On Friday, Mark Kirk’s campaign responded to Vote Vets’ new ad with a press release denying votes he took that put service members and veterans at risk.
Kirk’s campaign claimed on Friday a vote he took against fixing military equipment was about “quality of life enhancements, not ‘fixing equipment that keeps’ soldiers safe in the field as the ad claims.”
However, according to the Washington Post’s analysis of the bill, “The funding would have helped pay for the medical and dental screening of military reservists, family assistance centers, pre-paid phone cards for the troops in Iraq, the transportation of troops on rest-and-relaxation leave, the construction of more water treatment and power plants for the deployed troops, and for the repair and replacement of damaged equipment.”
Kirk’s campaign also tried to contest his opposition to the veterans benefits bill, claiming he later supported a spending bill with the same provisions. But the version Kirk voted for contained just 1 of the original bill’s 135 elements to help service members.
“Mark Kirk didn’t just vote against expanding veterans benefits and fixing military equipment to keep us safe — he lied about it too,” said Lauren Passalacqua, DSCC National Press Secretary. “Rather than take responsibility and apologize for abandoning service members, Kirk’s campaign tried, inaccurately, to whitewash his record. Kirk’s claim that he voted for a veterans expansion bill after he opposed it is not just confounding, it’s embarrassingly inadequate. This episode shows Mark Kirk’s military record isn’t the only thing he and his campaign are guilty of lying about.”
BACKGROUND
FALSEHOOD: KIRK CLAIMED HE DID NOT VOTE AGAINST FUNDING EQUIPMENT FOR AMERICAN TROOPS IN IRAQ
Kirk Said The Obey Amendment Did Not Fix Equipment For Soldiers In Iraq. HR 3289, Vote 547 Was A Vote On Would Transfer Money From Iraq Reconstruction To Quality Of Life Enhancements, Not “Fixing Equipment That Keeps” Soldiers Safe In The Field As The Ad Claims. “Obey, D-Wis., amendment that would transfer $3.6 billion in Iraq reconstruction funds for quality of life enhancements for U.S. servicemembers.” [KirkforSenate.com, 2/26/16]
· 2003: Kirk Voted Against Obey Amendment That Funded Equipment Repair For Troops. In 2003, Kirk voted against an amendment to transfer $3.6 billion in Iraq reconstruction funds for quality of life enhancements for U.S. service members. The funding would have helped pay for the medical and dental screening of military reservists, family assistance centers, pre-paid phone cards for the troops in Iraq, the transportation of troops on rest-and-relaxation leave, the construction of more water treatment and power plants for the deployed troops, and for the repair and replacement of damaged equipment. The amendment was defeated 209-216. [Washington Post, 10/17/03; HR 3289, Vote 547, 10/16/03]
FACT: OBEY AMENDMENT THAT KIRK OPPOSED INCREASED FUNDING TO REPAIR EQUIPMENT IN IRAQ
Obey Amendment Funded “Repair And Replacement Of Damaged Equipment” For U.S. Military. According to the Washington Post, “The House also narrowly defeated an amendment by Rep. David R. Obey (D-Wis.) that would have shifted $3.6 billion from the Iraq reconstruction fund to the U.S. military to pay for the medical and dental screening of military reservists, for family assistance centers, for pre-paid phone cards for the troops in Iraq, for the transportation of troops on rest-and-relaxation leave, for the construction of more water treatment and power plants for the deployed troops, and for the repair and replacement of damaged equipment. The amendment died, 216 to 209.” [Washington Post, 10/17/03; HR 3289, Vote 547, 10/16/03]
· The Obey Amendment Would Have Increased Funding The Army Military Personnel By $50,000,000. [H.Amendment 407 to H.R. 3289, 10/16/03; Congressional Record, 10/14/03]
· The Obey Amendment Would Have Increased Funding For Defense Department Wide Operation And Maintenance By $115,000,000. [H.Amendment 407 to H.R. 3289, 10/16/03; Congressional Record, 10/14/03]
· The Obey Amendment Would Have Increased Funding For Iraq Freedom Fund By $3,305,400,000. The Iraq Freedom Fund appropriations were used to fund military personnel and Department of Defense operation and maintenance, among other programs. [H.Amendment 407 to H.R. 3289, 10/16/03; Congressional Record, 10/14/03]
Mark Kirk Voted Against One Of The Most Comprehensive Veterans Legislation Ever Considered And They Attempted To Deceive Voters
KIRK OPPOSED COMPREHENSIVE VETERANS BILL THAT WOULD EXPAND HEALTH & CAREER SERVICE, VETERANS RIGHTS & FORECLOSURE PROTECTIONS
Kirk Voted Against Expanding Health Care, Education And Job Training Benefits For Veterans And Their Families.In February 2014, Kirk voted against a: “Sanders, I-Vt., motion to waive all applicable budget laws with respect to the Sessions, R-Ala., point of order against the bill that would extend and expand health care and education benefits and job-assistance programs for veterans and their families.” The motion was rejected 56-41. [CQ, 2/27/14; S. 1982, Vote 46,2/27/14]
Veterans Bill Was “One Of The Most Comprehensive Veteran Bills To Ever Be Considered In Congress.“Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) urges its members and all veterans to contact your senators and ask them to support S. 1982 (formerly S. 1950), the “Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014,” introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. This legislation marks one of the most comprehensive bills to ever be considered in the Senate or House. If enacted, S. 1982 would accomplish some of the highest priorities for Paralyzed Veterans and its members.” [Paralyzed Veterans Of America, accessed 2/26/16]
The Hill’s Floor Action: “Senate Republicans Stopped Democrats From Advancing A Bill That Would Have Expanded Healthcare And Education Programs For Veterans.” “Senate Republicans stopped Democrats from advancing a bill that would have expanded healthcare and education programs for veterans. In a 56-41 vote Thursday, the motion to waive a budget point of order against the bill failed, as Democrats fell short of the 60 votes needed to overcome the Republican roadblock. GOP Sens. Dean Heller (Nev.) and Jerry Moran (Kan.) voted with Democrats.” [The Hill, Floor Action, 2/27/14]
Headline: “GOP Blocks Veterans Bill” [The Hill, Floor Action, 2/27/14]
· Veterans Package Would Have Expanded The Comprehensive Caregiver Assistance Program To All Veterans.According to the Paralyzed Veterans of America, “This comprehensive bill would create, expand, advance, and extend a wide array of VA health care and benefits services and programs that are important to Paralyzed Veterans and its members. Specifically, this legislation provides for the expansion of the Comprehensive Caregiver Assistance Program to veterans of all eras (not just those injured after September 11, 2001). This change represents one of the single biggest priorities for Paralyzed Veterans.” [Paralyzed Veterans of America, Accessed 3/18/15]
· Veterans Package Would Have Expanded Dental Care Coverage For Veterans. According to the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, the bill “would accomplish many of the goals for which veterans and military service organizations have been advocating for years, including strengthening the Post-9/11 GI Bill, expanding advance appropriations for more of the VA’s budget, expanding dental care coverage for veterans, expanding benefits for surviving spouses, expanding care related to military sexual trauma, instituting new rules for VA’s claims processing reports, and much more.” [Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, letter to Chairman Sanders, 1/21/14]
BUT WHEN CALLED OUT ACCURATELY FOR HIS VOTING RECORD, MARK KIRK DECIDED TO DECEIVE VOTERS
KIRK CALLED ATTACKS FALSE BECAUSE A SINGLE SECTION OF THE BILL PASSED IN LATER LEGISLATION
Kirk Said Ad That Criticized Him For Voting Against Veterans Bill Was Wrong Because One Section, The Advance Allocation Of Mandatory Benefits, Passed In The Omnibus. The Kirk campaign wrote, “S 1982 Which Kirk Voted Against Was Included In The Omnibus Kirk Voted For And Which Was Passed. “Senate Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Bernard Sanders, I-Vt., included the advance allocation of mandatory benefits now included in the omnibus as part of a comprehensive veterans’ benefits bill (S 1982) that ultimately did not pass in the Senate.” (Connor O’Brien, “Advocates of Advancing VA Appropriations Score Victory in Spending Bill,” CQ Roll Call, 12/10/14]
Kirk Told The Chicago Tribune That Comprehensive Veterans Benefit Bill Passed In Other Legislation Kirk Supported. According to the Chicago Tribune, “The group also cited a 2014 vote by Kirk against a $21 billion package that would have expanded veterans’ care. Kirk’s camp said the package was ultimately included in an overall appropriations bill that the Republican voted for.” [Chicago Tribune, 2/29/16]
· The Advance Allocation Of Mandatory Benefits Was Section 504 Of The Veterans Bill, 1 Of 135 Sections Of The Bill. [Summary of Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014, Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, 113th Congress]
But There Were 135 Sections To The Veterans Bill Kirk Voted Against
The Comprehensive Veterans Health And Benefits And Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act Of 2014 Had 135 Different Sections To The Bill. According to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, The Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014 had 135 different sections to the bill. [Summary of Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014, Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, 113th Congress]
· S 1950 And S 1982 Are The Same Bill. “Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) urges its members and all veterans to contact your senators and ask them to support S. 1982 (formerly S. 1950)” [Paralyzed Veterans Of America, accessed 2/26/16]
KIRK-OPPOSED BILL WAS STRONGLY BACKED BY MAJOR VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS
Paul Rieckhoff Of Iraq And Afghanistan Veterans Of America: S.1982 “Would Accomplish Many Of The Goals For Which Veterans And Military Service Organizations Have Been Advocating For Years.” In a letter to Sen. Sanders from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America’s CEO and Founder Paul Rieckhoff wrote: “This legislation would accomplish many of the goals for which veterans and military service organizations have been advocating for years, including strengthening the Post-9/11 GI Bill, expanding advance appropriations for more of the VA’s budget, expanding dental care coverage for veterans, expanding benefits for surviving spouses, expanding care related to military sexual trauma, instituting new rules for VA’s claims processing reports, and much more.” [Iraq And Afghanistan Veterans Of America Letter, 1/21/14]
- Some Of The Goals That S. 1982 Would Accomplish Are “Strengthening The Post-9/11 GI Bill, Expanding Advance Appropriations For More Of The VA’s Budget, Expanding Dental Care Coverage For Veterans, Expanding Benefits For Surviving Spouses,” And “Expanding Care Related To Military Sexual Trauma.” In a letter to Sen. Sanders from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America’s CEO and Founder Paul Rieckhoff wrote: “This legislation would accomplish many of the goals for which veterans and military service organizations have been advocating for years, including strengthening the Post-9/11 GI Bill, expanding advance appropriations for more of the VA’s budget, expanding dental care coverage for veterans, expanding benefits for surviving spouses, expanding care related to military sexual trauma, instituting new rules for VA’s claims processing reports, and much more.” [Iraq And Afghanistan Veterans Of America Letter, 1/21/14]
Paul Rieckhoff Of Iraq And Afghanistan Veterans Of America: S.1982 “Fully Repeals The One Percent Cut To The Annual Cost Of Living Adjustment Increase In The Pensions Of Working-Age Military Retirees.” In a letter to Sen. Sanders from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America’s CEO and Founder Paul Rieckhoff wrote: “This bill also fully repeals the one percent cut to the annual Cost of Living Adjustment increase in the pensions of working-age military retirees, thus ensuring that America’s budget is not balanced on the backs of its veterans. This cut to veterans’ earned benefits was wrong, misguided, and a breach of faith with those who have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice the most for this country, and fixing this error is simply the right thing to do.” [Iraq And Afghanistan Veterans Of America Letter, 1/21/14]
Veterans Of Foreign Wars: The Veterans Health And Benefits And Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act Is “The Most Comprehensive Veterans Legislation To Be Introduced In Decades.” “Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman, Bernie Sanders introduced the Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014. The bill, S. 1950, is the most comprehensive veterans legislation to be introduced in decades. It addresses many of the VFW’s legislative priority goals, including a full repeal of the military retiree one percent COLA reduction that penalizes working-age military retirees and their families.” [Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1/23/14]
Veterans Of Foreign Wars: S.1982 “Would Expand And Improve Health Care And Benefit Services To All Generations Of Veterans And Their Families.” “If signed into law, this sweeping legislation would expand and improve health care and benefit services to all generations of veterans and their families. Most notably, it would expand the current caregiver law to include all generations of veterans and provide advance appropriations to ensure monthly compensation and pension as well as education payments are protected from future budget battles. The bill also offers in-state tuition protection for recently transitioned veterans, improves access to mental health and treatment for victims of sexual assault in the military, and authorizes construction of more than 20 Community Bases Outpatient Clinics to serve veterans in rural and remote communities.” [Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1/23/14]
Paralyzed Veterans Of America: S.1982 “Would Accomplish Some Of The Highest Priorities For Paralyzed Veterans And Its Members.” “Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) urges its members and all veterans to contact your senators and ask them to support S. 1982 (formerly S. 1950), the “Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014,” introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. This legislation marks one of the most comprehensive bills to ever be considered in the Senate or House. If enacted, S. 1982 would accomplish some of the highest priorities for Paralyzed Veterans and its members.” [Paralyzed Veterans of America, 1/22/14]
KIRK-OPPOSED BILL WAS STRONGLY BACKED BY MAJOR VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS
Paul Rieckhoff Of Iraq And Afghanistan Veterans Of America: S.1982 “Would Accomplish Many Of The Goals For Which Veterans And Military Service Organizations Have Been Advocating For Years.” In a letter to Sen. Sanders from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America’s CEO and Founder Paul Rieckhoff wrote: “This legislation would accomplish many of the goals for which veterans and military service organizations have been advocating for years, including strengthening the Post-9/11 GI Bill, expanding advance appropriations for more of the VA’s budget, expanding dental care coverage for veterans, expanding benefits for surviving spouses, expanding care related to military sexual trauma, instituting new rules for VA’s claims processing reports, and much more.” [Iraq And Afghanistan Veterans Of America Letter, 1/21/14]
- Some Of The Goals That S. 1982 Would Accomplish Are “Strengthening The Post-9/11 GI Bill, Expanding Advance Appropriations For More Of The VA’s Budget, Expanding Dental Care Coverage For Veterans, Expanding Benefits For Surviving Spouses,” And “Expanding Care Related To Military Sexual Trauma.” In a letter to Sen. Sanders from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America’s CEO and Founder Paul Rieckhoff wrote: “This legislation would accomplish many of the goals for which veterans and military service organizations have been advocating for years, including strengthening the Post-9/11 GI Bill, expanding advance appropriations for more of the VA’s budget, expanding dental care coverage for veterans, expanding benefits for surviving spouses, expanding care related to military sexual trauma, instituting new rules for VA’s claims processing reports, and much more.” [Iraq And Afghanistan Veterans Of America Letter, 1/21/14]
Paul Rieckhoff Of Iraq And Afghanistan Veterans Of America: S.1982 “Fully Repeals The One Percent Cut To The Annual Cost Of Living Adjustment Increase In The Pensions Of Working-Age Military Retirees.” In a letter to Sen. Sanders from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America’s CEO and Founder Paul Rieckhoff wrote: “This bill also fully repeals the one percent cut to the annual Cost of Living Adjustment increase in the pensions of working-age military retirees, thus ensuring that America’s budget is not balanced on the backs of its veterans. This cut to veterans’ earned benefits was wrong, misguided, and a breach of faith with those who have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice the most for this country, and fixing this error is simply the right thing to do.” [Iraq And Afghanistan Veterans Of America Letter, 1/21/14]
Veterans Of Foreign Wars: The Veterans Health And Benefits And Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act Is “The Most Comprehensive Veterans Legislation To Be Introduced In Decades.” “Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman, Bernie Sanders introduced the Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014. The bill, S. 1950, is the most comprehensive veterans legislation to be introduced in decades. It addresses many of the VFW’s legislative priority goals, including a full repeal of the military retiree one percent COLA reduction that penalizes working-age military retirees and their families.” [Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1/23/14]
Veterans Of Foreign Wars: S.1982 “Would Expand And Improve Health Care And Benefit Services To All Generations Of Veterans And Their Families.” “If signed into law, this sweeping legislation would expand and improve health care and benefit services to all generations of veterans and their families. Most notably, it would expand the current caregiver law to include all generations of veterans and provide advance appropriations to ensure monthly compensation and pension as well as education payments are protected from future budget battles. The bill also offers in-state tuition protection for recently transitioned veterans, improves access to mental health and treatment for victims of sexual assault in the military, and authorizes construction of more than 20 Community Bases Outpatient Clinics to serve veterans in rural and remote communities.” [Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1/23/14]
Paralyzed Veterans Of America: S.1982 “Would Accomplish Some Of The Highest Priorities For Paralyzed Veterans And Its Members.” “Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) urges its members and all veterans to contact your senators and ask them to support S. 1982 (formerly S. 1950), the “Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014,” introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. This legislation marks one of the most comprehensive bills to ever be considered in the Senate or House. If enacted, S. 1982 would accomplish some of the highest priorities for Paralyzed Veterans and its members.” [Paralyzed Veterans of America, 1/22/14]
