Coburn named as senator holding up vets bill

[unhappycamper]

Coburn named as senator holding up vets bill
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Nov 3, 2009 17:23:29 EST

Thirteen major military and veterans groups have joined forces to try to force one senator — Republican Tom Coburn of Oklahoma — to release a hold that he has placed on a major veterans benefits bill.

Coburn has been identified by Senate aides as the lawmaker preventing consideration of S 1963, the Veterans’ Caregiver and Omnibus Health Benefits Act of 2009, by using an informal but legal practice of putting a hold on a bill.

Coburn’s staff did not respond to questions, but Senate aides said the first-term senator has expressed concern about creating new and unfunded benefits and wants the opportunity to amend the measure.

One of Coburn’s suggestions is to divert money from unspent economic and job stimulus programs to cover costs of new benefits for veterans and their families, according to sources who have discussed the issue with Coburn’s staff.

So far, at least, Senate leaders don’t want to let Coburn offer any amendments because of the precedent that would set to delay other legislation. Actual funding for benefits traditionally is handled separately from the bills that authorize the benefits, Senate aides said.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/11/military_veterans... /



unhappycamper comment: If you're so inclined, I'm sure Mr. Coburn would love to hear from you --> http://coburn.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Co...

[democracy1st]

1. thanks for the info

[DrDan]

2. LOTS of military in Oklahoma - this will not go over well

[Canuckistanian]

6. Good to see the Army Times is covering this.

Now every vet will know what a piece of shit Tom Coburn is.

[DrDan]

8. yeah - usually has to hit people personally before the light goes on

screwing someone else is typically allowed

[justabob]

9. Indeed

That was my first thought. Lots of active military and veterans in Oklahoma. It is a little surreal seeing a Republican senator in a military state making this stand.

[hobbit709]

3. Another goddamn GOP Chickenhawk who wants to screw the vets.

[saigon68]

4. Another Puke Mother Fucker

[Canuckistanian]

5. Is there anything decent about Tom Coburn?

Anything at all? Has he at least been seen petting a dog at some time?

Because if there's anything remotely good or beneficial to humanity, Sen. Tom Coburn is against it.

[justabob]

7. way to support the troops senator!

[Bitwit1234]

10. So republicans love our Military huh.

And just think it is another butt from OK what is wrong with those people out there. They must have the whole bunch of the outlaw gangs still around. You know the holdup experts.