Smith Contradicts Himself On Health Care
How can you tell Gordon Smith is running for re-election?
Because he runs from his record.
Smith’s Quotes:
Although the Say Anything Senator has voted several times against funding for Indian Health Services, he complained yesterday about the lack of funding for such critical services.
“I urge Congress to take a needed and significant step in updating current law to end the health care disparities that Native Americans face.”
(U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR) Press Release, 2-14-08)
The Say Anything Senator does have guts. Even though Smith has repeatedly voted against funding for Indian Health Services, he still thinks it’s appropriate to go on the floor of the U.S. Senate, before C-Span, before his constituents, and in direct contradiction to his voting record, and complain about the lack of such funding.
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]
“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,” DPO Chair Meredith Wood Smith said. “Just look at the Say Anything Senator’s votes against funding health services for Indian Country. His quotes don’t match his votes.”
Posted February 15, 2008 Health Care, Smith vs. Smith 0 comments
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