WASHINGTON
Just how hot an issue is the GI Bill this election year?
Consider this: Hours after the Senate gave a rousing bipartisan endorsement Thursday to Virginia Sen. Jim Webb’s proposal to dramatically expand college aid to veterans, scores of House Republicans who’d voted against it a week earlier scrambled for political cover.
Wrapping up a late-night session on an annual defense policy bill, the Republicans engineered a quick vote on a competing veterans’ aid plan backed by the Bush administration.
House Democrats united to block the GOP proposal, whose vocal supporters included Rep. Thelma Drake of Norfolk. Yet its introduction let Drake and dozens of her colleagues – including Reps. Rob Wittman and Randy Forbes – get on record in support of a popular veterans’ benefit, albeit one that veterans’ groups consider less generous than in Webb’s bill.
Drake insisted Friday that there was nothing political in the GOP maneuver. “There is consensus in Congress that we need to update the GI Bill and provide added benefits,” and the Republican bill can help accomplish that, she said.
Drake said that with a Bush veto looming, the fate of Webb’s GI bill is uncertain. By adding the GOP alternative to the annual defense policy bill, lawmakers could have ensured that some sort of veterans education plan would be enacted this year, she said.
“I was hoping the other side would help us,” Drake said.
Veterans’ issues are particularly sensitive for Drake, whose Hampton Roads district is home to nearly 100,000 veterans and who is the only local member of Congress to face a serious challenge this year.
She co-sponsored Webb’s bill in the House and spent much of last week trying to explain her initial vote against it.
On Monday, Drake told reporters that her vote was influenced by Bush’s veto threat. On Wednesday, she said that her real objection was to domestic spending items that had been added to what was supposed to be a bill funding military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
On Friday, Drake again cited the domestic spending portions of the bill and attacked House Democratic leaders for attaching Webb’s plan to what should have remained exclusively a war funding measure.
“She’s got to come up with a better explanation,” said Quentin Kidd, a political scientist at Christopher Newport University in Newport News. In a veteran-heavy district, the initial vote “is potentially very troubling for her.”
Kidd said that because Webb, a fellow Virginian, is leading the GI bill fight and his plan has the backing of Virginia’s other senator, Republican John Warner, “I think a lot of people in uniform wonder” about Drake’s position.
In a prepared statement, Forbes said he voted against the Webb plan after the legislation to which it was attached was stripped of funds for the war effort. While “GI bill improvements … deserve serious consideration in this Congress,” he said, “it is unthinkable to include them in a war supplemental that doesn’t even fund our troops.”
Wittman said through a spokeswoman that he finds elements of both the Webb bill and the Republican alternative appealing. His initial vote against Webb’s plan came because Democrats chose to pay for the new benefit with a tax increase on taxpayers earning more than $500,000 annually.
Dale Eisman, (703) 913-9872, dale.eisman@pilotonline.com
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What a Joke!
What a joke! We are arguing over educational benefits. They think increasing educational benefits is going to matter. Educational benefits are outstanding NOW! I used all of both the Vietnam era and the Montgomery GI benefits. And I made a bundle during my college school days. NO, the benefits are good now. Instead, FIX the VA Hospital. That is a travesty and it doesn’t just affect the one group of veterans. It affects ALL of our vets. Put the money in the right place! THE VA HOSPITAL!
I just don't get it
Reading the comments on this subject is depressing. Trying to accuse Webb of pandering in bringing this bill to a vote is just partisan nonsense. Webb vowed to improve these benefits when he was elected. He's a veteran with a distinguished career both in uniform and out. He knows what he speaks of. Do you know how hard it is to usher a bill through this far? To garner almost half of the Republicans to vote for it? There are Republican cosponsors to this bill. Veteran's groups are for it. As for not having a strategy for Iraq, Webb had a great one. A year prior to the invasion he was warning us against going to war there a year before we went, and everything he predicted would happen, happened. He seems to have more knowledge of the area and its players than most, certainly more than those in the current administration. If you're looking for a panderer,though, look no further than our very own Thelma Drake, the most faithful water carrier any administration could hope for. Please note she supports the administration's version of this bill, not because its the right bill, but its what her master dictated.
Twisted Logic
Now I'm seeing twisted logic from those who oppose the bill. "I am a Democrat and like I said grew up in a military family...and I don't get this move at all. Why give them college aid when many don't even want it. Why not just increase their salaries (what they want). Looks like Webb is just trying to put the GOP..." Grew up in a military family qualifies one to know what's in the mind of a serviceman? Dude, the GI Bill got me a college education and a successful career - paying me more would never have helped as much. Looks like you have an anti-Webb streak, something I don't see in DEMOCRATS...
"I don't denigrate what you do and I support your efforts to the fullest, but do not forget Mr. & Mrs. Service-member, the rest of us Americans foot the bill, and we have the right to question the necessity of expenditures, including what is spent on Armed Services personnel and their families."
Why didn't you speak up against the ultimate waste of yours and my tax dollars - THE WAR!
Sheep and their emotions
Isn't this bill just about giving college aid to servicemen and women? As an army brat myself who did not live off a base or post until I was 15 years old I grew up amongst a great deal of young GIs. Many of them (if not the majority) are not interested in going to college. They are to busy trying to feed their wife or husband and often multiple children. I think one of the earlier comments hit it on the head when he said all congress does is try to put the opposition in a bad position. I am a Democrat and like I said grew up in a military family...and I don't get this move at all. Why give them college aid when many don't even want it. Why not just increase their salaries (what they want). Looks like Webb is just trying to put the GOP and people like Drake (who I have absolutely no use for) in a GOTCHA position when the sheep say...hey you voted against something having to do with a solider....WHAT YOU SOME KIND OF COMMUNIST BOY? Why is everyone so against in depth reasoned discussions rather than jumping to conclusions and parading the flag.
Reminds me of the South Park episode where everyone was walking around saying "THEY TOOK OUR JOBS!".
Stop blaming Congress
The package was proposed by president bush. Its final shape was determined by Congress. bush junior signed it. What exactly was Congress supposed to do in an election year? What would have happened if Congress, especially Democrats in Congress, had blocked the bill and kept this beer money out of blue collar voters' hands?
This is how politics works nowadays. One side proposes a bill that panders to their constituents and puts the other side in a difficult position. It works because the majority of Americans are so easy to fool.
Blue collar America is getting exactly what it deserves. The fault isn't in Congress Chris, the fault is in a poorly informed, ideologically inflamed middle class that is easily manipulated.
Think about that when you are at the polls in November. Who offers the best chance at change? (Hint: It won't be a 72-year-old white man who is comfortable with the war and the status quo.)
This bill is a bribe to keep these guys in office
Congress is wasting our money like crazy. The war, the stimulus package, you name it, Congress is spending money like a drunken Congressman. Pretty soon we will be broke. The tax cut and spend Bush and Congress are leaving the next president with a mess. God help him!
The chickenhawks and blue collar stooges crack me up
They are all for continuing a war that has created a new record deficit (eclipsing the previous republican record) and has cost more than 4,000 service people their lives.
But when Sen. Webb suggests we repay the military for its sacrifice by improving the G.I Bill, suddenly they are fiscally responsible.
You just couldn't make this kind of stuff up.
BTW, the bribe republicans are paying to stay in office - the economic stimulus package - will cost $160 to $190 billion over two years. Any of you armchair patriots ready to give that up?
I don't denigrate what you
I don't denigrate what you do and I support your efforts to the fullest, but do not forget Mr. & Mrs. Service-member, the rest of us Americans foot the bill, and we have the right to question the necessity of expenditures, including what is spent on Armed Services personnel and their families. I resent being bullied into the mindset that if you don't support another frivolous expenditure, some other endowment lavished on Armed Services personnel, that you're "not supporting the troops."
Webb's plan is the very definition of pandering. He's not to be found when his Democrat buddies are undermining the morale of servicemen and women while we are trying to wage a worldwide campaign against terror, and only shows up when its politically opportune. The man has no plan for Iraq or the greater war on terror (surprise, surprise) but he knows how to blow some jack on state-side service-people - like a sailor on shore leave, I might add.
Not a give away
I cannot believe someone actually had the nerve to say this is nothing more than another government hand out. This is no hand out, this is being given to people who go and put their lives on the lines not once, or twice but repeatedly. I think this is the least that could have been done. I can tell you there isn't a single person on the front lines who would view this is a a "give away".
All of a sudden...
The GOP is trying to save money! After wasting trillions of dollars on a tragic war that should have never been fought, and lowering the taxes on the rich by 100's of billions of dollars while giving folks like you and me a few hundred to pay off our bills and pay for the ever escalating cost of gas, and giving the oil companies huge tax breaks while they reap record profits...
My God! And now we try to help the soldiers and sailors and airmen get a college education and there's no money??? Whose priorities are screwed up?? You tell me!
The Public Is Stupid
They'll vote all those idiots back into Congress. You have to wonder if this is what was happening in the Roman Senate 2000 years ago.
Another giveaway by the federal government
If the government does not stop giving away money, they will go broke. Social Security and Medicare are facing a 43 trillion dollar shortfall. We need to decrease spending, not increase it. Everybody has their hand out.
Ouchie!
I think you kinda took it in the shorts there Thel....
worst. representative. ever.
Forbes is no better.
Gi Bill
As someone who served 26 years and for a variety of reason did not enroll in VEAP and then could not afford to buy in to the Montgomery GI Bill (I have no education benefits), I salute Ms Drake for having the courage to stand up for herself and her beliefs. If I didn't get any of the benefits, I don't want anyone else to get them either.
The dynamic duo rides again....
"Oh Dale, if you write an article that doesn't beat me up too bad and put a sympathetic picture on the story about not supporting the troops who have defended our first amendment freedoms, then I will cut you a good deal on some real estate if I don't get reelected." Brought to you by the "Free" Press, bought and paid for by your local politicians. GB & DC: "It always worked in Texas??" Thanks to MTMSR for the real story.
Rep. Drake
For a very long time I have written to Rep. Drake in the vain attempt to dissuade her from being joined at the hip with this current President and administration, that has become far removed from the conservative principals that got him elected!
I wish he had been Pro American instead of pro Mexican.
All of the emails were to no avail, so I quit writing and I will not support this person in the next election.
Start Packing Drake
Thelma Bush Drake will be a U.S. Congress Veteran come November. With Bush leaving office so should Drake. Start packing Thelma Drake.
No-brainer!!!!!!
Ms. Drake is the last of the rubber-stampers we need to get rid of. This bill was a no-brainer for the veterans who have taken time to fight in a war we can't get out of, because the decision to fight it was based on lies. The real loss this November will be when thinking Republicans like John Warner who will be retiring. I am a Democrat, but I have always voted for Mr. Warner because he has always had the best interests of Virginians at heart. He is supporting the the bill by Jim Webb because he knows it is the right thing to do. Ms. Drake does not have the proper sense of what is right and wrong. She was voted in on a platform of lies, and has never voted against any measure this ridiculous administration has conjured up.
I once met Thelma Drake
I had to go to her office to have my passport application expedited (no choice on the matter). She came out and introduced herself, and then shook my hand. She didn't even once realize that I did not extend my hand towards her, and I had no intention of meeting her. I did not vote for her, and she never represented my views on issues. The fact that she didn't seem to realize that I really didn't want to meet her may be an indication of being out of touch with the people whom she represents. Sure, I didn't vote for her, but she still represents me, and now it's kind of fun to watch her back-peddle on this bill. We all know how well the "I voted for it before I voted against it" worked for Kerry. Guess Drake didn't pay attention to the signs on how well that works. Perhaps she's a bit oblivious?
YAAAAY for the new GI BILL
RIGHT ON!! Senator Webb !!
SHAME ON opposition!
We are asking our servicemen and women to pull not one - but SEVERAL tours of duty to participate in TWO CIVIL WARS within countries whose citizens are united on ONLY ONE THING - They want our OCCUPYING TROOPS OUT. Never mind how we got into these quagmires, forget the politics of whether we should stay, go, or gradually withdraw - think of the toll these wars take on the participants.
Our troops need more support now than ever. This new GI education bill will give them chances, when they finally can stay home, to pursue new or continuing educational opportunities. DON't pick this bill at this time to make a statement about fiscal responsibility while spending $Billions to keep our troops in harms way!
Bye, Bye Thelma
Thelma,
Watch the door on your way out. In November you will be returned to the private sector where you belong. A jellyfish has more backbone! You are owned and operated by Bush/Cheney. Karma....Its a tough pill to swallow.
One more vote lost thelma
Rep. Drake,
I have been on active duty for 15 years. I have lived in your district since the day I was born and I still do.
Due to your NO vote on Sen. Webb's new G.I. Bill, I will not be voting for you in November. I voted to put you in office and now I'm voting to take you out. Wanna keep this from happening? Grow a pair.
Too many mistakes?
I think I can give her a pass on this issue. It was a politically charged issue and her decision was the right one to take. I'm still a little stung over her support for Judge Norman Thomas a few years back when he was an alleged wife-beater. I would have perferred her to let the system work
A Sound Investment!
I am living proof that the GI Bill is a good investment in Americans. When I returned from Viet Nam; thousands of GI's took advantage of the GI bill to attend college. As I recall, my monthly government check was about $320 per month for 36 months until I graduated from Old Dominion. That is roughly a $12,000 investment in me that has paid back the government many times over! Because I have a college degree I got a better paying job and last year alone paid federal taxes 6 times that total amount! Plus I feel I earned it after doing 13 months in a combat zone making only $200 a month as a drafted enlisted soldier. I feel certain by making this investment in Americans that served their country in today's combat roles deserve the GI Bill. I for one will be glad to pay taxes to support such an initiative.
I dont care what party your are with
Can't we do better than bush cheney and drake?
We have a chance to do alot better than this.
We deserve alot better than this.
As a veteran, I know very well I deserve better than this group.
"representative" drake -- give me a break.
Thelma Drake
Congresswoman Drake will not be reelected!!!!!
She co-sponsored Webb’s bill
Nice flipflop Thelma, pretending to support our troops and then voting against them.
Shame on you
Thelma Drake!!You are nothing but a Bush rubber stamp.I can't wait until november... you are toast!!
But who really needs the money?
This is an election year and this is all more about silly partisan pot shots. The real question is who really needs the benefits? People in the lower 20s with few responsibilities and plenty of time to pay off loans, or those that put in their 20 years with families that find themselves newly on the private job market?