Atlanta,GA -- Michael Coles, candidate for U.S. Senate, criticized Paul Coverdell for voting today against an amendment to the Defense Authorization Bill that would have restored $329 million to VA health care programs. The amendment was defeated by a vote of 38-55.1 Coles stated, “Unfortunately, this vote is just part of an ongoing effort by Coverdell and others in Congress to sacrifice veterans’ benefits to pay for other projects.” The amendment Coverdell voted against was designed to make up for shortages in veterans’ health care programs caused in part by a 1996 Budget Resolution. The Resolution, which Coverdell voted for, froze veterans’ benefits through the year 2001 to fund a $122 billion tax cut.2 Coles stated, “I am in favor of tax cuts for Georgia families, but veterans have earned quality VA medical care with decades of service and sacrifice. I do not believe money set aside for their medical care should be used for any tax cut.” Coles has also criticized Coverdell for voting for provisions in the Intermodal Surface and Transportation Act (ISTEA) which included a $15.4 billion cut to health benefits for veterans with smoking-related illnesses.3 Coles pointed out that, Paul Coverdell has voted against veterans since he came to the Senate in 1993 when he was one of only 27 Senators who voted to cut spending on new VA inpatient facilities.4 “This latest vote is yet another example of the assault that Coverdell and the Congress have been mounting on an ever shrinking veterans health care budget,” stated Coles. “Stopping this assault is a matter of principle it is about keeping promises to those who deserve our greatest admiration and respect.” _____________________________ |
