GOP Filibuster Kills Bill To Expand Vet Benefits After Dems Blocked Efforts To Add Iran Sanctions

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 (UPI) -- U.S. Senate Republicans used a filibuster to prevent a vote on expanded veterans benefits after Democrats blocked efforts to add an amendment on Iran sanctions.

The vote Thursday was 56-41 in favor of a bill by Sen. Bernie Sanders, Ind-Vt., to – among other things -- expand healthcare programs, provide breaks on college tuition for veterans. Sixty votes were required to overcome the filibuster, the Hill reported. Two Republican senators, Dean Heller of Nevada and Jerry Moran of Kansas, voted with Democrats, the Capitol Hill publication said.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., refused to allow an up-or-down vote on a Republican amendment that included provision for further sanctions on Iran over that country's nuclear program.

"I hope all the veterans groups have witnessed all the contortions the Republicans have done to defeat this bill," he said. "Shame on Republicans for bringing base politics into a bill to help veterans."

The bill also would restore cuts to veterans pension, adopted as part of a bipartisan budget bill to end the federal government shutdown last fall.

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