting the federal budget, but cutting or freezing veterans benefits is underhanded skullduggery. The veterans have already paid their portion of the bargain.
If this what the Tea Party is all about, count me out.
Oh, by the way, Bachmann’s phone number is (202) 225-2331.
Category: Congress sucks
If the Tea Party screws around, we’ll fire THEM, too.
Exactly, PintoNag.
My son went through enough. He paid and paid, and not just money. She’d better change her mind fast.
Jonn,
What you’re seeing is a head-fake. One thing that Democrats have been very good about, and Republicans exceptionally poor about, are veterans benefits. In this case, the votes from Democrats are a sure thing, but the Country Club Republicans will have to be clubbed into goring other oxes to leave veterans benefits alone.
As with any government entitlement, there’s a lot of bloat in the VA, and in the benefits.
When I have members trying to complete final physicals and civilian VA doctors refusing to complete a physical form, then yes, their budget needs to be cut or at least threatened.
With the country $14 trillion in debt, $4.5 billion from the entire VA budget doesn’t seem unreasonable. The key would be to take it all out of the fraud, waste and abuse that we all know exists in any bureaucracy and not out of the services that veterans need. I don’t have a lot of confidence that’s going to happen, but it can and should be done.
Veterans actually earn their benefits unlike most government benefits that are just handed out. I earned my measly GI bill funds by getting underpaid to fight in Iraq.
I believe firmly in cutting the budget. But there are some lines you don’t cross. What we really need to do is tackle unfunded liabilities. I could thing of a few thousand earmarks that need to go, and while we’re at it, how about all the bail outs. Lets recoup that money. Freddie and Fannie need to go as well.
I’m with AndyN. Everybody needs to get serious about WASTEFUL spending, and I’m sure there is plenty of fraud, waste and abuse in the VA, just like any governmental entity. THAT’S what I want my politicians to get serious about…Not just cutting budgets to cut budgets.
Folks,
When the Department of War used lifetime medical benefits as a recruiting incentive in WWII, the follow-on DOD felt zero obligation to hold true to that contractual promise. Go back and read the current HR policies: we serve, and served, at the whim of our government. Promises made can be unmade if necessary.
That said, military retirement and VA medical assistance and disability compensation are my own oxes. I’d much prefer they not get gored – but I’m willing to let the likes of Rep. Bachmann do some leaching in order to save military retirement and vet benefits in the years to come.
It comes down to this: the argument of ‘cuts for thee, but not for me’ has zero integrity. This argument places personal wants, and in some cases true needs, on a level perceptually above the rest of American humanity.
We, as service members and vets and associates, are not above Americans. I believe better in many respects, but not above them. When we as a group forget that, we cheapen our arguments and undercut the twin philosophies of selfless service and conservatism.
AndyN;
Read what she proposes cutting – increases in healthcare spending and disability compensation payments. Does that sound like waste, fraud or abuse? If she said clean up the incompetence and sloth at the DVA, I’d agree, but she’s talking about benefits that veterans have earned.
If this country is going to send us to war– there ought to be a national priority to take care of us when we return.
THis is one of the worst things either side can do.
Called, got the same boilerplate pablum from the person who answered. I was told that this was just a “first draft” that is not part of any legislation and that it is just a jotting of ideas, blah, blah, blah. I was told that our economy is in dire straits, blah, blah, blah. I told her that there is a difference between an earned benefit and an un-earned entitlement and that I want to make sure that the contract between those that serve and the government is honored by that government and that cutting VA healthcare is not living up to the contract.
@ John:
When my medical budget contains a statement that allows me to save my unspent funds rather than lose them, then we will headed in the right direction.
Re: Actual payouts to veterans….you are correct, that should not be touched at all unless they are making cost of living increases and placing the burden of proof on the government, rather than the service member.
What should definitely not get touched are the TSGLI payments….and those are expensive. My injuries in OIF rated a $100,000 payout from TSGLI (if I had received that payment, then I would have bought a lot of drinks at the VFW).
Going forward….IMHO…the military needs to do a better job of screening for things like hyperlipidemia/hypertension and keep those members from re-enlisting and earning their lifetime of medical care and medicine.
Her proposal reads like it seeks to reduce double-dipping: being paid from 2 sources (Veterans Affairs and Social Security Admin) for the same disability.
If you pay into Social Security and you earn a VA disability rating…it’s FRIGGIN’ APPLES AND ORANGES! What if, just what if you are drawing SS disability from something that happened in civilian life. Your VA gets wacked to cover the SS??? That’s total crapola. Jonn hits the nail on the head when he says she’s not targeting waste fraud and abuse. To her, obviously if your are a disabled vet earning disability and you’ve paid into the system and earning SS disability benefits, THAT’S WASTE FRAUD AND ABUSE? Give me a friggin’ break. I have fought hard for concurrent receipt for military retired. I am not one….less than 3 years I was in, but there have always been those that have said it was “double dipping”. I hate that friggin’ term. If you spent 20 in the military and 20 working for the government in another capacity, it’s NOT DOUBLE DIPPING any more than if you spent 20 with GE and 20 with General Dynamics. Disabled Veterans are NOT repeat MICHELLE, NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR CURRENT PROBLEMS. Just what the VA needs with all the poor disabled troops from 2 wars that are getting out is a reduction in medical care. By God if this is what we are going to get from these people then I’ll vote for dumbo osama and biden in 12′. Screw her and the horse she road in on.
Honor and Courage…..something this twit does not understand.
Dave…what she doesn’t understand is that even if you are getting paid for the same disablility, the 2 pots are different and you have earned each one. EARNED is the word this bitch doesn’t understand.
This kind of shit is ALWAYS on the backs of the veterans and never on the backs of those that have done nothing but take from the government.
Sorry for my ranting but I’ve just increased my stroke level by 100 points.
Honor and Courage
Although I appreciate the comments from both sides of this issue, and as a veteran with skin in this game, I would like to put forth one idea. Our Country seems to be at a very critical point. Is there really any single piece of the nation’s fiscal pie that should truely be “off limits” for spending cuts? We collectively need to put the future of the Country first, just as many of us have during our years of service. If the Country’s fiscal house fails, then what will happen to our Veteran’s Benefits?
Long time lurker…really enjoy the site
Gundrvr64….we put the country first while everyone else ducked out in college or went to Canada. I put the country first when I worked for the government instead of getting rich in private practice. (20 something an hour as compared to 100 bucks an hour)
I truly get what you are saying but look at the budgets of all the cabinets, D. o. Energy, Education, Environment, etc. etc. and see what they acomplish compared to the Department of Veterans Affairs. DVA is always on the shit end of the budget stick. Of course there is waste fraud and abuse there…TARGET THAT, not the measely compensation we have had to fight for since WW I and the medical care that is already substandard. She wants to take the VA back to the 60’s with rats, drug addicts for staff, and vets dying of infection more than anything else. I was there…I’ve seen it. I know.
Not a rant at you buddy….a rant at idiots like this in Washington.
Honor and Courage
#15-16: 1AirCav69 – don’t go having a stroke. I’m tossing my ideas out there for discussion, not medical emergencies.
There’s a rating by the VA that is recognized by the SSA: 100%, Unemployable. From what I understand you to say, you support this rating, and funding from both sources. I agree with you on this one. Unemployable is a tough row to hoe.
If, for example, I bust my knee on a bad parachute landing and get an appropriate VA rating and compensation for it, how is it right that you, or anyone else pays me what is essentially a second time for the same injury – but this time from SSA’s pot of money? Here we disagree, or have I misunderstood you?
As for your comments about this being on the backs of vets – I agree with you. Some folks among the ruling class equate service with slavery.
Why is it always veterans who have to put the country first and sacrifice what we earned? This isn’t about a coupla bucks, it’s the principle of the thing. It’s not like we’re standing in line with our hands out. THEY offered these things in return for our service, we provided that service in good faith and this is how we’re repaid…fighting for every damn penny. Fighting both sides.
Am I the only one who saw the “Caps to healthcare spending”?
Many of you are correct, there’s waste and abuse that can be corrected, but there’s always only lip service and hotlines paid to abuse and waste.
And it’s not about my pocket, it’s about those guys who depend on every penny they get because it’s all they have. Bachmann’s proposal won’t hurt me, but you can bet it’ll hurt some-damn-one.
And once they get away with this BS unscathed, where will they stop?
When it comes to some things, I’m non-partisan. Whichever party tries to make political points on the backs of veterans is going to get blasted at this blog.
And if you haven’t called Bachmann’s office today because she’s the darling of the Tea Party and the Republicans, shame on you.
Please calm down guys. This is just a draft it is not actually a bill yet. What the republicans have done is cut spending back to 2008 levels for every department. They have done it this way as to not show favoritism to one constituency or another.
Once this gets to comitee they will agree on programs that should be exempt from these cuts. Even more programs will get exemptions when amendments get added to the bill. Now given the pro military and pro constitution stance of the republican party you can safely expect that Veterans benefits will not be cut. This does not mean that you should not voice your concerns.
It means that there is no cause for panic or anger. Interest and concern are warranted though. I would like to remind everyone that it is still January this new congress is just getting started and this is a rough draft that has not been brought to comitee yet.
Jason…any chance you’ve thought about running for office? I haven’t seen that much common sense in Washington in decades…
Yeah, I know what it is, I read RIck Maze’s article and talked to Bachmann’s office.
Why is the fact that it’s only a proposal not reason to get upset? Didn’t we get upset when Obama and Emanuel tried to stick service-connected vets with the bill two years ago? That was just a proposal, too. How is this different?
Like I said, if you haven’t called Bachmann’s office to nip this in the bud BEFORE it gets to committee, shame on you.
The VFW HQ has tweeted that they will take Bachmann on on this issue.
As Jonn says, there is waste and abuse that *could* be cut, but that is not the target, nor will it be until an honest overhaul of the system is on the table, one that allows worthless bureacrats to be fired.
As Jonn notes, there is a number of wasteful bureacracies in the government, which should be eliminated before the *earned* benefits of Veterans are put on the table.
And this comes from a Veteran that has overpaid in taxes (per income level) and undercollected in benefits for years.
Let’s begin by cutting Treasury/IRS budgets to 2008 levels.
The Administration has quadrupled the budget for agents to harass American taxpayers.
Let’s begin by cutting the Education Dept. It has ZERO students. Education is a local government issue. That’s what your property taxes pay for.
Let’s begin by cutting the Arts budget. What business does the federal government have in financing the artistic desires of students.
Let’s begin by cutting the DADT programming classes. A lot of money is going into how to re-program Our Troops to like the guy that likes his butt.
We are at war and Gates has recommended tying our planes together with baling wire so he could cut 100 Billion and now complains he’ll have to cut 23 Billion. Both sides are wrong but their cuts are less than his. Cut NONE.
If there is one thing that is obvious. It’s that the world is getting more dangerous not less: http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/ps/2011/01/the-tide-of-tyranny-is-rising.html
I would think foreign aid could use a closer look, too.
Like I said; I called and made my opinion known. The part that should bother every Vet is that it was even thought of to begin with. Sure, it may be a draft of ideas, but having even thought about putting a cap on VA healthcare while we are engaged in a fucking war where good soldiers are maimed and killed is just beyond me, no matter which party comes up with it. That Bachmann even jotted it down pisses me off. I have a thought; put a cap on congressional staffing and travel budgets! Fucking elitist sonsabitches.
As the WOT grinds to a halt, I believe Kipling said it best.
For it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ “Chuck him out, the brute!”
But it’s “Saviour of ‘is country” when the guns begin to shoot;
An’ it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ anything you please;
An’ Tommy ain’t a bloomin’ fool — you bet that Tommy sees!
I enlisted in 1984 and since that time, I have watched every President and elected official chip away at the benefits we earn by serving. So this doesn’t surprise me in the least.
This being said, our country is in a bad fiscal way. Budget and spending cuts all around are needed so I can understand (somewhat) her call for these cuts. If they could guarantee fraud, waste and abuse would be targeted then I’d be fine with this. However, we all know that’s not going to happen.
I read through the Spending Cuts Proposal; I have to tell you, as it is now, it’s not fit to use to line a bird cage.
And Pinto, been meaning to thank you for the link the Afghanistan News.
BOHICA!
Jonn, I’m not gonna dig out my comments or posts.This really ain’t news! But, if ‘they’ actually do a cut… Make some room. [grin]
“It stinks, but it’s reality, and noone can be shielded from this reality…
“I understand why you’re frustrated and I understand why you’re angry about it and I understand why you feel cheated. I understand all that. But here’s the thing, a whole bunch of politicians who came before me… made you promises they couldn’t keep, and they knew they couldn’t keep them when they made them.
“So I understand you being angry, but I suggest to you respectfully, don’t be angry with the first guy who came here and told you the truth. Because this is the truth, and I don’t get anything for telling the truth.”
How many of you saw the clip of NJ Gov. Christie say that to a police officer about police benefits taking a hit and were nodding in agreement? Guess what – Michele Bachman may have had her priorities way out of line when she started her list of cuts with benefits instead of bureaucracy, but the fact remains that when the economy is as badly screwed as it is now, nothing can be kept off the table. She isn’t evil incarnate for being one of the first people to tell you the truth. And she certainly isn’t – as some here have suggested – no better than than a democrat who could get elected to replace her and just rubber stamp the policies that got us into the mess we’re in that’s making the painful cuts necessary.
Sorry Andy…but to me she is “evil incarnate” when she tries to dump her brother and sisters problems on us. We didn’t cause this fucking dilema…THEY DID. I seriously doubt she’s ever seen somebody get their head blown off because of a war she voted, (she generic term for any of those people in Washington), for then says…you can’t get SS and VA. I doubt she’s ever shit herself as an adult or killed anyone with an E-Tool. Doubt she ever had to stick a bayonet in the chest or face of some SOB that was trying to kill her. Doubt she ever laid there in her own goo, like I did, wimpering to myself that I’d never see my mother and father again and if it wasn’t for someone like Doc Baily..I wouldn’t have. I’ve fought these bastards for almost 40 years, Republicans, Democrats, now Tea Party fuckers who’ve never had the guts to do what my brothers and now sisters have. They create the problem then fuck us to get it fixed. No, Andy…fuck her. (This has no reflection on you..we just disagree) Dave…we do disagree. Because you didn’t keep your knees and feet together your knee is dust. Your VA rating for that will never be 100% no matter how many times you appeal. So, as a back up, YOU’VE PAID INTO THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM. All CAPS because YOU…YOU….YOU have paid into the system and now you need it’s help. To me, and maybe it’s only me, since you paid into the system, and after going through, what you’re going to go through in the SS system, for some reason, which will never happen, the SS Admin decides to give you Disability. Now, with your crappy 30% for knee from the VA and your SS Disability, which would be around 1,500 a month, you’re fine with them deducting the 30% from your 1,500???? Now, both you’ve earned but you’re fine with that. So another guy in the same jump is paralyzied for life. He gets his measly 2600 a month from VA and his 1500 a… Read more »
Healthcare is a right…. Healthcare for everyone— Well except those pesky Veterans who actually did something to get it and were promised it../s
I love how we are all making a point to include defense.. Where is the point to include medicare, social security, and frickin education or are those sacred cows? They certainly make more of the budget than defense and the VA!
Why don’t we start by not giving people a larger refund than they pay in taxes and I know some that use that money for vacation every year. Some of these people are getting thousands more back than they paid in taxes. This would be a major reduction. We all who are employed should be expected to contribute something in taxes?
As the parent of a 100 percent disabled oif vet I can tell you first hand that what my son gets is not enough and he is getting both. Lets cut his pay so that his mother and I can continue to supplement his needs on top of the thousands of dollars it has already cost us. We sat down and counted the cost to us personally since he was hit by and ied and we estimated it to be over $50,000.00 from the time he was wounded till he started receiving va and ssd benefits.
Great idea michelle.
Having taken him to countless va appointments I can say that waste is rampant and the service is terrible.
whoa! whoa! You people need to slow it down. One major item many of you are overlooking is Congress *critters* paychecks. $173k? Are you f’ng yanking my chain? DC is beyond corrupt! You know it, I know it.
DC fed civilian staff paychecks. $90k max? Too many of them are way over-paid for the less than stellar productivity they produce and the list goes right on down to the so-called military depots.
The places where combat shot up chit goes for repair and ends up sitting in a dirt field. And people wonder why our troops are doing without…The unions make out very well at the depots…Very well!
The wages they are paid will make your eyes bug out. *COUGH* Lets all sign up for a DOD cop slot at these places while we’re at it. Heh! Far more to the crystal ball then you see, people. Far more.
So, point those minor facts out to Bachman’s staff…before you go jumping the damn shark! Bone up, troops! All of you. Hell, even civilian security guards at the bases make far more than our troops ever will. Wuz up wid dat crap?? Think, people think! Watch your background, make sure you have a clear shot *oops* I weren’t ‘posed to say that were I?
Ok, this MP is stepping down offa muh traffic control box!
*pheeeeeewt*!
>whoa! whoa! You people need to slow it down. One major item many of you are overlooking is Congress *critters* paychecks. $173k? Are you f’ng yanking my chain? DC is beyond corrupt! You know it, I know it
Not only that, but their retirement pensions make the militaries look like welfare checks…. And we are going to nickel and dime the VA system..
http://www.fa-ir.org/alabama/corrupt/Congressional%20Retirement%20Benefits.htm
Please don’t blame the idea of cutting military health benefits on us Tea Partiers. We can’t regulate what the politicians do when they are in office. I have been to all of the 9-12 Washington DC rallies, several ObamaCare rallies, and in both the senate and house buildings. Every time I hear where we need to support the ones who go out and do the actual fighting to keep us free. We also need to take care of the ones who were injured. Why would anyone volunteer for a front line MOS if it meant that they might have to pay for their own medical care? I want them to have the best care.
I would like to see a budget system where everything is funded by the numbers. Each agency, committee, department, etc., would be given a number rating. The military would be the only #1. After they get their money, then you go to #2, then #3, etc., until there is no more money. Isn’t that the way we have to do it? This would also stop the pork barrel spending because the ones who don’t get any money, or less than they need, are going to start looking at what the others are getting and complain when they see pork barrel spending.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I must make make one small comment. I am a disabled vet and medically retired police officer. When I go to the VA for my mandatory check-ups, I must present my current insurance info. So, they take the expenses for my mandatory check-ups from my police benefits to pay for said check-ups which I pay for out of pocket. I am not complaining, I lived the life I wanted and will pay the price. If I don’t go to my mandatory check-ups they take away my benefits. But I do not understand why the injuries that I sustained in the Corps must be paid for by my pension system. (Am I making sense?) I was injured in the Corps and was incredibly blessed enough to be able to live my life for a little while until the house of cards came down. I don’t understand it all.
Same with me, Jeff. I have to provide my civilian medical insurance info when I go to the VA for my mandatory check-ups, too.
Yeah, I get it that the economy is in the shitter and everything has to be looked at, however, it seems that the military and Vets are the low hanging fruit that is always ripe for the picking. I’m sick and fucking tired of it. Bobo floated that bullshit last time. Gates is already cutting defense spending the way it is and now, the Vets are expected to take it deep and dry once again? As I said earlier; take a chunk out of the congressional wallet for once. Start there, then go down the list with welfare, DOE, and all the other bullshit that doesn’t do anything to keep this country safe. NEA and NPR really don’t need all that money, either. Start rolling back all the fucking aid money to these 3rd world shitholes where the people hate us, too. Get Bella Pelosi to pay back all the money she blew by flying her diva dumbass back and forth to her crystal palace in California. Get the billions back from Brazil, that we gave them for oil exploration when we won’t even allow our own companies to drill. Does that make any fucking sense? The military budget is 18 fucking percent of the total budget, which leaves 82% that needs to be addressed before they even think about going after the ones that keep their fat asses safe and cozy at their latest “look at me” fucking cocktail parties. How about all those Czars that get paid big bucks and don’t answer to anyone other than Bobo? Look at all the waste just in the government staffing. Maybe the next time Michelle and Bobo go on vacation, she can wait her ass until he’s done with work and they can go together instead of making us pay so she can get an extra day or two on the beach while I’m at work to pay for it? Wow!!! What a concept!!
Veterans that were injured on the job line up, columns of four on my left. You guys that are veterans and have been injured on civilian jobs, columns of four on my right. Now, one step to your left, raise your right arm up, extended hand out place your fingertips on shoulder of the person next to you.
Repeat after me….Military cops rock! HOOAH! I don’t hear you! Military cops rock! HOOAH!
Now each of you veterans contact Ms. Bachmann and be respectful or you are gonna be subjected to a footlocker inspection. What ever I find in your foot locker that isn’t authorized will be mine. Yes, Lilyea, that includes your bottle of cheap hooch…
Waste, fraud, and abuse? No problem. Legitimate benefits? Step off, Congresswoman. Because of the “takebacks” of the past 40 years, had I served 10 years before I had, I’d be getting healthcare for life (such as it is). Now? Jack shit.
At the heart of this debate is the question of what (compensation, benefit(s), combination therefrom) satisfies the need for recompense/recognition?
We’re talking about tangible things: money, time, service from others (i.e. docs) to satisfy what is intrinsic. Or are we?
What is equitable?
Give the congresswoman a plan, or a better idea.
You can collect SSDI for something not even closely related to anything the VA is compensating you for and still collect VA Disability pay. Like the deal on offset of military retired pay by the amount of VA comp you get, complete bullshit. It only took like how many years to get that straight and they still don’t have that right yet. Like Jonn said in the beginning if you haven’t called her office and written her office yet you are wrong, also let your Rep. and Sen. know too. If you belong to ant unit groups pass it along. Jonn is right, this is the time for us to nip it in the bud before she gets a swelled head or something. I think she is getting illusions of grandeur already.
>Give the congresswoman a plan, or a better idea.
Funding states that have cities that thumb their noses at federal laws i.e., San Francisco and amnesty… Let California bail itself out…by cutting costs which California and Illinois refuse to do.
Streamline the tax code and simplify the IRS..
All research and Development (with the exception of defense and intelligence) i.e,cure for cancer, alternative fuels etc. should be done in the private sector. If they are cost effective, logistically possible, and a money maker- then the private sector will find the cure, solution etc.
Defund the Dept of Education and localize the way it was meant to be. Put student loans back into the private sector.
Continue to push states to fight the unconstitutionality of Obama care, and don’t fund it. When the time comes when they have to medicare fee schedule needs “supplemental funding,” don’t provide it. That is the logical end of Obama care.
Schip programs are FULLY funded by the state or they aren’t funded. Medicaid programs are FULLY funded by the state or they aren’t funded. SCHIP goes back to age 18 and not 26.
If the states stop living off the federal government; they will be forced to live within their means.
Do you want me to go on? THere are many more cuts that can be made that are much more solvent for the government; that encompass more of our budget than the Veteran’s administration. THe defense department and VA should be the LAST thing that gets cut.. Waste cleared out sure, but cuts– No! Defense is actually listed in the Constitution specifically as one of the things that Congress actually has to fund.
The Democrat proposals were put through by Nancy Polocy and Hairy Reid. They did not go through a comitty process and had no republican amendments only democrat amendments. This was done by a process called filling the tree. Where democrats set a limit on the number of amendments and then submitted that many so that the limit was reached.
Republicans however will put these bills through the comitee process and there will be amendments. Lets look at what they are doing in total…. They are proposing across the board spending cuts to begin to bring down our deficit. Thats a good thing. They arn’t trying to regulate breathing…(CO2 regulations) and they arn’t trying to make you buy something at gun point…(Obamacare) and they arn’t going to hide the details of what they are doing in a 2000 page bill.
They are being honest and posting their proposal in advance. So you can give them feedback.
Please give them feedback but if it is done while yelling and screaming these guys will wonder what kind of a movement is behind them.
If your support of common sense reform hangs on so thin of a thread how will they have the courage to take on other tough issues? Social security…. real fixes to medicare and medicade…. getting proper funding for a military…. tax code reform. There is lots to do.
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Word on the wire is Jonn, Michelle has backed off the idea.
At least she is trying instead of burying her head in the sand and insisting all is ok like Reid said in response to the SSN fiscal meltdown ( it is projected to run over $50 Billion in the red this year and he said it was doing just peachy).
We are in a severe financial crisis and all of us are going to feel it if we don’t cut crap. Every program has waste and fraud and some are just going to have to be cut out altogether. Every program has people with NIMBY pointing other directions. With that attitude can downgrading our debt, runaway inflation and fiscal meltdown be far behind?
According to American Legion, she has changed her mind on cutting benefits for V.A. benefits.