Yesterday marked the third Obama rescue mission in as many months to try and save Barbara Boxer’s political career. Boxer thanked service members today at Camp Pendleton alongside first lady Michelle Obama. But one has to wonder, how “thanked” did service members and their families feel when Barbara Boxer voted against funding for things like body armor and leave so that our soldiers could see their loved ones?
Boxer Voted Against Providing $847 Million In Additional Funds To The Defense Department For Military Personnel, Working Capital Funds, Mission-Critical Maintenance, Force Protection. (S.1077, CQ Vote #226: Motion Agreed To 83-16: R 36-12; D 46-4; I 1-0, 7/10/01, Boxer and Feinstein Voted Yea)
In 2003, Boxer Was One Of Just 12 Senators To Oppose The $87 Billion Supplemental Appropriation For The Reconstruction For Iraq And Afghanistan. (S. 1689, CQ Vote #400: Passed 87-12: R 50-0; D 37-11; I 0-1, 10/17/03, Boxer Voted Nay and Feinstein Voted Yea)
Wondering what was included in those funds Boxer voted against?
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)
“[A]ccess 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)
Again, it seems that Barbara Boxer has forgotten that very fundamental rule: actions speak louder than words. And in this case, no amount of “thanks” from Barbara Boxer can mask the fact that she has shown a total disregard for our men and women in uniform and that her record on security issues is, to put it generously, dismal.