Home  / News / Press Releases

Dec 10, 2010

Shame on Kyl, McCain, rest of Senate GOP

Despicable legislative assault on 9/11 heroes, servicemembers, youth and seniors

Today's New York Times editorial calls Thursday "one of the most shameful days in the modern history of the Senate."

We agree.

Over and over again, Senate Republicans upheld their disturbing pledge to block all legislation -- no matter how important, no matter who it helps -- until tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires were safely extended.

They blocked medical help for 9/11 heroes -- thousands of emergency workers and volunteers who became ill from the ground zero cleanup after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

They blocked a vote to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell, a policy that unfairly targets gay servicemembers. Their obstructionism -- led by a flip-flopping Sen. John McCain -- persists even though top military brass and Defense Department leaders, along with the majority of servicemembers, are in favor of repeal.

They blocked progress on the DREAM Act -- legislation that will help hard-working young people earn a path to legal status by serving in the military or attending college. Republicans like McCain were eager to use immigration as a campaign wedge issue but are hypocritically refusing to show leadership in the legislative arena.

They blocked a $250 cost-of-living adjustment for seniors on Social Security by stopping supplemental payment legislation.

And next week, they are expected to block ratification of the New START Treaty. Their obstructionism -- led by Sen. Jon Kyl -- persists even though the treaty is supported by the entire U.S. military leadership, six former secretaries of State, five former secretaries of Defense, three former national security advisers and seven former commanders of the U.S.Strategic Command.

"Nobody is shocked when Republicans fight for the rich," said Luis Heredia, Arizona Democratic Party executive director. "But their actions against 9/11 heroes, servicemembers, young people and seniors are reaching a shocking new low."

###