Despite clear calls for VA resignations, voting records for vets still cloudy

Source: Aurora Sentinel

As criticism of Department of Veterans Affairs officials spreads to both parties in Washington, outspoken local lawmakers are confronted with their own complicated history with the VA.

Aurora U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman, a Republican, as recently as January voted against a spending bill that would have set aside as much as $100 million for overtime and additional training for claims processors to reduce the growing backlog of veterans waiting for care. Coffman joined 66 other Republicans in the House, including Colorado congressmen Doug Lamborn, Cory Gardner and Scott Tipton, in voting against that appropriations bill. VA officials and the Obama Administration are embroiled in a nationwide controversy over shoddy medical care for veterans.Eric Shinseki

The complete spending bill included more than $1 billion in spending for health care programs related to Obamacare, which Coffman has consistently opposed. Coffman has repeatedly called for VA Secretary Eric Shinseki to resign, primarily because of the recent scandal involving delays for medical services for thousands of veterans across the country and especially in Arizona.

Coffman did not comment on his vote after repeated requests. The Marines veteran and longtime Colorado politician is running for a fourth term to his 6th Congressional District against former Colorado House Speaker Andrew Romanoff, a Democrat. The race is predicted to be one of the most expensive and competitive during the 2014 midterm election. Both sides are now targeting VA issues as election fodder.

Read more: http://www.aurorasentinel.com/news/despite-clear-calls-va-resignations-voting-records-vets-still-cloudy/