This is an older issue, just wanted to get it into my Gordon Smith Hall Of Shame...
In April 2005 Senator Patty Murray (WA) introduced a Health Care Amendment to cover shortfalls in the VA budget. (
http://murray.senate.gov/veterans/suppamend-summary.pdf) The measure was voted down twice along party lines, first on it's own and a second time as an amendment (
http://murray.senate.gov/news.cfm?id=236300)
During the week of March 21st 2005, Senator Gordon Smith traveled to Iraq and Afghanistan to meet with Oregon troops, review security forces, and discuss political developments with top leaders.
Our Senator Smith no sooner returned from visiting these troops in the field and then took a party line vote against them.
Well, fast forward a few months and we have
VA Announces $1 Billion Shortfall; Senator Murray Demands Immediate Action. Looks like our Senator Smith and his party line fellows didn't do any homework.
Yet again, Senator Smith puts his loyalty to the administration and his party before his duty to Oregonians.