The Senate unanimously approved yesterday $1.5 billion in emergency funds for the Department of Veterans Affairs' health care programs. The bill's main sponsor was Rick Santorum, and we commend him for that.
So why is this post in the "Rick's Hypocrisy" category? Well the problem is Rick had previously voted against increased funding for the Department of Veteran's Affairs at least 3 times. So why did he suddenly change his tune? From the Washington Post:
The Senate vote yesterday was on a bill sponsored by Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.), who had opposed a past Democratic amendment to raise VA spending. He was given the honor of becoming lead sponsor because he faces one of the toughest reelection fights next year among incumbent Republicans.
Senate Democratic leader Harry M. Reid (Nev.), who is orchestrating the party's campaign efforts, refused to give Santorum a free ride, noting that on three previous occasions, "Senate Republicans, including the lead sponsor [Santorum] . . . voted no. No to additional funding for our veterans. No to giving them the quality health care they have earned. No to keeping our nation's commitments to those who have served."
I guess the real question is, why did he vote against increased funding 3 times? Was it based on any sort of principle? If it was, he certainly seems to have abandoned it for expediency's sake.
Sound hypocritical?
