Senators fight cuts to veteran benefits ahead of key budget test vote

Senators fight cuts to veteran benefits ahead of key budget test vote
FOX News
December 17, 2013

Republican senators were making a last-ditch bid to undo cuts to military retiree benefits in the House-passed budget deal ahead of a crucial test vote Tuesday morning in the Senate.

Alabama GOP Sen. Jeff Sessions filed an amendment late Monday to restore money that was cut from veteran and military retiree pension benefits by closing a loophole that allows illegal immigrants to qualify for child tax credits.

His move comes after several GOP senators voiced complaints about the budget package, which sailed out of the House last week on a strong bipartisan vote. Those senators were also calling on their colleagues Tuesday morning to spare military retirees from the cuts.

However, late-breaking endorsements from several GOP senators could help lift the budget bill over the finish line, and it's unclear whether changes to the military retiree provision will be considered.
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