One of the many things contained in the recently pocket-vetoed Defense Authorization bill were bonuses for those men and women who serve our nation in uniform, reports the Army Times.
You'll recall after a vicious back and forth with Democrats in Congress, the president got the bill he was looking for, and promptly chose not to sign it. The reason is because of a provision that could allow Iraqi assets to be tied up by US Courts in cases of those suing Iraq for actions of Saddam's government.
My first thought is, did the White House not read the bill and notice this before Congress sent it to the president? Why no objection weeks ago? My second thought is, when you have troop bonuses and pay raises on the line -- in the time of war -- why couldn't the president have signed it, helped our troops, and called on Congress to amend the provision in question when they came back? I mean, at the end of the day, which is more important to this president -- long, drawn out court cases against Iraq, or our troops?
There's really not much more I can say than that. It's depressing to know where we stand with this White House. I would hope that every single presidential candidate of both parties would denounce the president for pocket-vetoing legislation that gives our troops the help they need. If you're in New Hampshire, now's the time to get the candidates on the record. Make this an issue. The media might be interested in the horserace, but you've got the power to make this egregious denial of bonuses to troops a national issue.
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