Money from a retirement program for the US military is set to be diverted to pay for Trump's border

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

The White House scored a major win last week after the Supreme Court in a 5-4 decision said that about$2.5 billion in Defense Department funds could be used to construct sections of the president's highly sought-after wall at the US-Mexico border.

President Donald Trump celebrated the news on Twitter, describing the decision as a "big WIN for Border Security and the Rule of Law!"

But Dror Ladin, a staff attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union's National Security Project who represented the groups who filed a lawsuit challenging Trump's emergency-powers declaration to secure funding to build the wall, was quick to point out in a statement that last week's order wasn't a final ruling but temporary and limited to specific wall projects.

"The Supreme Court didn't give Trump's abuse of emergency powers the stamp of approval, or say anything about whether the wall construction was lawful. Nor did the Supreme Court say that our clients lack standing," Ladin said.

-snip-

But as the ACLU continues litigation to block the use of military funds for border-wall funding, Pentagon officials announced this week which programs would lose Defense Department funds to build the wall, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Notably, it said about $224 million would be taken from the Blended Retirement System, which combines elements of the military's retirement system with a system offering benefits similar to civilian 401(k) programs.

Other programs set to significantly lose funding: $604 million that was supposed to support Afghan security forces; $251 million in Pentagon funds for destroying US chemical weapons; and about $343 million "in spending from Air Force weapons programs where officials have negotiated reductions or canceled systems," The Journal said. Funds for construction projects for military bases across the world could also go toward the border wall.

https://www.businessinsider.com/military-retirement-program-could-lose-funding-trump-border-wall-2019-8?utm_content=topbar&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer-insider-main&fbclid=IwAR0Pf7GCCApt2AKq1TfO3TBN53dspn9ayd-mZT6qp-7FF5qkvqyxmRU7tiE&utm_term=desktop&referrer=facebook

[Buckeyeblue]

1. Good. I'm guessing most retired military support the wall.

Let them also fund the wall.

[RGinNJ]

2. Sorry to disappoint you there Buckeye but you may want to rethink your statement.

[Buckeyeblue]

3. I don't think so. I have an uncle and cousin who both get military benefits

Who love Trump. There may be some that do not love Trump. But I'm sticking with my gut on this one unless you have proof otherwise.

[Haggis for Breakfast]

5. Your Uncle and your Cousin are TWO people.

Please DO NOT speak for us veterans. Our numbers are legion. I come from a solid military family, going back to WWII. His name is not dignified in our homes and families like ours are NOT in the minority.

I get so tired of hearing civilians telling us veterans what vets think.

[Buckeyeblue]

6. More anecdotal evidence

My FIL had to stop going to his VFW meetings because of the pro-trump sentiment. He is one that doesn't support Trump. He also doesn't receive military benefits.

Look, when I say to bad I don't mean it. If you served in the military and are due a pension you should get it. However, if you voted for Trump and get screwed, I find it difficult to have sympathy.

Back to your original point. Most retired military are old white males. This group overwhelmingly voted for Trump. I do also understand that there are many who are retired from the military who are not white and/or males. But most are.

[keithbvadu2]

4. The same wall that Mexico will pay for... Right?

The same wall that Mexico will pay for... Right?