Yesterday, an unnamed Republican Senator blocked a 1.9 percent cost of living increase to military veterans and their surviving spouses.
Short story short:
“It cleared every Democrat in the Senate, but there was still a hold on the bill, so obviously it had to be from someone on the Republican side,” said Matt McAlvanah, a spokesman for Senator Murray. “It lasted until we adjourned, nearly 72 hours. We then went into recess, with the Republicans still having a hold on this bill. So we put out a release today saying someone should step forward.”
“Now we hear that Republicans are saying there is no longer a hold. That’s fine, but it does little good now because we’re not coming back until postelection. Now we have to pass this bill by the skin of our teeth just to make sure the VA can process the checks. It’s going to be a close call.”
Because of the delay, the Senate, which is out of session until Nov. 13, will have to vote on the legislation on the very same day it reconvenes in order for its payments to get out on time, according to a statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
If you have any Republican Senators, I'm asking you to call their office, and ask them to approve of the cost of living increase for veterans or their surviving spouses.
This should only take a few minutes of your time, and not only is it good economic policy, but it's the right thing to do.
Thank you for your time.