ABC News
Inouye: GOP Not Doing Enough for Troops
In Dems' Radio Address, Sen. Inouye Accuses Republicans of Not Doing Enough for Troops in Iraq
The Associated Press
Jul. 30, 2005 - Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, an Army veteran who lost his right arm in World War II, criticized Republicans on Saturday for not doing enough to help troops fighting in or returning from Iraq.
In the Democrats' weekly radio address, Inouye said Senate Republicans were focusing on legislation sought by the gun lobby while ignoring the needs of troops.
On Tuesday, the Senate put off completion of a $491 billion defense bill to act on the National Rifle Association's top priority: shielding gun manufacturers and dealers from liability suits stemming from gun crimes.
"For years, we've heard the president and congressional Republicans speak eloquently about honoring our troops," Inouye said. "But this week when push came to shove their priorities were different."
The senator added: "Our men and women who have served should not worry about funding for health care year after year, and our soldiers on the front lines should get the resources they need. Our Congress could consider our men and our women in uniform as our nation's top priority."
The gun bill cleared the Senate 65-31 Friday, with Inouye in opposition.