my 106th ltte-calling out my senator on the webb-hagel amendment

[w8liftinglady]

http://thedailylight.com/articles/2007/09/24/dailylight/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/letter3.txt
To the Editor,

Our Republican senators have yet again shown how they “support our troops.” Both Sen. Cornyn and Sen. Hutchison voted “no” to the Webb-Hagel amendment today. For those of you who are unaware, this amendment would have assured that:

1. Units and individuals in the armed forces be certified as “fully mission capable” 15 days prior to deployment.

2. Limits the length of overseas deployments of the army, Marine Corps and national guard.

3. Establishes a minimum time between deployments for the army, Marine Corps and national guard.

4. Provides additional appropriations totaling approximately $3.1 billion to reset Army National Guard and reserve equipment and to address funding shortfalls for Army National Guard training, operations and maintenance.


5. Requires the president to report to Congress on the comprehensive diplomatic, political and economic strategy of the U.S. regarding Iraq.

Although some Republicans put partisanship aside in the best interest of our military, our senators did not, and the amendment failed 56-44.

This is the second time our Senate has tried to get this amendment passed. I find it particularly disturbing that John Cornyn serves on the Senate Armed Services committee, and, according to his resume, has been instrumental in mental health care and traumatic brain injury aid for our active duty and retired troops. Failure to pass this amendment will perpetuate these problems, and shows how important it is for these senators to follow party line, rather than support our troops.


There is an election coming up in 2008. Who are you going to vote for?

[pacalo]

1. Bravo!

Great letter (as usual) & I'm in awe of the number of ltte's you've written.

I'm shocked at my senators' votes on this amendment: Landrieu supported it & Vitter, who's usually a reliable rubberstamper for Bush, "did not vote".

[w8liftinglady]

2. I was hoping cornyn-who is up for re-election this year-would vote yes