It’s not often that I blog during work hours. After all, a guy has to make a living. But I just came across something that is probably one of the most offensive partisan acts I’ve seen come out of Congress in a long time.
Take a moment and watch the video that shows the floor discussion between the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Veterans’Affairs, Bob Filner (D-California) and the ranking Republican, Steve Buyer (R-Indiana):
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDRv8G19YyI]
Naming the VA Medical Center in Albuquerque after New Mexico war hero and Medal of Honor recipient, Raymond G. ‘Jerry’ Murphy, was a bipartisan recommendation that enjoys the support of the entire New Mexico Congressional delegation. In fact, you can view the original press release in its entirety on Senator Jeff Bingaman’s website. But, in a nutshell, this is the type of man we are talking about:
“Jerry Murphy was a true American hero who in war and peace dedicated himself to others. I am proud to have known Jerry and to have been able to call him my friend. It is a privilege to play a part in bestowing this deserving honor on a great man and a great American,” Domenici said. “I will work with our House counterparts to get this bill passed and enacted as soon as possible.”
“Jerry Murphy bravely served our country. While he was recognized during his life with a much-deserved Medal of Honor, we are now a step closer to ensuring that the memory of his service to our country—and his fellow veterans—will live on,” Bingaman said.
So, why isn’t this bill, which incidentally has the support of the VA Department as well as the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services, Albuquerque Armed Forces Advisory Association, American Legion, American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Vietnam Veterans of America, being heard.
A very simple and offensive answer: “Companion legislation (HR.474) was introduced in the House by Representative Heather Wilson.”
That’s right, the Democrat leadership in Congress is willing to insult this Medal of Honor recipient’s memory rather than let the legislation be carried forth by a Republican they so badly want to see defeated.
This is wrong. There are no two ways about it. This is wrong.