Florida’s two senators helped the Senate restore benefits for veterans though neither was happy with the bill. Lawmakers were given a choice protect benefits for troops or for seniors and ninety five lawmakers picked troops. The bill restores a previously agreed to cut of about $6 billion to veteran’s pensions. Now veterans and those currently serving will be shielded from having a pension cut. But new recruits as of January 2014 will receive slightly fewer benefits. It’s paid for by moving back sequestration’s Medicare cut another year, but Florida Democratic Senator Bill Nelson says it will never happen.
“Some people are saying that the Medicare offset is illusory – that it’s pushed off til 2024”, said Nelson.
That’s why Florida Republican Senator Marco Rubio didn’t like the proposal.
“It’s an accounting gimmick”, argued Rubio.
Still, Rubio held his nose and voted for it.
“The problem is the payment method it’s using to pay for it is not a real one", Rubio explained. "It’s unfortunate we find ourselves in this situation because it never should have been in there to begin with.”
Only three senators opposed the legislation.
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