Senate Democrats Block Amendment to Restore Military Pensions

[TexasGranny]

Senate Democrats Block Amendment to Restore Military Pensions

Amendment would close loophole that allows tax refunds for illegal aliens

 

BY: Elizabeth Harrington

 

January 10, 2014 1:00 pm

 

Senate Democrats on Thursday blocked a Republican attempt to restore military pensions cut in last month’s budget deal, denying a vote that would save up to $20 billion by closing a loophole that allows tax refunds to go to illegal aliens.

 

Sen. Barbara Boxer (D., Calif.) called an effort by Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R., N.H.) to repeal the military retiree cuts “fiddling while Rome burns.”

Majority Leader Harry Reid (D., Nev.) “filled the amendment tree” on Thursday, ending debate and blocking any Republican amendments to a bill to extend unemployment insurance (UI) benefits.

 

Among them was Ayotte’s measure, which would repeal cuts to military pensions by ending a loophole in the tax code that allows illegal immigrants to receive the Additional Child Tax Credit. Her attempt to get a vote failed 42-54, with only one Democrat, Sen. Joe Manchin (W.Va.), voting with Republicans.

 

“It’s a sad day when a common sense amendment to responsibly pay for legislation that helps struggling Americans, repeals unfair military retirement benefits and reduces the deficit can’t even get a vote in the Senate,” Ayotte said in a statement.

 

The amendment would have repealed a provision in the budget deal that hits military retirees with a 1 percent decrease in their annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), which could cost servicemembers up to $124,000 in lost retirement pay. Federal civilian retiree pensions were not cut.

 

The budget agreement also did not exempt disabled military retirees despite early assurances from the House Budget Committee. The cuts will save an estimated $6 billion over 10 years.

 

Ayotte offered her plan, the “Keeping Our Promise to Our Military Heroes Act’’ (S. 1869), as an amendment to the UI bill. The measure would require a Social Security number in order for an individual to receive the Additional Child Tax Credit. Ayotte’s office said the bill would save approximately $20 billion over 10 years.

 

According to the Treasury Inspector General for the Tax Administration (TIGTA), the refund provides incentives for aliens to enter the country illegally and cost taxpayers $4.2 billion alone in fraudulent payments in 2010.

 

Earlier this week, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee Carl Levin (D., Mich.) backed away from support of Ayotte’s bill after first signaling his support. Levin was not aware of how the measure offset the cuts, and does not agree with closing the loophole that allows illegal immigrants to receive tax credits.

 

Ayotte attempted to get a vote on her amendment on Thursday, amidst objections by Boxer. Ayotte said the amendment would simply require a Social Security number in order to receive the tax credit and cited a letter from an unnamed Democrat senator, who in 2011, called on the IRS commissioner to stop the unauthorized payments “immediately.”

 

“The investigations of this tax refund found that they were claiming it for people who were, number one, not authorized to work in this country, and secondly, for children that may not even exist,” Ayotte said, before requesting a vote.

 

Boxer objected.

 

“Talk about fiddling while Rome burns,” she said. “If you are one of the 1.3 million people in this country—222,000 in my state—whose house is burning down because they’re going to lose the safety net of $300 a week to feed their families, to take care of their kids, to heat their homes, and my colleague talks about letters?”

Boxer said all of the Republican amendments were “partisan,” and criticized Ayotte’s statements on removing the tax loophole.

 

“If there was one corrupt senator here—and there could be, or there might be, and there was in the past—and everyone of us got painted with that brush?” she said. “What you did in your speech is to taint every poor child who happens to benefit from that credit.”

 

“Let us not go down that partisan route,” Boxer said. “Let us support our leader.”

 

“This is nothing about protecting children,” Ayotte responded. “Unless you’re trying to protect children that may not exist, or you’re trying to protect children who don’t live in the United States of America. This is about protecting abuse within the tax code, which again, I have a letter from a member of her caucus who recognized this problem as well based on a Treasury IG report done under this administration. This amendment is about protecting the American taxpayer.”

“We need to be able to have votes on behalf of our states, on behalf of the American people, and if we disagree, let’s vote them down,” she added. “I don’t see what the issue is there, unless you’re worried that it’s going to pass because it just makes too much sense.”

 

 

***********************************************

Which party is blocking Veterans Pension Benefits now?

 

 

 

 

[caz1104]

Why didn't DinarStud post this...............................oh that's right because it's the left this time. DinarStud I feel will be nowhere to be found-lol  

 

 

Thanks TG

Edited January 10, 2014 by caz1104

[vietnam1969]

               “Let us support our leader.”             Sorry, but we have no LEADER !!!!!!

 

 

                                                                                                                                  

Thanks TG for the post

[new york kevin]

TG you are the best. I appreciate the daylights outta you.

 

Will the Republicans be smart enough to keep this gem in their ammo box come the fall elections; taking it out at the right time and maximise its benefit to promote their proposals? Wounded American Vets, American Vets,Citizens of this country, a $24 billion dollar savings verses a $6 billion dollar savings, over benefits to people who immigrated into the US illegally. Thats a fine middle finger in the eye. I hope the Nancy Pelosi's of this country loose on this one alone come election time.

[Lutie]

I think the Dems have skewed the facts so much even most of them don't really believe anything they say. 

[Rayzur]

This sentence made no sense to me, i.e., couldn't figure out how one would necessarily lead to the other....

 

...."would repeal cuts to military pensions by ending a loophole in the tax code that allows illegal immigrants to receive the Additional Child Tax Credit".

 

Until I read the first paragraph of the actual Amendment....

 

 

Ayotte Amendment #2603

Summary

"This amendment fully pays for both a three month Unemployment Insurance (UI) extension and a repeal of the harmful cost of living reduction for military retirees (including disabled military retirees) that was included in the budget agreement passed by Congress on December 18, 2013.  Instead of making our nation’s veterans pay for the fiscal irresponsibility in Washington, the amendment makes a simple fix in our tax code to require that filers have Social Security Numbers in order to qualify for the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC)".

 

Makes sense to me though I think its dangerous to rest in some kind of assurance that either party has the citizens needs as their most important priority..... In any case, it seems nothing short of a dangerous slippery slope when the government starts mucking around with someone's retirement, signaling the pretty clear message, yes, we give our word, until we change it, to suit the needs of partisan squabbling, posturing and grandstanding, or whatever else happens to come up..... Soldiers filled their contract, and the government needs to step up and honor theirs.... I'm surprised that some attorney has not filed a breach of contract suit in some federal court somewhere....  ,

Edited January 11, 2014 by Rayzur

[gymrat76541]

Being a disabled vet and Army retiree this issue is very near and dear to my wallet strings.

 

The continuing problem is that the issue is NOT as simple as it sounds. The politicans do not just put one issue into a bill or budget; they lump in all kinds of cuts.

 

If the issue was only to cut benefits to vets, I am sure no one would vote against us. Throw into the mix cuts for illegal immigrants or something else and the issue ain't so simple anymore.

 

With all the back stabbing and back door deals I have to believe that in the end they would NOT cut into disabled vets benefits. I will wait it out & see what comes out in the wash.

 

I remain optimistic.......................................

[dinar_stud]

Why didn't DinarStud post this...............................oh that's right because it's the left this time. DinarStud I feel will be nowhere to be found-lol  

 

 

Thanks TG

 

I did not post because I had not seen it. Too bad you did not read the post I eft od the left trying to go against the constitution by restoring obligatory prayers in schools..

 

 

Nice to see you pick and choose to read what i post.

[dinar_stud]

If the republicans had also added closing the loophole for offshore banking used by the big corporations it would have passed.

Why didn't DinarStud post this...............................oh that's right because it's the left this time. DinarStud I feel will be nowhere to be found-lol  

 

 

Thanks TG

 

here you go3

 

http://dinarvets.com/forums/index.php?/topic/169024-south-carolina-democrats-back-bill-calling-for-mandatory-daily-prayers-in-public-schools/

Edited January 11, 2014 by dinar_stud

[Rayzur]

Being a disabled vet and Army retiree this issue is very near and dear to my wallet strings.

 

The continuing problem is that the issue is NOT as simple as it sounds. The politicans do not just put one issue into a bill or budget; they lump in all kinds of cuts.

 

If the issue was only to cut benefits to vets, I am sure no one would vote against us. Throw into the mix cuts for illegal immigrants or something else and the issue ain't so simple anymore.

 

With all the back stabbing and back door deals I have to believe that in the end they would NOT cut into disabled vets benefits. I will wait it out & see what comes out in the wash.

 

I remain optimistic.......................................

 

Gymrat, wanted to check this out with what you said to make sure I've got it correct....

From what I can tell, they are cutting retirement by a certain percent until vets reach a certain age and then it will be business as usual... And in that cut, they "forgot" to exclude retired disabled vets?

They did not cut benefits for disabled vets in terms of their disability pay? I

Is that what you got from all of this?

 

And I totally agree with what you are saying.... Thats why, when I first read it I was wtf does one have to do with the other... and then saw the connection when I read the bill...

There should be a law that bill can be no longer than one page, written in 8th grade english and must stand on their own and separate from any other proposal.... (or make it illegal for attorneys to run for office or write any legislation...) either one is fine with me...

[yota691]

[DinarMillionaire]

There should be a law that bill can be no longer than one page, written in 8th grade english and must stand on their own and separate from any other proposal.... (or make it illegal for attorneys to run for office or write any legislation...) either one is fine with me...

"Are you aware that there is/WAS such a national law present which forbids lawyers from serving in public office positions such as a Congressman, Senator, Secretary of State, or the U.S. President? Yes. It’s/was in your U.S. Constitution.

The original Thirteenth Amendment which was fully ratified and published for over 20 years as such (thus lending even more credence to such ratification claim) no longer appears in your copy of the Constitution."

http://freedomintelligence.wordpress.com/2009/04/21/what-if-lawyers-were-forbidden-from-holding-political-office-the-real-13th-amendment-exposed/

[Bunk]

If the republicans had also added closing the loophole for offshore banking used by the big corporations it would have passed.

 

here you go3

 

http://dinarvets.com/forums/index.php?/topic/169024-south-carolina-democrats-back-bill-calling-for-mandatory-daily-prayers-in-public-schools/

 

 

 

  No It Wouldnt....Democrats Are Just As Shady..

 

 

    ScuzBag....

   Yota    

[caz1104]

LOL DinarStud!!!!

 

I posted knowing you would respond. I just find it funny that you pretend to be "middle of the road", why not just admit being a liberal democrat? 

 

I'm a conservative and proud of it. I also know all politicians are dirtbags!!

Edited January 11, 2014 by caz1104

[Rayzur]

"Are you aware that there is/WAS such a national law present which forbids lawyers from serving in public office positions such as a Congressman, Senator, Secretary of State, or the U.S. President? Yes. It’s/was in your U.S. Constitution.

The original Thirteenth Amendment which was fully ratified and published for over 20 years as such (thus lending even more credence to such ratification claim) no longer appears in your copy of the Constitution."

http://freedomintelligence.wordpress.com/2009/04/21/what-if-lawyers-were-forbidden-from-holding-political-office-the-real-13th-amendment-exposed/

 

 

WOW !! No Way!!! I mean that would be frickin awesome.... and at the same time.... really suk air in the sense that it was passed and ... what... it was just ignored? Or a constitutional attorney pled differently and changed its application???

 

Thanks so much for the info DM!... and no I had no idea and will have to read your link and start down that road... and I'll tell ya right now, its going to really stink and a whole bunch of bad words I can't say in here to find out just how pervasive and deep the Constitution is continually breached with every passing day...

[R2D2]

Great stuff Granny.      Thanks for this post.

 

 

Are you paying attention here stud?

[yota691]

They all need to go...this one should be on Top of the List...Wake up Arizona.. next to this Guy... 

Edited January 12, 2014 by yota691

[divemaster5734]

Senate Democrats Block Amendment to Restore Military Pensions

Amendment would close loophole that allows tax refunds for illegal aliens

 

BY: Elizabeth Harrington

***********************************************

Which party is blocking Veterans Pension Benefits now?

 

 

It is also very obvious, Rand Paul is a dirt bag.

Weather a plant for the dems, or head firmly up the establishment RINO's arese, it doesn't matter.

Part of his climb to fame was on the back's of conservatives.

He has now, for the third time, turned his back on those that got him to power.

The budget "deal" was a dirty backroom arrangement which he helped force down everyone's throat with nothing more than arrogance(and media posturing).

 

I hope folks wake up the harm he is very capable and willing to cause on Americans.

Edited January 12, 2014 by divemaster5734

[divemaster5734]

"Are you aware that there is/WAS such a national law present which forbids lawyers from serving in public office positions such as a Congressman, Senator, Secretary of State, or the U.S. President? Yes. It’s/was in your U.S. Constitution.

The original Thirteenth Amendment which was fully ratified and published for over 20 years as such (thus lending even more credence to such ratification claim) no longer appears in your copy of the Constitution."

http://freedomintelligence.wordpress.com/2009/04/21/what-if-lawyers-were-forbidden-from-holding-political-office-the-real-13th-amendment-exposed/

Just look at the 14th amendment to understand the deception behind the 13th.

The progressives took over the "educational" system over 100 years ago, and have been steadily removing critical skills with propaganda and brainwashing.

[TexasGranny]

It is also very obvious, Rand Paul is a dirt bag.

Weather a plant for the dems, or head firmly up the establishment RINO's arese, it doesn't matter.

Part of his climb to fame was on the back's of conservatives.

He has now, for the third time, turned his back on those that got him to power.

The budget "deal" was a dirty backroom arrangement which he helped force down everyone's throat with nothing more than arrogance(and media posturing).

 

I hope folks wake up the harm he is very capable and willing to cause on Americans.

I believe you meant to type "Paul Ryan" - Rand Paul has stood firm on his conservative values - he voted against the cut to military pensions.

 

[divemaster5734]

I believe you meant to type "Paul Ryan" - Rand Paul has stood firm on his conservative values - he voted against the cut to military pensions.

 

DOH.. I believe you are correct, and thanks for the correction...I REALLY need to proof these posts...