John McCain Voted Against Walter Reed Vets

Recently, an investigation by the Washington Post found deteriorating conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, including a “dilapidated” and roach-infested outpatient facility, and complaints that “a nightmarish bureaucracy has left wounded veterans in need.” Defense Secretary Robert Gates called the conditions “unacceptable” and called for an immediate investigation. [ABC News, 2/23/2007]

2008 Presidential contender Senator John McCain, one of the most outspoken supporters of Bush’s plan to send more American troops to Iraq, was equally outspoken about Walter Reed. According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, McCain repeated harsh criticism of Donald Rumsfeld and told Georgia Legislators that "the fruits of Rumsfeld's policy were on display at Walter Reed military hospital in Washington... It's well chronicled that the war was mismanaged" [Atlanta Journal Constitution, 2/22/2007]

Why then, did McCain vote last year against providing more money for military and veterans hospitals? In February 2006, McCain voted against a Senate amendment that would have provided for at least $19 billion for these facilities, paid for by eliminating tax cuts for the wealthiest earners. [Senate Roll Call Vote 7, 2/2/06].

Another example of John McCain caring more about jumping on the bandwagon than the tune hes been carrying all along.