Pelosi/Clark "GI Bill for the 21st Century" hits Military Times

[Jai4WKC08]

Great initiative for the troops, and politically smart too.
We need Dems doing a LOT more of this.

**************************
April 12, 2005
Democrats unveil package of benefits for troops, vets
By Rick Maze
Times staff writer

House Democrats unveiled a $100 billion package of military and veterans’ benefits Tuesday that they call the “GI Bill for the 21st Century.”

(...)

Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California, the House Democratic Leader, said Democrats tried not to be overly partisan in drawing up the bill.
“This isn’t everything we could think of,” she said. “These are just the things we think are a priority that we can afford.”

(...)

Skelton will try to attach an amendment to the 2006 defense authorization bill making that change, along with Democrat-sponsored amendments to increase the number of troops on active duty, provide full access to Tricare for National Guard and reserve families and increase recruiting and retention bonuses.

Retired Army Gen. Wesley Clark, who tried but failed to get the Democratic presidential nomination last year but remains active in Democratic politics, appeared along with House Democratic leaders as the official unveiling of the bill. Clark said Congress should do something dramatic to help active and reserve service members and their families.
“We really need this,” he said. “What happens is a matter of priorities, and service members and their families are now watching.”

Complete article at:
http://www.armytimes.com/story.php?f=1-292925-782276.php

[DeepModem Mom]

1. This rocks -- not only politically, but it's the right thing to do. nt

[belab13]

2. Here's a package benefit for the troops

How about we bring them all home tomorrow.

[dogman]

5. Good start, then what?

Forget them and provide no benefits. At least this should be able to get overwhelming support.

[belab13]

6. I should point out that I certainly agree with the proposed benefits.

[Jai4WKC08]

7. But since that's not gonna happen

Let's do the best we can to take care of them and their families, ok?

[dogman]

3. Maybe the troops can get their families to support this.

Beats the hell out of yellow ribbons.

[Donna Zen]

8. Yellow ribbons made in China

...along with all the flags.

Can the republicans walk the walk?....naaaaaaw

Truth: they care more about taking care of the millionaires than they care about the lives in the balance.

Waiting for cspan to cover this... I've written; have you?

[Nite Owl]

4. Just what they needed to do.

Now lets see if the chickenhawk repukes are really for the troops or just for the contractors and corporations over there making money on our kids lives.

[Crunchy Frog]

9. I'm really glad to see this getting some media coverage.

I just wish that C-SPAN would cover some of this stuff.

At any rate, it looks like Clark is becoming a truly respected figure in the Democratic party and that they are making use of his knowledge and expertise. That's a good thing for the Democrats no matter what Wes ends up doing with respect to another run.

[Adelante]

14. C-SPAN is funded by Cable TV companies

What can we expect?

[Jai4WKC08]

10. A press release from Pelosi's office

...lists these provisions:

GI Bill of Rights for the 21st Century

Makes Health Care Accessible and Affordable for Our Veterans

-- Improves veterans' health care.

-- Improves mental health for returning soldiers.

-- Blocks increases in prescription drug co-payments and enrollment fees for veterans.

Provides the Benefits Our Veterans Have Earned and Deserve

-- Ends the Disabled Veterans' Tax.

-- Reduces waiting times on disability claims and expands outreach to veterans.

Honors the Families of Those Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice for our Country

-- Ends the Military Families Tax.

-- Increases survivor benefits for families with minor children.

Strengthens Our Support for Our Men and Women in Uniform

-- Provides $1,000 Bonus for those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

-- Ensures an adequate number of troops and adequate equipment for our troops.

-- Improves military pay for senior enlisted personnel and warrant officers.

Honors Our Debt to Our Servicemen and Women

-- Modernizes and enhances the GI Bill Education and Job Training Programs.

-- Provides additional funds to assist homeless veterans with employment.

-- Protects bonuses and special pay for the permanently injured, and continues combat pay or additional compensation for those recovering from combat injuries.

Improves Health and Education Benefits for Our National Guard/Reservists

-- Expands military health care (TRICARE) for National Guard/Reservists.

-- Protects the income of activated National Guard/Reservists.

-- Ensures recruitment incentives and bonuses for National Guard/Reservists and improve educational benefits.

http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=45729

[Auntie Bush]

11. Wes is such a good man. I can't understand how so many here

on DU have such negative things to sayabout him. Can't they see what a treasure we have for our party? I don't think I'll ever like/love/respect/trust anyone more than Wes Clark! He's the BEST!!!!! :loveya:

[Leilani]

12. I'm so happy that the Dems in the House can use

Clark's credibility.

After the House hearing last week with Perle, this is perfect timing.

[Jai4WKC08]

13. Yes indeed, "perfect timing"

But we know from that item in "The Hill" that Clark, Pelosi and Reid been working on this, and hopefully more, since February.

God but it's good to see Dems getting smart. :)

[ClarkUSA]

15. What a brilliant move for Democrats to support the military this way...

with the Democratic brand of family values that General Clark embodies so well.
Good to see Wes Clark making a real difference instead of making photo-ops
with the troops like most politicians.

[ArkySue]

16. Bravo Wes!

:kick:

[trillian]

17. Kick! n/t

:kick:

[LandOLincoln]

18. Way to go Wes!

:kick:

But I'm incredibly depressed about C-Span. Not really surprised, but depressed anyway.

[Ilsa]

19. I love Wes and Gert!

I'm looking forward to working on his 2008 campaign!