The Kerry Line: Kerry Skips Vote on $25 Billion Iraq Supplemental

George W. Bush ^ | June 3, 2004

[RWR8189]

"John Kerry has once again shown himself to be foragainst funding for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. After saying he would support the President's $25 billion funding proposal, Kerry skipped yesterday's vote on the bill. Only John Kerry could give a speech on modernizing and equipping our military the day after he didn't show up to vote to send money to the troops engaged in essential operations."

-Steve Schmidt, Bush-Cheney '04 Spokesman

Kerry Says He Will Support $25 Billion Iraq Supplemental, But Skips Vote

In May, Kerry Said He Would Support $25 Billion In Emergency Funds For Our Troops. Kerry: "I will support the Administration's request for emergency funds for our troops. The situation in Iraq has deteriorated far beyond what the Administration anticipated. This money is urgently needed, and it is completely focused on the needs of our troops. We must give our troops the equipment and support to carry out their missions in Iraq and Afghanistan." ("Statement from John Kerry on the Administration's Request for $25 Billion in Emergency Funding to Support the Troops," U.S. Newswire, 5/13/04)

Kerry Skipped The Senate Vote To Authorize $25 Billion For Operations In Afghanistan And Iraq. An amendment to authorize appropriations for a contingent emergency reserve fund for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. (S. Amdt. 3260, CQ Vote #106: Passed 95-0: R 49-0; D 45-0; I 1-0, 6/2/04, Kerry Missed Vote)

Kerry Previously Said Support For Troop Funding Depended On Situation. Russert: "If there's another bill to provide money for the troops, you'll vote against it again?" Kerry: "It depends entirely on what the situation is, Tim. I'm not going to say that." (NBC's "Meet the Press," 4/18/04)

Even Democrats Who Opposed The War In Iraq Supported The $25 Billion. "The Senate on Wednesday gave the White House $25 billion for operations in Afghanistan and Iraq but joined the House in putting new controls on the money despite administration requests for substantial freedom in how to use it. On a 95-to-0 vote, senators agreed to add the money to a broad Pentagon spending plan, bringing the total cost of the legislation to more than $447 billion. Even Democrats who have raised objections to administration policy in Iraq did not oppose the spending, saying they viewed it as a necessity for troops in need of new armor and other vital equipment." (Carl Hulse, "With Some Strings Attached, Senate Approves War Money," The New York Times, 6/3/04)

Kerry Previously Voted Against Troop Funding After Calling Such A Vote "Irresponsible"

Kerry Voted Against Senate Passage Of $87 Billion Iraq/Afghanistan Supplemental Funding Bill. The bill provided "approximately $65.6 billion for military operations and maintenance and $1.3 billion for veterans medical care."

Kerry Offered A Tortured Explanation Of His Vote On The $87 Billion To Support Troops In Iraq. "I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it." (Richard W. Stevenson and Adam Nagourney, "Bush’s Campaign Emphasizes Role Of Leader In War," The New York Times, 3/17/04)

It Was Later Revealed That Kerry Had Actually Characterized A Vote Against That Funding As "Irresponsible." Doyle McManus (LA Times): "If that amendment does not pass, will you then vote against the $87 billion?" Kerry: "I don't think any United States senator is going to abandon our troops and recklessly leave Iraq to – to whatever follows as a result of simply cutting and running. That's irresponsible." ("Face the Nation," CBS, 9/14/03)

[ChadGore]

This stuck up a** hole can't even show up ??? ? ?

Isn't showing up the MINIMUM for any job ???

[RetiredArmy]

Another "I supported it before I opposed it" I guess. What a stupid, stinking, scum sucking pig Flip is. I hate this guy worse than Klinton. And, folks, that takes some highly dislike!

[kevkrom]

I've been trying to draft rules for a John Kerry drinking game. Actually showing up for a Senate vote would trigger a "drink everything in sight" condition...

[Spok]

Yes, but he was clearly for it, before he was against it, until he ignored it altogether.

[LADY J]

This creep is totally useless! He would make a rotten CIC because he has no integrity about responsibility.

[Reagan Man]

This is truly amazing!

John Kerry is the biggest flip-flopper of all time.

He can't be trusted under any set of circumstances.

[Cicero]

How many of the news media will report this vote? How many people know that Kerry has only shown up for 2 or 3 votes all year?

The media does a great job getting the word out to a certain number of people, but I'm not sure if it reaches enough people yet. Juicy scandals get out, but not the nitty gritty of political facts.

[COEXERJ145]

Guess this time Kerry didn't get to vote for it before voting against it. lol

[NavySEAL F-16]

Why doesn't this surprise me? This is the same guy who won't stop his salary from the Senate. Maybe he plans on giving it directly to the military!!

[GalaxieFiveHundred]

Deja vu, all over again.

[dc-zoo]

Looks like the makin's of another Bush campaign commercial about the "AWOL Senator" that won't lift a finger to support the troops. Then show his photo lifting a finger at the Wall on Memorial Day.

[EEDUDE]

Doesn't want to vote for it or against it!

This P.O.S. has more faces than a Rubix cube!

Hopes the public never understands what he believes!

Leader?

NOT!!!!!

[jveritas]

Kerry mentioned few weeks ago that he is going to vote for the 25 billions dollars.

It should make another great Bush ad "Kerry saying that he is going to vote for the 25 billions and then show the Roll Call in the Senate showing that Kerry skipped voting."

[sgtbono2002]

Hanoi John was in DC Monday getting his picture taken at the Viet Nam Wall, but he couldnt stay a day to provide for our troops? Why are we paying this guy , When do we get a Congressional investigation into his fraudulent cashing of his pay checks ?

[goldstategop]

Gives a whole new meanin' to NOT putting your money where your mouth ought to be.

[Cannoneer No. 4]

ping

[Cannoneer No. 4]

ping

[i are a cowboy]

This is just another way he can take both sides of an issue. He can tell anyone he talks to that he supported or opposed the bill depending on the group to which he is speaking. He is the slimiest individual ever to run for President.

[MizSterious]

"Yes, but he was clearly for it, before he was against it, until he ignored it altogether."

Best quote of the day. What a sorry piece of....