U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann backed off a plan on Friday to cut $4.5 billion in benefits to veterans, after strong opposition from several veterans groups.

The cut was one of dozens Bachmann suggested recently to slash $430 billion from the budget over five years. The proposals included everything from replacing farm subsidies to privatizing the Transportation Security Administration, Federal Aviation Administration and Amtrak.

But veterans unleashed a storm of objections, triggering Bachmann's pull-back.

"One point on my discussion list was a $4.5 billion proposal that would affect payments made to our veterans," Bachmann said in a statement posted to her website Friday. "That discussion point has received a lot of attention, and I have decided to remove it from consideration. The problem of government spending must be solved, but not on the backs of our nation's war heroes."

According to the Air Force Times, part of Bachmann's proposed cut to veterans benefits -- reducing disability compensation for those who receive for Social Security disability payments -- isn't a new concept. It also shows up on a list of potential budget cuts compiled by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, which says it would "eliminate duplicate payment of public compensation for a single disability."

JEREMY HERB

Hansen booted from Legacy council

The ax has finally fallen on Rep. Rick Hansen, the legislator who has been an outspoken critic of Legacy money spending.

Hansen, a DFLer from South St. Paul, was removed on Tuesday from the Lessard Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, which recommends spending from the so-called Legacy constitutional amendment that helps fund outdoors projects.

Although he was to serve until 2013, Hansen said last month that subtle changes in the law were made to shorten his term. Earlier this week, House leaders replaced him.

A letter signed by House Speaker Kurt Zellers announced the changes. Hansen said he was informed by a fellow legislator. "Rep. [Leon] Lillie told me," said Hansen, referring to the North St. Paul DFLer who replaced him.

Hansen had complained that the legislative change that shortened his term amounted to a "get rid of Rick Hansen amendment." Council members had denied there was an attempt to remove him, with one saying "Rick needs to just kind of put his paranoia to rest."

Hansen said of the council: "There's not a strong tolerance for dissent." Hansen had cast the only "no" vote during the past three years on the council's funding recommendations.

MIKE KASZUBA