A Little Gordon Smith Polish
Gordon Smith never misses an election year opportunity to gloss over his record.
The Say Anything Senator has cast vote after vote denying crucial health services to Indian Country.
Now, after years of digging a health care hole for Oregon tribes, he wants election year credit for helping them climb out of it.
Smith’s Quotes:
Today, Smith applauded the U.S. Senate’s update to the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.
“With this bill, we are working to end the deepening health care disparities this community has faced and to give tribes a chance at a healthy future.”
(U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR) Press Release, 2-26-08)
Smith’s Votes:
In previous years – when he wasn’t up for re-election - Smith has repeatedly voted to deny funding for Indian Country’s critical health care needs.
Smith Has Voted Against Increased Funding for Indian Health Services At Least Four Times. In Each Of The Below Votes, Smith Cancelled The Yes Vote Of Oregon’s Other U.S. Senator, Democrat Ron Wyden.
In 2004, Smith voted against creating a reserve fund to allow up to $3.4 billion in additional spending for Indian Health Service clinical services. In 2003, Smith voted against increasing funding for the Indian Health Service, including clinical services, three times. The Portland Area Indian Health Service provides access to health care for an estimated 158,000 Indian residents of 42 Tribes located in Idaho, Oregon and Washington.
[Vote 52, 3/11/04; Vote 362, 9/23/03; Vote 356, 9/23/03; Vote 87, 3/25/03; Portland IHS]
“Where were the press releases and self congratulatory pats on the back in 2003 and 2004 when Gordon Smith denied health care funding to Indian Country?” DPO Communications Director Marc Siegel asked. “In 2003, Smith voted three times against funding for the health care needs of our Indian population. In 2004, Smith again opposed funding critical health care services for Indian Country. Now, nine months before election day, he’s suddenly concerned. Gordon Smith's credibility has become a casualty in his re-election bid. His quotes simply don’t match his votes.”
Posted February 26, 2008 Health Care, Smith vs. Smith 0 comments
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