CBS, NBC Sneer At GOP for Blocking Vets Bill, Ignore GOP’s Reasoning

After a week-long battle between Senate Republicans, Democrats, over legislation that would aid veterans affected by the burn pits, Tuesday evening saw both parties finally reach an agreement. CBS Evening News NBC Nightly NewsIt didn’t mention the reasons why Republicans opposed it. Hint: it’s not because they hate veterans.

CBS and NBC quickly pounced on Republicans who blocked the legislation last week and voted for it on Tuesday. 

You would not know that Senate Democrats stuffed their bill with more than $396 billion of mandatory spending if you trusted NBC or CBS for news.

Most of this has nothing to be done with veterans care. The GOP was willing to vote for the legislation after Democrats permitted GOP Senators to include an amendment. 

Instead of explaining it to viewers CBS Evening News led off their coverage with congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane whining how the “long-awaited plan to expand medical benefits for service members headed towards passage, making it easier for vets sickened by toxic fumes from burn pits, to get treatment.”

“Veterans felt blindsided last week when Republicans unexpectedly blocked the burn pit legislation,” MacFarlane wailed. Moments later, he reported without any explanation as to why “Republicans dropped their opposition” to the legislation. They did just that. 

NBC Nightly News’s report, congressional correspondent Ali Vitali wasn’t any more transparent in her report, simply adding that “this comes after days of pressure from veterans and advocates including Jon Stewart.” Which isn’t true since Jon Stewart has zero sway over Republicans. 

Vitali added that the Senate is “taking up a bill that would expand health care access for vets suffering after exposure to toxic burn pits advocates were confident this bill would pass last week given an earlier version passed the Senate in a bipartisan fashion in June, but then 25 Republicans flipped their support.”

Again, Vitali — just like MacFarlane on CBS —didn’t reveal why Republicans decided to back the legislation after previously opposing it. 

If you combine a bill related the care of veterans with Democrat Party projects, Republicans will work to reduce that waste. The fact that veterans care is not supported does not make it any less important. CBS & NBC know that but the truth doesn’t matter. Only the Democrat Party narrative can do that. 

Allstate on CBS, and Geico on NBC made this dishonest reporting possible. They are linked. 

To read the relevant transcripts click “expand”:

CBS Evening News
August 2, 2022
Eastern, 6:37:23

JOHN DICKERSON – After almost a week’s worth of delays and outrage, the Senate will now attempt to pass a bill that would expand benefits for veterans who have been exposed to toxic burn pits during wars in Iraq or Afghanistan. The latest news is from CBS’ Scott MacFarlane. 

SCOTT MACFARLANE. With the Capitol occupied by war vets demanding action, long-awaited plans to increase medical benefits for military personnel are heading towards passage. It will allow veterans who have been exposed to toxic fumes from burning pits to seek treatment more easily. Susan Zeier believes that Heath Robinson, her son-in law, died of lung cancer after being exposed to burn pits during the war in Iraq. 

[…]

MACFARLANE, Veterans were shocked last week at the surprise blockage by Republicans of the burn pit legislation. 

JON STEPART: There hasn’t been a veteran that they don’t trust. 

MACFARLANE. Their protest was supported by Jon Stewart (talk show host). 

[…]

MACFARLANE – Tonight the Republicans have dropped opposition. 

[…]

MACFARLANE – Veterans’ groups tell CBS News that this bill could have a significant impact on more than 3 million veterans, even those who were exposed in Vietnam. He supports the bill and says that he will sign it when it arrives at his desk. 

NBC Nightly News
August 2, 2022
Eastern Time: 7:07:30 

LESTER HOLT – Just breaking tonight: The Senate reached a deal to extend health care benefits for vets who have been exposed to the burn pits of Iraq and Afghanistan just days after it had been blocked by Republicans. Ali Vitali attends the Capitol. What more can we learn about Ali Vitali? 

ALI VITALI : Lester is finally passing this bill after many days of intense pressure from veterans and supporters like Jon Stewart. Tonight’s Senate vote will again consider a bill to expand access to health care for veterans who have been exposed after being burned in toxic pits. Although the earlier bill passed in a bipartisan manner in June, 25 Republicans reversed their support. 

Would you tell these people how long it took to get there? 

SENATOR CHUCK SCHUMER (Reply to: It shouldn’t have taken so long. This is something we shouldn’t have to do, but it is what we did. 

VITALI: Stewart told me that the Senate had delayed revisiting this issue because veterans waited. This is a rebuke after many days of protesting outside Capitol and sleeping on the streets pressuring legislators. They all gathered together in the Senate chamber tonight to witness this historic vote.