U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln has earned an “A+” rating from the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) Action Fund for her voting record in support of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.
The IAVA Action Fund today released its congressional report card for all 535 members of Congress, which the nonpartisan group calls a “critical tool for holding elected officials accountable.”
Lincoln is the only U.S. Senator to earn the group’s highest rating. She also holds the highest rating of all members of the Arkansas congressional delegation.
IAVA noted that “Exceptional leaders on veterans’ issues were few and far between in the 111th Congress.” The Report Card “shows that because of partisan politics and an early focus on the upcoming elections, the 111th congress has largely been one of inaction and gridlock. However, the Report Card also highlights those lawmakers who stepped up and delivered meaningful results for new veterans in key areas.”
“Veterans and their families deserve real leadership and action on Capitol Hill, not empty promises and cheap rhetoric. Unfortunately, many elected officials in Washington have failed to hold up their end of the bargain and deliver real results in the 111th Congress. The nonpartisan Report Card is a critical tool for holding these lawmakers accountable and showing America just how little Congress got done this year for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans,” said Paul Rieckhoff, Founder and Executive Director of IAVA Action Fund. “Members of all parties and ideologies share the moral duty to support those who have served their country. Heading into the midterm elections, it is important that every American knows who in Washington really supports Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, and who is just full of hot air.”
Rieckhoff added, “The Report Card serves as a critical guide for voters who are wondering whether their elected officials took action for new veterans. We hope this Report Card will be an integral component of the national dialogue heading into the midterm elections.”
