Few members of Congress want to earn the anti-soldier label during an election year. Voters may oppose the war but won't hesitate to throw someone out if they see a lack of support for the troops in the field, even if it means a long-term taxpayer commitment.
House members debated increased educational benefits for soldiers earlier this month. This past week, the House Armed Services Committee approved a bill authorizing more than $600 billion for defense spending next year. It's similar to one already approved in the U.S. Senate.
It includes a 3.9 percent pay raise for troops. The Associated Press says the package -- better health care and other benefits -- is more than requested by President Bush but it keeps in line with the election-year effort to boost benefits for service members and veterans.
The pay boost comes on the heels of a 3.5 percent pay raise which took effect in January of this year. That increase will cost the country more than $2 billion if maintained for five years.
The lingering wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have been the predominant issue on the presidential campaign but gas prices and a sputtering economy now rank up there. It's too early to tell which issue will be top of mind when voters enter their polling place come November.
Opinion
House committee backs raises for our troops
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