[StBernard] Senate Partisanship Fails Seniors and Veterans

Westley Annis Westley at da-parish.com
Thu Feb 7 10:11:35 EST 2008


Senate Partisanship Fails Seniors and Veterans



WASHINGTON - United States Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., today commented
on the Economic Stimulus Package following a key procedural vote that fell
one vote shy of meeting the necessary 60-vote threshold to move to the bill
in the Senate.

Sen. Landrieu said:

"I am disappointed that partisan politics sank the Senate version of the
package our nation desperately needs to stimulate the economy. This bill
puts needed cash in the pocket of every American taxpayer and encourages
business investment and growth. While the House of Representatives version
has many good aspects, it also falls short in several critical ways.

"The House version leaves out 20 million of our seniors, many of whom are on
a fixed income and are facing an increased cost of living. The Senate
instead chose to provide rebate checks to senior citizens who receive at
least $3,000 in Social Security income. As a group, Americans over 65 are
responsible for 14 percent of all consumer spending, and the bill will
benefit more than half a million Louisiana seniors, according to the AARP.
The House bill serves fewer than half that, and the gap is greater when
accounting for those under 65 that rely on Social Security benefits.

"The House version also leaves out 250,000 of our disabled veterans, where
instead the Senate package included much needed relief for our American
heroes.

"And while the House version leaves a wide open door to illegal immigrants
receiving tax rebates, the Senate package makes it crystal clear that no one
without a valid Social Security number can receive a rebate check.

"I will work with my colleagues in both chambers to ensure the House version
is significantly strengthened before it reaches the President's desk.

"We also have yet to take steps to protect Road Home grant recipients from
an impending tax burden this April 15, and I will continue to push for this
relief on the Senate floor. Taxing hurricane survivors for trying to rebuild
will have a negative effect on the economy opposite the vital goals of this
stimulus package."



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