Sestak Attacks Specter on Veterans’ Benefits Funding

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Source: The Tribune Democrat

JOHNSTOWN — U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak took some potshots Monday at his Democratic opponent for U.S. Senate, incumbent Arlen Specter, saying Specter voted for veterans benefit cuts during the Bush administration.

“As much as I respect my opponent, I just disagree,” Sestak told a dozen or two well-wishers at VFW Post No. 155 in Geistown. “His votes are different than mine.”

Sestak was in town to collect the endorsement of a publication called Veterans’ Vision, which is distributed in 26 metro areas nationwide and on Capitol Hill.

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Sestak, D-Delaware County, said returning vets from Iraq and Afghanistan are facing a “perfect storm” as they seek assistance from the Veterans Administration. They’re vying for benefits with 2 million World War II veterans, another 2 million who served in Korea, GIs who served in Vietnam and others.

Sestak said they also are returning in the midst of a “savage recession,” and that their families can’t help with health care.

The congressman pledged to work to alleviate homelessness among former servicemen and women, saying 1 in 4 homeless people are ex-military. He said his priorities include better treatment for victims of post-traumatic stress disorder and brain injuries, “the signature injuries of this war,” and vets suffering from alcohol and drug problems.

Sestak said Specter underfunded by $8.4 billion veterans benefits when he was chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee in 2004-06.


more: http://www.tribune-democrat.com/local/local_story_060225845.html