The Senate passage of the $1.1T omnibus spending bill yesterday proves one thing, money talks. While military veterans, active duty and many, many others pleaded Congress to undo the Cost Of Living Allowance cut, behind the scenes, Congress was paying attention to the electoral calendar. It had to be paid for. So what does a millionaire Congressmen do? You listen to those who shower you with barrels full of cash!
We have a story from the Sunlightfoundation, Bill Allison, telling us the Air Force wants to discontinue the purchase of Northrop Grumman drones. The Air Force sees the drone as inferior and has asked Congress to discontinue the program. Since companies are only concerned about profit and survival, Northrop Grumman, with their largesse, poured oodles of cash into the coffers of 298 members of Congress to ensure the survival of the drone program. Tucked in the omnibus bill is continued funding for the unwanted, $7M each, drones. For Northrop, it was money well spent. The bribe money worked!
As for us "working age" veteran retirees, military advocacy groups, spouses and many, many other concerned Americans pleading Congress to change course and rollback the COLA cut -- Congress gives us the offending finger.
Photo credit: Department of Defense