Congress tries to pull a fast one on veterans, again

I am freaked out with the prospect of not getting the check next month that we live off of. I am more freaked out this congress wants to decide what parts they should fund while letting too many suffer for their failures! Do they really think this will make veterans happy? Veterans do care about the rest of their country too.

House passes shutdown exemption for VA
Federal Times
By RICK MAZE
Oct. 3, 2013

The government shutdown exemption for the Veterans’ Affairs Department passed Thursday by the House of Representative does not resolve all of VA’s potential problems.

Approved by a 259-157 vote, the measure comes in response to a warning from VA that it could run out money to pay veterans benefits by late October if a government shutdown continues. Not only are Nov. 1 payments at risk, but VA officials said claims processing could also slow.

The House measure, HJ Res 72, would provide funds for disability compensation, survivors’ benefits and monthly GI Bill checks.
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Do they really expect us to take any of them seriously after all this time they had to figure out a budget without trying to change what was done by congress? Are they out of their minds? What about all the veterans employed by other branches of the government? What about all the veterans employed by defense contractors? What about the veterans that do not get VA healthcare? What about the veterans with claims waiting to be honored? Any clue on any of them? What about their grandkids that happen to have cancer and waiting for a chance to live? What about everything else veterans fought for and were willing to die for that congress won't work for?

No pay for VA civilian employees during shutdown
WGN TV
6 hours ago
by Judy Wang
Reporter/Anchor

The Department of Veterans Affairs will continue operating during the federal government shutdown, but not all the employees will be getting paid.

VA civilian employees, at the James Lovell FHCC in North Chicago, were given a memo about the predicament.

It says funds will not be available after the pay period that ends Saturday, October 5.

All Lovell employees are still expected to show up as scheduled.

They will be paid, but not until after the government shutdown ends.
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Veterans, impatient over shutdown, demand protection for VA benefits
By Leo Shane III
Stars and Stripes
Published: October 4, 2013

WASHINGTON — Veterans groups, angry that they are being used as political pawns, are lashing out at lawmakers, telling them to find an end to the government shutdown and ensure that veterans benefits and services aren’t disrupted.

In a Friday press conference outside the World War II memorial, American Legion National Commander Daniel Dellinger called the partial government shutdown insulting and disrespectful to veterans. Department of Veterans Affairs officials have warned that an extended shutdown could stall disability and education benefits checks, as well as slow pending claims.
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