Democrats saving the Republicans from themselves
by digby
I didn't think those cuts to military retiree pensions would stick. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen:
“The plan I am going to introduce will undo changes to future cost of living adjustments for military retirees and will instead achieve savings by closing corporate tax loopholes. It’s a smart, pragmatic fix and I hope it will generate bipartisan support.”
Ayotte and Graham reiterated their desire to reinstate the retiree pensions. I have a sneaking suspicion this is going to get done. This constituency is very powerful. I can't help but wonder what might have happened if the Democrats had been willing to leverage them for more concessions in the budget deal.
Meanwhile:
Though neither Shaheen nor the group of GOP senators mentioned it, the budget deal also includes cuts to the pensions of future federal civilian employees.
Of course not. They are a Democratic constituency. The only people who get protection from austerity's whip are people who vote Republican. And military retirees do tend to vote Republican.
(This is not to say they deserve to have their pensions cut --- they don't. But neither do federal employees.)
It's holiday fundraiser time ...