Former Club For Growth President Recipient Of More Spending Than Any Candidate In The Country Thus Far
As the former President of the Club For Growth, it’s no surprise that Pat Toomey’s seen more money spent on his behalf than any other Senate candidate in the country, with total expenditures already surpassing $2.5 million despite the fact that it’s summer of the off year.
The latest ad to bolster the vulnerable Senator from Pennsylvania is a Koch Brothers backed effort that attempts to cover up the fact thatSenator Toomey twice voted to block comprehensive veterans legislation that would have expanded health care, education and job training benefits for veterans and their families.
“Senator Toomey is a the former president of a powerful Washington DC special interest group so it’s no surprise that in an attempt to cover up his bad voting record on behalf of veterans and other Pennsylvanians he’s seen more spending on his behalf from billionaires like the Koch Brothers than anyone else in the country,” said Justin Barasky, DSCC Communications Director. “Unfortunately for Senator Toomey, his DC special interest ties won’t be enough to save him in what promises to be a tough 2016 environment and Democrats will continue holding him accountable for his votes against veterans, seniors and Pennsylvania’s middle class.”
BACKGROUND
CONCERNED VETERANS FOR AMERICA IS JUST ANOTHER POLITICAL FRONT GROUP BACKED BY THE BILLIONAIRE KOCH BROTHERS
CONCERNED VETERANS FOR AMERICA WAS “BANKROLLED” BY THE KOCH BROTHERS
Politico: “Concerned Veterans Is Bankrolled By The Political Network Run By Right-Wing Billionaire Activists Charles And David Koch.” “When VoteVets, the group that helps elect Democratic veterans to Congress, squares off against Concerned Veterans for America, which runs attack ads against vulnerable Democrats, they will be backed by some of the nation’s brand names among billionaire political activists: Tom Steyer and the Koch brothers. […] Concerned Veterans is bankrolled by the political network run by right-wing billionaire activists Charles and David Koch, according to an investigation by The Washington Post.” [Politico, 6/25/15]
Washington Post: Concerned Veterans For America “Was Funded Almost Entirely By” The Koch Dark Money Group The TC4 Trust. “The Washington Post and the Center for Responsive Politics identified a coalition of allied conservative groups active in the 2012 elections that together raised at least $407 million, backed by a donor network organized by the industrialists Charles and David Koch. Most of the funds originated with two groups, the Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce and TC4 Trust, both of which routed some of the money through a Phoenix-based nonprofit group called the Center to Protect Patient Rights (CPPR). […] Concerned Veterans for America , which in 2012 held events spotlighting the unemployment rate among veterans and the difficulties members of the military face in casting ballots. The group was funded almost entirely by TC4 in 2012.” [Washington Post, 1/5/14]
- In 2012, Concerned Veterans For America Received Almost $2 Million Dollars, Their Entire Budget, From A Koch Linked Organization. On their 990 form, Concerned Veterans for America reported receiving $1,968,500 from TOHE, LLC. The Washington Post reported that TOHE was a conduit, along with others, which the Koch brothers and affiliated organizations moved over $400 million dollars during the 2012 election in an attempt to mask the source of the funds. Concerned Veterans for America reported a total income of $1,969,994 to the IRS. [Concerned Veterans for America, 990, 2012; Washington Post, 1/5/14]
CONCERNED VETERANS FOR AMERICA HAS BEEN CRITICIZED FOR POSING AS AN ADVOCACY GROUP BUT LAUNCHING PARTISAN ATTACKS & GIVING MISLEADING INFORMATION
Military Update’s Tom Philpott: Concerned Veterans For America Is “Posing As A Vet Advocacy Group” But Launches “Partisan Attacks.” Tom Philpott, former reporter and senior editor with Army Times Publishing Company, writes a weekly news column “Military Update” and wrote: “In the thick of this is Concerned Veterans for America, posing as a vet advocacy group and being rewarded for it. CVA press releases usually are partisan attacks.” [Tom Philpott, Military Update, 5/20/14]
- Military Update’s Tom Philpott: Concerned Veterans For America Uses “Select Facts About VA And Its Programs To Reinforce Fears Rather Than Give Reliable Information.” Tom Philpott, former reporter and senior editor with Army Times Publishing Company, writes a weekly news column “Military Update” and wrote: “In the thick of this is Concerned Veterans for America, posing as a vet advocacy group and being rewarded for it. […] What should upset vets is the use of select facts about VA and its programs to reinforce fears rather than give reliable information. Last week a CVA press release hit a new low in purporting to document ‘lies’ Shinseki told in congressional testimony, dropping any veil of respect for a decorated, combat-disabled soldier with a long and stellar career. It is no coincidence only Republicans, including Rep. Jeff Miller (Fla.) and Sen. Richard Burr (N.C.), participate in CVA events. They should reconsider. Though CVA sponsors an occasional informative forum in Washington D.C., it produces no careful analyses of what ails VA. The goal seems to be to attack, relentlessly, while a Democrat holds the White House.” [Military Update, Tom Philpott,5/20/14]
- Military Update’s Tom Philpott: “In My 37 Years Covering Veterans’ Issues, I Have Never Seen Veteran Issues Used More Cynically Or Politicized More Thoroughly Than During The Past Several Years,” With Concerned Veterans For America At The Center. Tom Philpott, former reporter and senior editor with Army Times Publishing Company, writes a weekly news column “Military Update” and wrote: “But in my 37 years covering veterans’ issues, I have never seen veteran issues used more cynically or politicized more thoroughly than during the past several years. At times the intent seems to be to shake trust in government generally rather than to address veterans’ needs. In the thick of this is Concerned Veterans for America, posing as a vet advocacy group and being rewarded for it.” [Military Update, Tom Philpott, 5/20/14]
Disabled American Veterans Official, Joseph Violante: “Every Time I See [CVA On TV Or In Print] The Hair On The Back Of My Neck Just Stands Up” because “Their Whole Purpose Is To Give Support To Anyone Who Wants To Cut Government, Particularly For Veterans.” “Joseph Violante, national legislative director for Disabled American Veterans, a well-informed and thoughtful advocate for vets over decades, recalls being invited to react to Hegseth’s critique of VA on a talk radio program in Wisconsin. He was upset to hear Hegseth contend VA budgets continue to climb despite ‘four million fewer veterans’ than a decade ago. ‘I said, “Yea, there are probably four million fewer. But they are not all in VA health care”’ Violante said. ‘If you look at health care numbers on unique patients, it hasn’t changed much the past decade [at almost six million being treated]. Enrollment has gone up to about nine million. But to throw stuff out like that shows they don’t understand what the hell they are talking about. They mix the claims process with the healthcare process and the backlog and wait lists like they are one thing. Every time I see [CVA on TV or in print] the hair on the back of my neck just stands up.’” [Military Update, Tom Philpott, 5/20/14]
KOCH-FUNDED AD IGNORES FACT THAT TOOMEY VOTED TWICE AGAINST COMPREHENSIVE VETERANS BILL THAT WOULD HAVE EXPANDED VETERANS RIGHTS, HEALTH & CAREER SERVICES, FORECLOSURE PROTECTIONS
Toomey Twice Voted To Block Comprehensive Veterans Legislation:
- Toomey Voted For Republican Obstruction Of Veterans Bill Expanding Health Care, Education And Job Training Benefits For Veterans And Their Families. In February 2014, Ayotte voted for a: “Graham, R-S.C., motion to table (kill) the Reid, D-Nev., motion to commit the bill to the Veterans Affairs Committee with instructions that it be reported back with provisions that would delay the enactment date by three days.” The motion failed 44-52. [CQ, 2/27/14; S. 1982, Vote 45, 2/27/14]
- Toomey Voted Against Expanding Health Care, Education And Job Training Benefits For Veterans And Their Families. In February 2014, Ayotte 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]
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]
S.1982 Would Expand Medical Services To Veterans, Including Immunizations, Chiropractic Care, Treatment For Brain Injuries, Wellness Promotion, Mental Health Care, Dental Care, Sexual Assault And Domestic Abuse. “Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014 – Amends federal veterans provisions to revise or add provisions concerning medical services and other benefits provided to veterans and/or their dependents through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) relating to the following areas: survivor and dependent matters, including benefits for children of certain veterans born with spina bifida; education matters, including the approval of courses for purposes of the All-Volunteer Force and the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance programs; the expansion and extension of certain health care benefits, including immunizations, chiropractic care, treatment for traumatic brain injury, and wellness promotion; health care administration, including extension of the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Professional Scholarship Program, and complementary and alternative medicine; mental health care, including an education program and peer support program for family members and caregivers of veterans with mental health disorders; dental care eligibility and expansion, including a program of education to promote dental health in veterans; health care related to sexual trauma, including appropriate counseling and treatment and a screening mechanism to detect incidents of domestic abuse; reproductive treatment and services, including fertility counseling as well as adoption assistance for severely wounded veterans; major medical facility leases;” [S. 1982, Introduced 2/3/14]
S.1982 Would Expand Career Services, Certain Veterans Rights, And Foreclosure Protections. “Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014 – Amends federal veterans provisions to revise or add provisions concerning medical services and other benefits provided to veterans and/or their dependents through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) relating to the following areas: […] veterans’ employment training and related services; veterans’ employment, including within the federal government and as first responders; career transition services; employment and reemployment rights of members of the Armed Forces after active duty service; small business matters, including contracting and subcontracting participation goals with federal departments and agencies; administrative matters, including regional support centers for Veterans Integrated Service Networks; the revision of claims based on military sexual trauma as well as claims for dependency and indemnity compensation; jurisdictional matters, including with respect to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals and the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims; the revision of certain rights under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, including protections with respect to the expiration of professional licenses, a prohibition on the denial of credit or the termination of residential leases due to military service, and the temporary protection of surviving spouses under mortgage foreclosures.” [S. 1982, Introduced 2/3/14]
S.1982 Would Repeal The Cut To The Annual Cost Of Living Adjustment Increase In The Pensions Of Working-Age Military Retirees. The Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014 would “repeal of the provision of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 that reduces the cost-of-living adjustment to the retirement pay of members of the Armed Forces under age 62, and (2) the accounting for discretionary accounts designated for overseas contingency operations/global war on terrorism.” [S. 1982, Introduced 2/3/14]
TOOMEY-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 Was “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]
