Kerry-Edwards AWOL On Defense Bill Votes

In an overwhelming show of support for the Military Thursday the House voted 410-12, and the Senate echoed with a unanimous 96-0 decision for a defense bill that included $25 billion in emergency funds for US operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and John Edwards (D-NC) skipped the debate and vote. Also skipped was a vote authorizing $8.2 billion for the Coast Guard to secure the nations coasts.

ATLANTA, GA (PRWEB) July 24, 2004 -- In an overwhelming show of support for the Military Thursday the House voted 410-12, and the Senate echoed with a unanimous 96-0 decision for a defense bill that included $25 billion in emergency funds for US operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and John Edwards (D-NC) skipped the debate and vote. Also skipped was a vote authorizing $8.2 billion for the Coast Guard to secure the nations coasts.

While Congress was busying itself wrapping up business before breaking for a six-week recess, Kerry was speaking to the National Urban League Convention in Detroit. After his second such speech in as many weeks, he later commented on the 9-11 Report for the press. He then boarded his private Boeing 757 for a ride to Denver International.

Meanwhile, Edwards was in Connecticut raking in upwards of $300,000 at a $500 per plate luncheon in the swanky Hartford Goodwin Hotel for the DNC. Beforehand he had attended a private reception for those who raised or donated over $5000. He then jetted off to join Kerry in Colorado.

Since January of 2003 (the current Congressional session) there have been 619* opportunities for Kerry to represent his state. In that time he has skipped 435 (70%) votes. This year he has missed 148 (92%) out of 161 votes. Of the 619 votes Edwards skipped 252 (40%), and missed 75 votes (46%) this year.

*Source: Congress Merge - http://congressmerge.com

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