Burr missed more than half of votes for Vet Affairs committee

Submitted by working for change on Wed, 09/26/2007 - 4:07pm.

The Charlotte Observer is running an AP story today that says:

Over the past three years, U.S. Sen. Richard Burr has attended fewer than half the hearings held by the veterans affairs committee where he now serves as the top Republican, an analysis by a North Carolina newspaper shows.

As you may recall, Burr became the ranking member when "embattled" Senator Larry Craig was forced to step aside by his scandal-weary GOP colleagues. As ranking member, Burr

will decide which legislation to support or challenge, propose alternatives to Democratic bills and recommend witnesses for hearings.

True to form, Burr missed his very first meeting as ranking member due to attend a discussion on the Lumbee Tribe of NC in the Indian Affairs Committee. When asked for comment, our esteemed junior Senator said:

"Every day is a choice for us," Burr told the Observer. "We do a very good job of selecting based on the topic."

But don't worry good citizens. Senator Burr may miss legislative hearings and skip out on votes, but that doesn't mean he isn't on top of the issues.

Dennis Cullinan, national legislative director for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, said Burr still shows that he's engaged with the issues, having attended a reception for veterans last week.

You see? If sharing some hors de'ouvres and a glass of the house Chardonney with some Veterans doesn't say "I Care"...what does?

5
working for change's picture

Hate to post and run...

Submitted by working for change on Wed, 09/26/2007 - 4:08pm.

....end of quarter stuff, The Man keeping me down, etc, etc...but I couldn't leave this little tidbit un-reported.

Enjoy!

Larry Kissell Welcomes Ambassador Joe Wilson to Charlotte Sept 22.

Yo Miss Snark

Submitted by Betsy Muse on Wed, 09/26/2007 - 4:52pm.

If sharing some hors de'ouvres and a glass of the house Chardonney with some Veterans doesn't say "I Care"...what does?

Bwahahahaha

Richard Burr doesn't give a rats ass about veterans. If he did he'd do more than show up for a cocktail party. He'd dig in and do everything in his power to direct and redirect legislation before the committee. Just because he's in the minority now he's going to be a quitter?

Hot damn, let's get rid of the quitter.

Robin Hayes lied. Nobody died, but thousands of folks lost their jobs.

Dick Burr. Fred Smith. Separated at birth.

Submitted by James on Wed, 09/26/2007 - 6:42pm.

Neither has enough competence to actually show up to do their job - but they sure can make those fundraising and PR gigs.

*cough*

Submitted by Linda on Wed, 09/26/2007 - 7:06pm.

Hearings aren't necessarily votes.

And - the affairs of the Lumbee Tribe are an important issue in NC. I don't like Senator Burr's politics, but that would be a tough choice.


Be the change you wish to see in the world. --Gandhi

You may find this interesting

Submitted by scharrison on Wed, 09/26/2007 - 7:19pm.

I spent a couple of hours one night reading Walter Jones' House testimony trying to figure out if he really was "for the troops" (still not sure), when I came across this:

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I do want to commend Congressman McIntyre for his labors of love and his efforts to bring this to the floor and his support for this.

I happen to oppose him on this for several reasons, and I want to say that I'm from North Carolina, as well as Mr. McIntyre. This has been an ongoing issue, as he made reference to in his comments, for years and years. But this issue of the Lumbee should be allowed to go through the existing Federal process. And I believe sincerely that Representatives SHULER and SHAYS offered an amendment in the Rules Committee to allow this to happen, but sadly, it was rejected.

The BIA process allows non-biased experts to objectively examine historical evidence and make decisions based on seven strict criteria. If there are problems with the process, then we should fix the process; ``we'' meaning the Congress. But Congress should not start down this slippery slope of hijacking the objective BIA process and start recognizing tribes on its own. This is and would be a serious mistake.

Madam Speaker, roughly 250 native groups have applications pending at BIA, Bureau of Indian Affairs. If we pass this bill, all of these groups will come knocking at the door of Congress seeking Federal recognition, and it will be impossible for those of us in Congress to say no.

Lumbees' tribal origins are suspect, at best. Over time, they have self-identified themselves as four different tribes: Cherokee in 1924; Cheraw in 1933; Siouan in 1934; and now they are Lumbees. This makes it all the more important for experts to determine their eligibility, not subjective Members of Congress.

Madam Speaker, the CBO says Federal recognition of Lumbees would cost $489 million in the first 5 years; $489 million in the first 5 years. I hope that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, who maybe support this legislation, would allow this Congress, on such an important issue, to debate it, to debate amendments, and let's see how we can at least let the American people know that this is an open process and not a closed process.

And, Madam Speaker, I will tell you again, in closing, that many people in North Carolina are familiar with this issue and the history of the Lumbees. And their heritage is in question.

With that, Madam Speaker, I hope that my colleagues will vote against the rule and the legislation.

The Lumbee are a real tribe.

Submitted by Linda on Wed, 09/26/2007 - 7:23pm.

I know a lot of people who are part of it. I don't care what Freedom Fries says. He lost all credibility the day he wouldn't say "French". What an asshole.

And besides, Congress has already recognized the Lumbee tribe, they just wouldn't let them have benefits. So the fact that they're a tribe is already established.

He's an asshole.


Be the change you wish to see in the world. --Gandhi

If it were one meeting

Submitted by James on Wed, 09/26/2007 - 7:19pm.

it would be understandable. But half? For a guy who's all about support the troops?

From all I've seen, Burr (and Dole) mostly thinks of troops as props for photo opportunities.

I agree with that.

Submitted by Linda on Wed, 09/26/2007 - 7:25pm.

I just thought that the title was misleading. It's not "votes", it's "hearings". Of course, if you miss hearings, you can't make an informed vote . . . oooh, snap. Guess what? Burr is still an butthead, too!

(Can you tell I had a rough day at work?)


Be the change you wish to see in the world. --Gandhi

Me too.

Submitted by James on Wed, 09/26/2007 - 7:28pm.

And now I'm on a video conference focus group with an environmental organization for the next 90 minutes!

Guess I'll be multi-tasking big time.

I'm finding that beer makes it better, James.

Submitted by Linda on Wed, 09/26/2007 - 7:31pm.

Seriously.

I don't normally advocate imbibing, but you know - tonight's the night.


Be the change you wish to see in the world. --Gandhi

working for change's picture

Exactly.

Submitted by working for change on Wed, 09/26/2007 - 7:33pm.

Good for him for listening in on the Lumbee hearing...but he's a complete slacker when it comes to supporting our Veterans in a time of war.

Larry Kissell Welcomes Ambassador Joe Wilson to Charlotte Sept 22.

momoaizo's picture

Ah, but you see Linda, that's the problem

Submitted by momoaizo on Wed, 09/26/2007 - 7:34pm.

"informed vote". Since the Republicants have turned into bushbots, the only information they need is "How do I vote on this Boss?"

No matter that patriotism is too often the refuge of scoundrels. Dissent, rebellion, and all-around hell-raising remain the true duty of patriots.

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You got it in one, Momo.

Submitted by Linda on Wed, 09/26/2007 - 7:37pm.

Gawd it's good to see you around these parts. :)


Be the change you wish to see in the world. --Gandhi

momoaizo's picture

It's good to finally have some personal time back

Submitted by momoaizo on Wed, 09/26/2007 - 7:46pm.

I've missed the adult conversation so much, but did come in late at night and read before going to bed. It was my way of calming down after hours and hours of working with people who thought the most important thing to talk about was Dancing With The Stars!

No matter that patriotism is too often the refuge of scoundrels. Dissent, rebellion, and all-around hell-raising remain the true duty of patriots.

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