From Washington Straight

More Billions for Vets ?

Can the United States afford to spend 77 billion dollars in additional veterans’ benefits in the next 44 years? American Legion lobbyists think we can. They are spearheading the drive for the new pension bill which would cost 528 million dollars in the current fiscal year alone. Among the hard-minded opponents of the bill is Rep. Olin Teague, Democrat of Texas, a World War Two hero and chairman of the Veterans Committee. When and if the bill reaches the Senate, it will have to run the gauntlet of Senator Harry Byrd’s economy-minded jurisdiction; and if it surmounted that hurdle, there would still be the strong possibility of a White House veto.

SJ

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Sam M. Jones

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More Billions for Vets ?

Can the United States afford to spend 77 billion dollars in additional veterans’ benefits in the next 44 years? American Legion lobbyists think we can. They are spearheading the drive for the new pension bill which would cost 528 million dollars in the current fiscal year alone. Among the hard-minded opponents of the bill is Rep. Olin Teague, Democrat of Texas, a World War Two hero and chairman of the Veterans Committee. When and if the bill reaches the Senate, it will have to run the gauntlet of Senator Harry Byrd’s economy-minded jurisdiction; and if it surmounted that hurdle, there would still be the strong possibility of a White House veto.