Richard Burr: “Let me assure the majority leader, as ranking member of the committee, I do not intend to vote against cloture. I intend…”

“Let me assure the majority leader, as ranking member of the committee, I do not intend to vote against cloture. I intend to proceed to the bill. I intend to offer an amendment that strips out the provision of $300 of a special pension that I think prioritizes that group above our veterans who are coming back. My amendment would hold everything else in Senator Akaka's bill in place, but we would also make additions by using that $21 million for additional funding for our troops who are coming out of Afghanistan and Iraq. I hope the majority leader would at least consider voting for my amendment when it comes up. We have a rich history on this issue. It starts with the conclusion of the Second World War, when the United States made some very important gifts to the Philippines--the total of two hospitals, equipment, grants to rebuild the Philippines--to make sure those who served were in fact taken care of. I might also add for the majority leader, incorporated into Senator Akaka's bill, which is a very good bill on balance, there is only one area that we have any problems with. We hold intact those Filipino veterans who are in the United States receiving full VA benefits. Those who are outside the United States, living in the Philippines but with service-connected injuries, they receive compensation.”