Senator Craig Places an IED in the Path of Veterans
Remember the Minnesota Airport Restroom Incident?
The current Congress is poised to pass a substantial funding package in 2008 for the Veterans Administration (VA) that is aimed at increasing the ability of the VA to serve the veteran population in a much more efficient and effective manner.
Veterans groups led by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America and American Veterans, or AMVETS submitted proposed budget guidance to Congress and for the first time in decades Congress actually listened to the veterans and have proposed major increases in VA funding.
However two bills, proposed by the Senate Veterans Affairs Committees - the Veterans' Traumatic Brain Injury and Other Health Programs Improvement Act (S. 1233) and the Veterans Benefits Enhancement Act (S. 1315), which would improve vets' life insurance and other benefits have been placed on hold by Senator Craig who is arguing against a few provisions in the bills that he does not like.
One has to wonder why Craig would use his position on the Veterans Affairs Committee to place obstacles in the way to prevent our veterans from acquiring the benefits and services they need from the VA. Certainly our veterans have sacrificed enough to gain the medical treatment they have earned as a result of their service to our nation.
Meanwhile, the Senate Ethics Committee is moving with the deliberation and speed of a snail to address the recent Minnesota airport arrest of Senator Craig on charges of disorderly conduct in a sting operation targeted at homosexual solicitation in an airport restroom. One will recall that soon after the news became public about his arrest, Senator Craig conducted a news conference and announced his "intention" to resign. A few weeks later he announced that he was reconsidering that intention and currently remains in office as a United States Senator who is preventing a critical veterans bill from moving forward in the legislative cycle.
A single Senator, who's judgment and actions in an airport restroom would bring dishonor on most is now in a position to prevent legislation which is designed to benefit those who served with honor.
It's strange how events unfold in life. A Minnesota airport restroom, a disgraced Senator, and the honorable service of American veterans have crossed paths in this story. Seems that Senator Craig has placed an American version of an IED in the path of veterans.
Published by Clark Richards
Clark Richards is a retired soldier, business owner and teacher that has traveled extensively throughout Europe, South America, Asia and Australia. View profile
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7 Comments
Post a CommentGreat question - one of the provisions deals with extending veterans benefits to Filipinos who aided the US in World War II. It's hard to imagine that could be a "showstopper" as there is no doubt only a hand full still alive and they contributed much to US victory and received virtually nothing in return. I forgot the other reason which was equally minuscule and made no sense other than to hold up the bill.
I wonder what those provisions in the bills that he does not like are. Congress tries to sneak in all kinds of things.
A good article and it speaks directly to the Senate' inability to police itself. Craig hasn't resigned and should have by now given his guilty plea and misconduct. No one has held him to his word, let alone moved forward to censure him and remove him from committees. Given the huge number of severely injured veterans of current wars, holding this bill in committee is unconscionable, even by Craig's standards.
Another good article, Richards should write freelance for the Washington Times or Post.
Very interesting. I am surprised that he would stand in the way; as our veterans get it up the "arse" enough as it is. Ugh, Mills is correct; he will gone soon. Hopefully he won't be able to cause too much damage.
Craig will be gone in 2009, it is too bad a Senator who won't be there much longer is gumming up the process.
Wow! Why isn't Craig censored!? Clark, I think this is a huge story-thank you for bringing this to light. Keep up the good fight brother!