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Alabama senators defend ‘no’ votes on ‘burn pit’ health care bill for veterans

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(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Veterans, military family members and advocates call for Senate Republicans to change their votes on a bill designed to help millions of veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service, at the Capitol in Washington, Monday, Aug. 1, 2021. A bill that enhances health care and disability benefits for millions of veterans exposed to toxic burn pits has hit a snag in the Senate.

AL.com, August 2022

Alabama’s two Republican senators this week are defending their votes against the largest expansion of veterans’ health benefits in over 30 years, as Alabama is one of just three states to see both Senators oppose the measure.

The measure overwhelmingly passed by the U.S. Senate on Tuesday. But Alabama Sens. Tommy Tuberville and Richard Shelby opposed the bill, and in statements to the media, claimed they are pro-veteran congressmen and criticized the so-called “burn pit” legislation as an expensive and ill-advised solution loaded with discretionary spending for “a liberal wish list.”

Continue reading at AL.com.

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