Earlier today, the Politico reported that:
With Memorial Day around the corner, Sen. John McCain and his allies are reaching out to Virginia Democratic Sen. Jim Webb in the hope of finding a compromise on a GI Bill that would eliminate a potential embarrassment for the Arizona Republican’s presidential campaign.
But that spirit of compromise lasted as long as a John McCain straight talking talking point, because:
Republicans took the opportunity of a bipartisan bill this morning to try and attach a proposal by Arizona Sen. John McCain, the presumptive Republican Presidential nominee, that would somewhat improve GI Bill benefits currently offered to American service members.
First, let's look at the difference between the McCain bill:
Under McCain's plan, the GI Bill benefit for active duty soldiers who pay the $1,200 enrollment fee would jump from a max of $1,100 per month to $1,500 and to $2,000 for service members with 12 years of service.
...versus the Webb bill:
Increased educational benefits would be available to all members of the military who have served on active duty since September 11, 2001, including activated reservists and National Guard. To qualify, veterans must have served at least three to thirty-six months of qualified active duty, beginning on or after September 11, 2001. [...]
Benefits provided under the bill would allow veterans pursuing an approved program of education to receive payments covering the established charges of their program, up to the cost of the most expensive instate public school, plus a monthly stipend equivalent to housing costs in their area. The bill would allow additional payments for tutorial assistance, as well as licensure and certification tests.
Bear in mind that the Webb bill has overwhelming support in both the Senate and the House, and has been endorsed by every major veterans group. The McCain bill is supported by the White House, John McCain, and a few dead-enders in the Republican leadership.
So, who did the Republicans try to throw under the bus today by attaching this poison pill? First Responders. Yes, in an effort to "eliminate a potential embarrassment" for John McCain, the Republican leadership willingly derailed a bill that would have provided collective bargaining rights for firemen, policemen and emergency medical technicians. Said Ted Kennedy:
We have seen this parliamentary gimmick that has taken place offered by the Republican leadership that is a slap in the face to every firefighter and police officer and first responder in the country. [...]
We're saying to the firefighters of this nation and to the police officers of this nation and the first responders of the nation: Your interest, the safety and security of our communities across the nation, should be put aside in favor of some political gimmick by the Republican leader here in the United States Senate.
We're all used to the Republican Party using "support the troops" as a slogan, but it's the first time that they've attempted to screw over the men and women who risk their lives every day, both at home and abroad, at the same time. Thankfully, this maneuver went down in flames, 42-55, but it should serve as a lesson as to the true nature of the Republican leadership's idea of "compromise."
