Rep. David Schweikert urges veterans to seek benefits he voted against … twice
Cataloguing the hypocritical words or actions of an average politician is like trying to sweep back the ocean with a broom.
An exercise in futility.
Sometimes, however, pointing out one particularly egregious example of scummy two-faced behavior can tell you pretty much all you need to know.
A reader name Will G. pointed out to such a thing to me in an article about Arizona Republican Rep. David Schweikert that appeared recently in Business Insider.
Schweikert voted against benefits twice
It describes how Schweikert, a congressman since 2010 who is known mostly for his ethics troubles and campaign finance violations, is urging Arizona veterans to take advantage of recently passed health care benefits that he — Schweikert — voted against.
Twice.
‘Nuf said.
This GOP congressman: Is taking a bipartisan approach to legislating
It began with what is called the PACT Act, a law passed by Congress that expands VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic substances.
When the bill came up for a vote in March of last year, Schweikert voted against it.
When it came up for a vote again in July of that year he voted against it again.
Now he's telling veterans to use them
Now, via his constituent newsletter, Schweikert is urging veterans in his district to take advantage of the benefits.
He’s doing the same on social media.
There is something morally small about promoting benefits that will help those who served our country and sacrificed their health while conveniently avoiding the fact you voted against it.
Twice.
Schweikert isn’t the only politician to do stuff like this.
Earlier this week President Joe Biden called out Republican lawmakers who voted against the bipartisan infrastructure bill last year but now are taking credit for projects in their districts.
So, yes, cataloguing the hypocrisy of a typical politician is impossible. But there’s another, equally depressing exercise in futility.
Reelecting them.
Reach Montini at ed.montini@arizonarepublic.com.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Rep. David Schweikert urges veterans to seek aid he voted against
