"Power of the Purse" Feingold

Russ Feingold was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1992. Since then, Wisconsinites have sent him back to the Senate twice.

Wisconsin's so-called Maverick Man supposedly stands on principle. He's supposedly not an opportunist.

Feingold supposedly sees a problem and acts to correct it.

Recently, the principled Feingold has been yapping about using the "power of the purse" to end the war in Iraq. He wants the Legislative branch of government to undercut the Commander-in-Chief.

In sum--

Feingold has been in Washington serving in the Senate since 1993.

Feingold is keenly aware of the "power of the purse."

Then why hasn't the all-knowing, all-caring, always listening Feingold done something about the medical care that our military personnel receive?

If he knew that our service members weren't receiving adequate care, which he claims he did, why didn't he make it his personal crusade to right the wrongs?

There's no honor in releasing statements or acting on an issue when it's politically expedient.

That's posturing, jumping on the bandwagon.

Feingold's statement

FEINGOLD BACKS BILL TO ENSURE HIGH-QUALITY CARE FOR INJURED SERVICEMEMBERS

Legislation to Improve Care for Military Personnel Injured in Battle Comes After Reports of Unacceptable Conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center

March 1, 2007

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) is an original cosponsor of legislation to ensure that servicemembers wounded in combat receive the health care they deserve. The Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act, introduced by Senators Barack Obama (D-IL) and Claire McCaskill (D-MO), will improve care for wounded soldiers and their families and address the unacceptable conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center recently revealed in media reports.

“I was outraged by the recent reports of the poor conditions at the Walter Reed Medical Army Medical Center in Washington, DC,” Feingold said. “Our heroic soldiers fighting in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world make tremendous sacrifices. To hear that conditions at the Army’s premier care facility were anything less than top-quality was simply unacceptable.”

The Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act takes several steps to improve care for military personnel wounded in battle. The bill guarantees good housing, improves the efficiency of the Physical Disability Evaluation System (PDES), simplifies and reduces paperwork, strengthens care for family members, creates more frequent and improved communication between patients and caseworkers, and introduces greater accountability.

Feingold has consistently pushed for adequate funding for the care of both injured servicemembers and veterans. Feingold recently passed legislation through the Senate to close a loophole which was denying some families of injured servicemembers assistance in visiting their wounded loved ones.

“Our men and women in uniform, as well as their families, have sacrificed so much for this nation,” Feingold said. “While this country can never truly repay them for their service, it is our duty to ensure they receive the care they deserve.”

Yes, they have sacrificed for our nation. In return, the least we can do is provide our military with proper care.

So why didn't Feingold push the Senate to open the "purse" and remedy the problems sooner?

He must not have been listeing very well.
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By the way, have you seen Russ Feingold on MySpace?



I don't know what to say.