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“ Democratic priorities are clear: we will fight to get the economy back on track, we will create jobs, and we will help unemployed workers. ” |
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Pelosi: President Should Be Judged on Reality of His Veterans' Policies, Not His Rhetoric
Washington, D.C. -- House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi today released the following statement in advance of President Bush’s speech tomorrow in St. Louis to the American Legion’s national convention:
"The American people have been inspired by the courage, professionalism and patriotism of our men and women in uniform in Iraq, but they know that the United States should not continue to go it alone.
"President Bush must focus on resolving the issues that are preventing members of the United Nations from providing meaningful financial assistance and personnel.
"As my House Democratic colleagues and I said in a letter to the President last month: 'If we fail to secure the peace in Iraq, the consequences for our security are ominous. America will be less safe. Our authority will be diminished in the eyes of our allies and our enemies alike. Dramatic changes are required to deal with the realities on the ground and to organize for the long haul, and time is short.'
"While our men and women in uniform are working for peace, we must let their service renew our mission -- to build a future worthy of their sacrifice. That begins with providing for those who defend our country today and their families, and fulfilling our debt to our veterans who defended us in the past.
"When it comes to veterans, unfortunately, the reassuring rhetoric offered by President Bush and the Republicans in Congress does not match reality. While the President is praising troops in one breath, his Administration tries to cut their combat pay in another. While heralding veterans, the Republicans in Congress shortchange veterans’ health care by $1.8 billion. While Republicans pretend to oppose the tax on disabled veterans, they refuse to join Democrats in repealing it. No eligible veteran should be excluded, and all should have this unreasonable tax lifted. The men and women who are serving or have served their country deserve no less.
"We must fight to ensure that America fulfills its moral obligations to those who have paid the high price for our freedom -- those who have worn our nation’s uniform. House Democrats are working to improve the quality of life of veterans and their families. We have introduced a comprehensive veterans package which repeals the disabled veterans tax, allowing veterans to receive both the disability pay and the retirement pay they have earned and deserve. We are working to reduce the national disgrace that leaves 200,000 veterans waiting up to six months for an appointment at Veterans Affairs hospitals. And we have taken action to block the Bush Administration’s proposed increase in prescription drug co-payments for veterans and unfair enrollment fees.
"The President's speech tomorrow should not be judged just by the uplifting rhetoric that he will undoubtedly use, but by the reality of what his Administration and the Republicans in Congress do to secure the peace in Iraq and to fulfill this nation’s obligations to our veterans."
“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”
Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi
