From the TIB Network:
Just like his chooser, John Edwards has no core...To wit:
In 1999, Edwards Voted Against Banning Partial-Birth Abortion. (S. 1692, CQ Vote #340: Passed 63-34: R 48-3; D 14-31, 10/21/99, Edwards Voted Nay)
During 1998 Senate Campaign, Edwards Said Partial-Birth Abortion Should Be Banned. “‘I think partial-birth abortions should be banned,’ Edwards said. ‘These are terribly gruesome procedures. I think the only exception is where there is a grave, serious threat to the health of the mother.’” (“Edwards Campaigns On An Issue A Week,” The Associated Press, 9/19/98)
Edwards Voted Against $87 Billion Supplemental For Postwar Iraq. (S. 1689, CQ Vote #400: Passed 87-12: R 50-0; D 37-11; I 0-1, 10/17/03, Edwards Voted Nay)
One Month Earlier, Edwards Said We Needed To Get Troops “What They Need.” “We have young men and women over there in a dangerous environment. They’re in a shooting gallery, very dangerous situation, and we have to make sure they get what they need. That’s pretty simple.” (CBS’s “Face The Nation,” 9/21/03)
The Supplemental Provided The Following: “$10.3 billion as a grant to rebuild Iraq, including $5.1 billion for security and $5.2 billion for reconstruction costs. It also would provide $10 billion as a loan that would be converted to a grant if 90 percent of all bilateral debt incurred by the former Iraqi regime of Saddam Hussein has been forgiven by other countries. Separate provisions limit reconstruction aid to $18.4 billion. It also would provide approximately $65.6 billion for military operations and maintenance and $1.3 billion for veterans medical care.” (S. 1689, CQ Vote #400: Passed 87-12: R 50-0; D 37-11; I 0-1, 10/17/03, Edwards Voted Nay)
Also Included In Reconstruction Package Were These Measures To Help U.S. Troops Involved In Iraq/Afghanistan Operations And Their Families:
Additional $17.81 billion to provide “for pay, allowances, subsistence, and other personnel costs for active component troops as well as guard and reserve troops activated for duty in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other areas in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Noble Eagle,” including $1.2 billion for Imminent Danger Pay (IDP), Family Separation Allowance (FSA), Hardship Duty Pay, and stop-loss programs. (Senate Republican Policy Committee, “Funding For Our Men And Women In The Armed Forces,” S. 1689, 2/04)
“[E]xtra money for body armor for soldiers, communications equipment.” (“Highlights Of Iraq, Afghanistan Measures,” The Associated Press, 10/17/03)
“[M]aintaining and operating equipment; buying missiles, vehicles and other items.” (“Highlights Of Iraq, Afghanistan Measures,” The Associated Press, 10/17/03)
$658 million for the Defense Health Program. (Senate Republican Policy Committee, “Funding For Our Men And Women In The Armed Forces,” S. 1689, 2/04)
Increase Imminent Danger Pay from $150 to $225 per month and Family Separation Allowance from $100 to $250 from October 1, 2003, through September 30, 2004. (Senate Republican Policy Committee, “Funding For Our Men And Women In The Armed Forces,” S. 1689, 2/04)
Ensure service members injured due to their actions in or support of operations do not have to pay subsistence charges while hospitalized. (Senate Republican Policy Committee, “Funding For Our Men And Women In The Armed Forces,” S. 1689, 2/04)
Travel and transportation allowance for family members of the Armed Forces who are ill or injured as a result of service on active duty in support of OIF, OEF, and Operation Noble Eagle. (Senate Republican Policy Committee, “Funding For Our Men And Women In The Armed Forces,” S. 1689, 2/04)
Reimbursement for service members for the cost of one round trip airfare incurred within the United States while on rest and recuperation leave from deployment. (Senate Republican Policy Committee, “Funding For Our Men And Women In The Armed Forces,” S. 1689, 2/04)
Continuation of non-TRICARE health benefits plan coverage for certain Reserves called or ordered to active duty and their dependents. (Senate Republican Policy Committee, “Funding For Our Men And Women In The Armed Forces,” S. 1689, 2/04)
Access to the benefits of the Family Medical Leave Act for a spouse, son, daughter, or parent of an employee who is a member of the Armed Forces in support of operations. (Senate Republican Policy Committee, “Funding For Our Men And Women In The Armed Forces,” S. 1689, 2/04)
