Here are some of the best programs that were also blocked.
Last week, the Senate Republicans successfully filibustered a Defense Appropriations authorization that, among other things, would have given the Department of Defense the authority to choose whether or not to repeal the controversial "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy which bars gay individuals from serving openly in the armed services.
The DADT component of the bill received, by far, the most coverage. But within the Defense authorization bill were dozens of other programs that were killed alongside the DADY repeal.
Adopting military working dogs
One provision of the bill allowed for military working dogs to be adopted by their handlers’ family members in the case that the handler had died or was seriously wounded.
This way, a military working dog would be able to retire alongside its closest companion after their years of service together.
The Department of Defense’s 341st Training Squadron is responsible for the dogs’ training. Obedience training begins only after the bond between handler and dog has formed.
Sure, this might initially sound similar to any other beginning for a pet puppy, but the military dog relationship is much more than that trite “man’s best friend” phrase.
In advanced training, the dogs are taught to search buildings and open areas, find suspects or hostile persons and even protect its handler without command when someone is attacking the handler.
For about 10 to 12 years, this is how a military service dog lives its life — closely connected to its handler, its principal companion.
So, if the dogs’ service life is so linked to the handler’s close care, why shouldn’t a service canine be allowed to spend the rest of its days with their comrade?
Especially if that soldier is critically wounded.
And wouldn’t the handler’s family members be able to find comfort in caring for the dog that spent so many months with their loved one?
Congress passed a law in 2000 to make the dogs adoptable by former handlers, law-enforcement agencies or civilian families. But really, the automatic placement of a military working dog with its handler and family seems to be the best match for all parties.
-Paige Henry
Approving DREAM
Out of all the amendments within the National Defense measure, the DREAM Act’s failure proved to be the biggest hit below the belt.
The DREAM Act would provide young illegal immigrants an opportunity to become citizens through an extensive (and lengthy) process.
In order to be considered, they must prove to have resided within the borders of the United States before the age of 16, have lived in the country for five consecutive years, show “good moral character” and have graduated from an American high school.
Applicants would be granted “conditional” citizenship for a six-year period. And to ensure a national commitment, people would be required to either attend a two-year or four-year community college or serve two years in the U.S. military.
Once one of these three tasks is completed, participants would be eligible to apply for naturalization.
Unlike other amendments that carry a polarized political view, the DREAM Act had bi-partisan support in Congress.
Senators Richard Durbin, D-Ill., Richard Lugar, R-Ind., and Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, all sponsored the measure, and if it did pass, it would have temporarily broken the current bi-partisan standards in the district. ,
Currently, it is estimated that more than 65,000 immigrants graduate from American high schools on a yearly basis, and because of partisan politics, those students will have to wait for another opportunity to become a citizen of the U.S.
-Drew Anderson
Healing PTSD
American troops are sworn to protect the ideals of America here and abroad, no matter what the consequences to their personal health.
In respect of their service, this country takes an oath to care for the veterans that return from war.
While the government might do a good job of bandaging wounds and healing scrapes, our track record of tending to the mental health problems arising from war has been dismal.
Provisions in The National Defense Appropriations Act of 2011 would have helped to rectify this situation.
Two provisions in the bill would have provided better treatment for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, one of the most incapacitating and debilitating effects of service during wartime.
Unfortunately, the GOP has taken their shouts of “no” a bit too far this time.
Post-traumatic stress is an often overlooked threat to veterans because it is much more difficult to diagnose and has no outwardly visible signs in an individual.
Consider, however, that 17 percent of the troops returning from Iraq exhibit symptoms of mental health problems, often of PTSD.
While the military has gone to great lengths to improve programs that target combat-related stress, it still has not been enough.
About 65 percent of troops are apprehensive about asking for help, claiming they will be viewed as weak by their superiors, compatriots and friends and family back home.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is an important issue, and Congress should not let partisan politics stop progress when it comes to the mental health of our troops.
-Danielle Fleischman
