Veterans Jobs Bill Delayed; Inouye Misses Vote

News from DC808:

A bill to create a job training program for veterans has hit a snag in the Senate.

Politico reports that the Veterans Job Corps bill was held up late Wednesday “after Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) filibustered to gain support for the release of a Pakistani doctor who helped locate Osama bin Laden.”

Paul has promised to stall Senate action until the doctor is released from jail – something the Pakistani government has said it will not do. Paul has also called on the Obama administration to cut foreign aid to Pakistan until Afridi is released from jail.

…

[Senate Majority Leader Harry] Reid said he disagreed, saying a vote to help veterans find jobs wasn’t the time or place to play politics.

“I think my friend from Kentucky should have run for Secretary of State rather than the Senate,” Reid said.

Earlier, the Senate voted 84-8 to proceed with the bill. Sen. Daniel Inouye was “necessarily absent” and did not vote. Sen. Daniel Akaka was among the ayes.