It was a great disappointment to see the news that Congress, both House and Senate, have passed a budget bill that breaks faith of the American people with their military. George Washington in addressing our first Congress on the necessity for pensions for veterans said that the future of the ability of our nation to raise an army in the future will be dependent on how we treat the veterans of prior wars. That was true then and it is true today.
Congress broke the trust of the nation with our military when it the passed a budget bill that reduces the pensions of current veterans, included wounded warriors, on an immediate basis. They did not enact similar provisions on civilian employees of the federal government or seek to offset the cost of veterans pensions with cuts in wasteful programs. i.e. tax credits to illegal immigrants which way exceed the cost of veterans pensions.
Thanks to Senator Corker who voted against this budget and boos to Congressman Fleishmann and Senator Alexander who voted for this treatment of the service men who have been the bulwark of our liberties.
Noah H. Long, Jr.
Rear Admiral, USN (ret)