Senate GOP Plans Spending Boost for Vets (damage control alert)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050628/ap_on_go_co/congress_veterans_7

WASHINGTON - Struggling to prevent political damage, Senate Republicans intend to raise spending on veterans programs by $1.5 billion to make up for a shortage caused partly by the return of troops from Iraq and Afghanistan, officials said Tuesday.

"I'm glad they have seen the light," said Democratic leader Harry Reid of Nevada. He said majority Republicans had refused to provide the money when members of his party called for it earlier in the year.

Sen. Larry Craig (news, bio, voting record), R-Idaho, who chairs the Veterans Committee, said a vote was likely Tuesday or Wednesday.

The decision to approve the funds came in response to last week's disclosure that the Department of Veterans Affairs needs $1 billion more for veterans health care this year.

Republicans swiftly retreated on the issue in the Senate, but not in the House.

they love the troops so much you know... to use them as props!