WWII-vet senator defends Filipino pensions

[unhappycamper]

WWII-vet senator defends Filipino pensions
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Apr 24, 2008 6:08:52 EDT

In a fierce Senate debate over pensions to World War II Filipino veterans still living in those islands, one of the strongest advocates for the idea is Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska — one of five World War II veterans still serving in the Senate.

“I do not get excited too many times on this floor,” said Stevens, who served in the Army Air Corps in World War II flying transport aircraft in China. “This bill excites me.”

Stevens was referring to S 1315, the Veterans Benefits Enhancement Act, which would provide about $221 million for special pensions to Filipinos of $3,600 a year for single veterans and $4,500 for married veterans who served with, or in support of, U.S. forces but who have no service-connected disability.

Work on the bill has dragged on for months because of opposition, mostly from Republicans, to the idea of spending money on pensions for Filipino veterans when the money could be used for programs or benefits for U.S. citizens.

Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina, ranking Republican on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee who is leading the charge against the pensions, said he has “profound respect for the World War II service by Filipino veterans” but does not think such payments are “the right priority in time of war when the needs of our men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan are so great.”


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/04/military_filipinoveterans_042308w/



uhc comment: Teddy and Richie's internets tubes must be blocked or crossed or something. . .