TPM
Senate Republicans have blocked a
Democratic bill that would enrich health, education and job-training
programs for the nation's 22 million veterans.
Helping veterans is widely popular among lawmakers, especially with
this fall's congressional elections approaching. The sweeping $21
billion measure would do everything from letting more veterans get
in-state college tuition to providing fertility treatments for wounded
troops.
Republicans complained that the bill was too expensive. And they were
upset that Majority Leader Harry Reid prevented a vote on a GOP
amendment cutting the bill and adding sanctions against Iran for its
nuclear program.
The Senate derailed the legislation on a 56-41 procedural vote.
Fifty-six senators voted to keep the bill alive, but supporters needed
60 votes to prevail.
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