As local press in Wisconsin skewered Ron Johnson last week for failing to act on whistleblower complaints about the Tomah VA brought to the attention of his office, Johnson tried everything from denial to blaming colleague Sen. Tammy Baldwin.
But Johnson’s inattention to the concerns of the whistleblower shouldn’t come as a surprise as this isn’t the first time he has failed to recognize the importance of getting veterans the care they need. Last year, Johnson was one of only three senators who voted against a bill to ensure that veterans could get timely medical care.
“Ron Johnson has tried nearly everything to deflect attention from his failure to act on the VA whistleblower complaints, but there’s no excuse for his repeated failure to serve Wisconsin’s veterans – including his vote against a bipartisan bill to help veterans to get timely care,” said Sadie Weiner, DSCC National Press Secretary. “It’s past time for Johnson to step up and accept responsibility. Wisconsin’s veterans deserve better than a Senator like Ron Johnson who ignores their complaints and votes against their best interests.”
BACKGROUND
JOHNSON VOTED AGAINST BILL TO ENSURE VETERANS COULD GET TIMELY MEDICAL CARE, SAYING IT SPENT TOO MUCH MONEY
Headline: “Sen. Ron Johnson Votes Against Veterans Bill Citing Cost” [Gannett, 6/11/14]
Johnson Was One Of Only Three Senators To Vote Against A Bill That Would Make It Easier For Veterans To Get Care When The VA Cannot Provide Timely Service. “Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson was one of only three senators who voted against a bill that would make it easier for veterans to receive government-subsidized medical care outside the Veterans Affairs medical system if the VA cannot provide timely service. The bill passed with the support of 93 senators Wednesday. But Johnson said he couldn’t support it because of its cost — $35 billion the first two years, and $50 billion per year after that, according to a preliminary estimate by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.” [Gannett, 6/11/14]
- Johnson Cited The Cost Of The Legislation In His Explanation For Voting Against A Bill To Help Veterans Get The Care They Need. “The bill passed with the support of 93 senators Wednesday. But Johnson said he couldn’t support it because of its cost — $35 billion the first two years, and $50 billion per year after that, according to a preliminary estimate by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. ‘This legislation doesn’t fix the systemic problems or ensure our veterans get quality, on-time health care. It does spend more money to expand a broken system,’ he said. ‘Our veterans deserve better than this bill provides.’” [Gannett, 6/11/14]
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