Despite 'unthinkable' cuts to vet benefits, budget bill passes Senate test vote

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Fox News: Senate passes budget bill after putting down efforts to strip cuts to vet benefits​

A two-year budget deal cleared a key Senate test vote on Tuesday, despite last-ditch efforts by Republicans to strip a provision that cuts into military retiree benefits -- setting up a final vote in the Senate no later than Wednesday.

The bill moved forward on a 67-33 vote. If the package, which passed the House last week, wins final approval, it will go to President Obama's desk -- likely taking off the table the threat of a partial government shutdown next month.

Most Republican senators, including GOP Leader Mitch McConnell, opposed the bill, objecting to increased spending levels as well as a provision that reduces future military retiree benefits.

Alabama GOP Sen. Jeff Sessions, who on Tuesday called the provision "unthinkable," had tried to undo those cuts with an amendment filed late Monday to restore the money. Several other senators also objected.

Remember these names, if you have any say in their reelection efforts: Orrin Hatch of Utah, Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss of Georgia, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, John McCain and Jeff Flake of Arizona. Despite my respect for McCain's service to this country and my voting for him four years ago, he and the rest of these yahoos have gotta go! I'm a vet. I don't need my benefits. I can live without 'em. But there are a ton of guys out there who can't, and who shouldn't have to worry about it before someone grows a heart in Congress and restores these benefits before they're irretrievably cut.

Ayotte got it right: This is unacceptable!