Atlanta, GA - Today, Michael Coles, candidate for United States Senate, commented on the $520 billion budget package that which was passed yesterday. The budget passed amid objections by veterans advocates in the Senate, including John McCain, who called the bill “a fundamental abandonment of the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces.” “I agree with Senator McCain that this budget is bad for the military, and bad for veterans,” stated Coles. “The $9 billion in emergency spending ignores the military’s top priority request an increase in retirement benefits.” “There is no clearer example of how the status of veteran’s benefits affects national security,” stated Coles. “Right now all branches of the service are understaffed because cuts in benefits have hurt recruiting. The military needs adequate benefits in order to attract the best and brightest to serve our country.” “Although Senator McCain has defended Coverdell’s voting record on veterans, they have been on opposite sides of the key issues affecting the military and its veterans this Congress,” continued Coles. “McCain objected to this budget because it hurt the military Coverdell voted for it. McCain voted to restore $17 billion in veterans medical benefits Coverdell voted for the cuts.” For more information on Coverdell’s voting record against veterans, please contact the Coles for Senate Campaign office at (404) 876-7498. # # # |
