GOP senators block bill expanding care for veterans exposed to toxins

[HAB911]

Republican lawmakers blocked passage of a bill in the U.S. Senate Wednesday that expands healthcare coverage for military veterans who were exposed to toxins and burn pits during their service.

All Democrats and eight Republicans voted for the Sgt. 1st Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act, but the 55 yes votes fell short of the 60 needed to end a filibuster in the Senate. Three Senators did not vote.

The PACT Act, which the House passed earlier this month, would enable additional healthcare coverage for more than three million veterans who were exposed to toxic burn pits and Vietnam-era veterans exposed to the deadly herbicide Agent Orange.

https://news.yahoo.com/gop-senators-block-bill-expanding-032616654.html


February 2011, the Veterans Administration published its final regulation regarding the PRESUMPTION OF HERBICIDE EXPOSURE (AGENT ORANGE) as it pertains to veterans who served in or near the Korean DMZ during the Vietnam War. Specifically, VA now PRESUMES HERBICIDE EXPOSURE for any veteran who served on the DMZ between September 1, 1967 and August 31, 1971.

I was assigned to HHC 3rd Brigade 2ID from March 1970 to March 1971 on the DMZ. I am awaiting confirmation of prostate cancer.

[CurtEastPoint]

1. Do Republicans EVER DO ANYTHING KIND, USEFUL, HELPFUL? NO. Fuck them all.

[RKP5637]

3. The GOP has pretty much become "The Domestic Terrorism" party. Just about everything

they do is destructive to this country. And, they hate people. It's weird and disgusting.

[moose65]

6. Not that I've ever seen

What possible reason could they have for voting against this??

[Beatlelvr]

2. This will never be reported on RW media

Furthering the myth that those fuckers are so patiotic and really care about our veterans. Old St. John McCain may even have voted no.

[HAB911]

4. Vets and even cops

RW vets and cops are delusional and will look the other way at their on peril

[Duncanpup]

5. Pigs

[moose65]

7. From what I read....

The Senate passed this bill 84 - 14 earlier this year, then it went to the House, which passed it with some changes.

Then it came back to the Senate, and they took this vote. UGH. Trying to find the votes now.

Got it: 45 Democrats, 2 Independents, and 8 Republicans voted for cloture. The 8 Republicans are:

Boozman AR
Capito WVa
Collins ME
Graham SC
Grassley IA
Hoeven ND
Moran KS
Rubio FL

Murkowski didn't vote, but I assume she would vote Yes. 2 Dems didn't vote: Leahy and Manchin, although I assume they'd be Yes votes too.

Schumer voted No, because there's some Senate rule about that, and bringing something up for a second vote. However, if they vote again this would only get it up to 59 yes votes.

My useless Senator Burr, who is retiring, voted No.

[DashOneBravo]

8. Just going to post that.

Thanks

[GP6971]

9. This video was posted in GD

a few minutes ago;

https://upload.democraticunderground.com/100216979287

[HAB911]

10. thanks, I missed that one

I did see Jon Stewart on Jake Tapper this evening, he got through 1 "shit" and 1 "fuck" uncensored

[GP6971]

11. The Bill just passed

86 to 11.

[HAB911]

12. 11 have no shame

[GP6971]

13. I know.

I'm looking now to see who they are.

[GP6971]

14. It was just posted in GD.

https://upload.democraticunderground.com/100216994227

None of the 11 Republicans Senators who voted "NO" have served in the military
Crapo, Lankford, Lee, Lummis, Paul, Risch, Romney, Shelby, Tillis, Toomey, Tuberville