Does this bill seem like a good bill for veterans?

Question

http://braley.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=70810

Answer 1

There are a few issues that I could point out. Yes, it is good for those who are entitled to the benefits under the proposed legislation.

Unfortunately, this bill would appear to fall under many different committees. HVAC,HASC,APPROPS, and noone would disagree with this stipend in principle, but when it comes to the money people will not co-sponsor it.

It could be possible to attach this to a supplemental for Iraq, and that would be the only real chance. Unless someone you know goes to Filner and Skelton... And they pass it out of committee... And then you have to twist Mr. Obey's arm to get the approps... With the bill having no co-sponsors, it is sadly unlikely to move. Passing this particular legislation will be difficult unless more momentum gets behind it when the recess ends. I personally dont want to hurt your feelings, but I dont think it will happen without a CBO score... And depending on what that is tells us if it will pass. But I will track it for you....

Answer 2

Thanks for providing that link. But this Congressman, like his colleagues on the Hill, need to consider going back to the system which was in force until 1956. If you serve on active duty in the armed forces, you are exempt from Federal Income Tax. It's pure. It's simple. It enshrines a commitment by the Republic in the all-volunteer armed forces. But, this "chinese water torture" method of reward is meaningless in the long run, because the Congress will figure out a way to get it back. Until 1991, anyone receiving a military pension was assured that pension did not count as outside income when it came to determining the taxability of a Social Security check. Then the law changed. I'm a military retiree and 85% of my Social Security check is now considered taxable income.

Answer 3

Sounds good to me. My only question is how does the bill propose to pay for the extra spending? I don't see anything in the article that says where the money is coming from.

Answer 4

good for them as far as pay but it will never get passed especially since it says retroactive - far to expensive. i remember when it was religiously tracked then 911 kicked off and the tracking fell completely off the radar.