Atlanta, GA -- This morning, Michael Coles, Democratic nominee for United States Senate, responded to an announcement by Paul Coverdell that he will join Congressman Bob Barr and Senator Max Cleland in a ceremony at Marietta National Cemetery today to announce plans to build a new veterans cemetery in Cobb County. “Paul Coverdell should be ashamed to participate in an event announcing a new veterans cemetery when he has consistently voted to cut the medical benefits that could keep more Georgia veterans alive,” says Coles. “I believe in honoring Georgia’s deceased veterans with the construction of an additional veterans cemetery,” Coles said. “But, unlike Paul Coverdell, I believe we should honor our living veterans as well, by keeping the government’s promise to provide lifetime medical care to veterans for twenty years of service.” “It is disrespectful and offensive to veterans and their families for Paul Coverdell to appear in Marietta as a supporter for veterans’ causes, given his record on their issues.” Coles continued. “Just three weeks ago he cast the deciding vote to cut $17 billion in medical care for veterans with smoking-related illnesses.” 1 “I believe that the dedication of this new cemetery is both necessary and appropriate.” Coles stated. “Sadly, if Paul Coverdell and his colleagues in Congress continue to rob veterans of their medical benefits, more cemeteries like this one will be needed.” 1 Motion to Table Murray Appeal of Chair Ruling RE: Conference Report for House Resolution #267, 7/8/98, Vote #187. See, Remarks by Senator Murray, Congressional Record, 7/8/98, p. S7672. .# # # |
