[youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i01-RrD0EhQ&feature=youtu.be"]
The video, featuring Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), details what the new Republican Senate majority has achieved on behalf of veterans and recommits the majority to working hard everyday to achieve even more for the brave men and women who have served in uniform.
“Senate Republicans are working hard everyday to ensure our veterans receive the benefits and care they have earned,” said NRSC spokeswoman Andrea Bozek. “It’s shameful to see Senate Democrats use veterans as political pawns in their partisan game to increase funding for the IRS. Americans know that we owe our freedom to our veterans and it’s time Democrats started acting that way.”
Background
Democratic Leaders Are Threatening To Block Bills To Fund The Government, Including Funding For Defense And Veterans. “To maintain their leverage, Democrats have decided to block all spending bills starting with the defense appropriations measure headed to the floor next week. Durbin told reporters on Tuesday that there is also no ruling out a blockade of program authorizations, like upcoming votes on highway funding. … Schumer, joined by Reid and Senate Minority Whip Richard J. Durbin, (D-Ill.), set out in recent days to rebound from weeks of party division over White House-backed trade legislation to sell the image of Democrats as a single, unbreakable force. He said his colleagues are resolute and will not buckle when Republicans soon test their unity by bringing up for votes popular defense and veterans spending bills.” (Kelsey Snell and Paul Kane, “Democrats Prepare For Filibuster Summer,” The Washington Post, 6/10/15)
“Senate Democratic leaders say they will block the defense appropriations bill from coming to the floor this month unless there is a deal to lift ceilings on government spending known as the sequester.” (“Senate Democrats Vow To Block Defense Spending Bill,” The Hill, 6/4/15)
SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER (D-NY): “Republicans should be absolutely crystal clear about one thing: Democrats will not vote to put a defense appropriations bill on the floor.” (“Senate Democrats Vow To Block Defense spending Bill,” The Hill, 6/4/15)
“This year’s bill includes a pay raise for the troops and a long-awaited 401(k) program for service members who serve fewer than 20 years—that is, most of them. … The contingency funds, ironically, give President Obama his exact budget request for the troops. The president is threatening to veto the bill anyway…” (“Democrats Will Protest Defense Bill Amid GOP Attacks,” National Journal, 6/14/2015)