Veterans groups are slamming GOP senators for blocking a bill that would have given health care and benefits to veterans affected by from toxic chemicals and burn pits in wars dating back to Vietnam. Vets and their loved ones gathered in D.C., on Thurs for what was supposed to be a long-awaited celebration. The Senate was poised to pass a bill that would provide health care and benefits for millions of veterans injured by exposure to toxins like Agent Orange and burn pits. Instead, in a surprise move, 25 GOP senators blocked the measure — even though they had voted in favor of it just one month earlier. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) called the situation "the worst form of overt politicization I've literally ever seen" and urged people to ensure those 25 senators understand that "they have just sentenced veterans to death because they will not have the healthcare they have earned."
At www.npr.org
