This bill proposed expanding medical services and other benefits for veterans. However, a controversial amendment related to Iran’s nuclear program scotched the measure’s prospects.
S.A. 2752, submitted by Richard Burr (R-NC) on 2/25/14, 8 cosponsors.
This amendment would have replaced the entire text of the above bill with a Republican-designed proposal for veterans’ benefits, adding a provision, titled ‘Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act of 2014,’ reproducing the text of an earlier piece of legislation designed to pressure on Iran. (See S. 1881 of 12/19/13 on congressionalmonitor.org for a full summary.) The amendment stalled in the Senate because majority leader Harry Reid (D-NV)—heeding the president’s warning—refused to schedule a vote on any sanctions-related measures for fear of undermining the ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Republican senators filibustered the bill after Reid refused to hold a vote on the amendment. Because the Democrats did not have enough support to end the filibuster, a final vote on this bill was delayed.
29 cosponsors (29D).
See also: S. 1881 of 12/19/13.
Last major action: Cloture motion to proceed to the measure invoked in Senate by yea/nay vote, 99–0.