Vitter AWOL on Vets, Again

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Less than a week after skipping a hearing on veterans homelessness, David Vitter went AWOL again yesterday as the Senate debated a bill to fund all Veterans Affairs and military construction programs over the next year. The bill included millions for construction at two Louisiana military bases.

"Once again, David Vitter has demonstrated that taking care of our veterans is not his top priority," said Louisiana Democratic Party spokesman Kevin Franck.

Yesterday, the Senate began debate on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which would provide $133.9 billion for military construction, military family housing and veterans' affairs programs for 2010, including $1.4 billion in funding for overseas operations. The body also held two roll call votes on measures introduced by Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn. Vitter was absent from the debate and did not vote on either provision.

"In the course of one week, David Vitter has gone AWOL on our veterans twice," Franck added. "I hope he can tell us what was more important that listening to the testimony of homeless veterans or voting on funding for veterans programs and military construction projects."

Last week, Vitter was AWOL from a Senate Banking subcommittee hearing on ending veterans homelessness. As the hearing was underway, Vitter updated his campaign's Facebook and Twitter accounts. Representative Charlie Melancon last week called on Vitter to explain why he played hooky from the hearing, but so far Vitter has not commented.

The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act would provide millions in construction for Louisiana military installations, including:

$32 million for Fort Polk Warrior in Transition Complex

$18.4 million for Fort Polk, family housing improvements

$17 million for Fort Polk, land acquisition and purchases

$12.8 million for Barksdale AFB (Phase 5 ramp replacement, aircraft apron pavement)

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