Press Coverage

Alamogordo Daily News: Record on Veterans Issues Speaks for Itself

Record on veterans issues speaks for itself Alamogordo Daily News I would like to take this opportunity to speak to several letters to the editor recently published by the Alamogordo Daily News. On Oct. 19, Kathy Mongaraz of Alamogordo writes that she will not vote for many of the incumbent congressional office holders. She specifically points out that Rep. Steve Pearce and many other elected representatives are largely smoke and mirrors, without accountability to those who have voted for them. Marilyn Harket Gioannini, of Las Cruces and a former resident of Tularosa, wrote on Oct. 29. She mentions Rep. Pearce's shocking lack of support for military veterans and a large war chest to devote to campaigning in the present election. Over the past several years I have documented the lack of support Rep. Pearce has devoted to the veterans community. His record of support of legislation for military veterans is vividly shown in records of the Library of Congress, or at www.thomas.gov (legislative information on the Internet). Recently, the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) released the first-ever congressional rating guide of Congress on their votes regarding issues concerning U. S. troops, Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans, and military families. Ratings for the New Mexico Congressional delegation are: Sen. Jeff Bingaman B+ Sen. Pete Domenici D Rep. Steve Pearce C- Rep. Tom Udall B+ Rep. Heather Wilson B- Additionally, Pearce has only supported one of 17 veterans bills currently under consideration in the House of Representatives. One of the 17 bills Pearce has not signed on to is HHR 515, to amend Title 38 of the U. S. Code to provide for an adequate level of funding for veterans health care. Perhaps before voters cast their ballot on Nov. 7, they may wish to take into consideration voting and legislative sponsorship records of bills of interest. Please vote your conscience on Nov. 7. Paul L. Balaich Alamogordo Click here to read the article on www.alamogordonews.com.   [link]