Veterans Groups Question McCain Voting Record

Veterans Groups Question McCain Voting Record
Part 2: GOP Hopeful's Record on Vet Benefits Contradicts Stump Rhetoric
By John Dougherty 9/19/08 1:24 PM

Part One: McCain’s Pro-Vet Image Clashes With Record

PHOENIX — Though polls show that Sen. John McCain, the Republican presidential nominee, enjoys solid support from veterans, some vet organizations are sharply critical of the Arizona senator’s legislative voting record on issues important to them. They have lambasted him for voting against the 21st Century G.I. bill; against providing more money for veterans’ health care, and for a proposal that many regard as an effort to privatize their care.

The 21st Century G.I. bill overwhelmingly passed the Senate last May and was signed into law by President George W. Bush on June 30. The legislation, which Sen. Barack Obama supported, increases educational benefits for post 9/11 veterans who serve a minimum of three years. But McCain opposed the measure, citing as a problem its bestowal of full education benefits to members of the military after just one stint in the armed services.

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