IAVA gives Smith an 'A' on vets

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans for America gave U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith (R-Pendleton) a top grade Wednesday for his legislative work to help veterans.

Smith was one of several Senators to make the “A” team, qualifications for which are based on how many times a legislator voted in favor of nine bills aimed at helping veterans. Fifty-six senators made the list, including U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Portland), Arlen Specter (R-Penn.), Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.), Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), and Jim Webb (D-Va.).

"Today's news confirms what we vets already know - Gordon's strong commitment to serve all of us who served our county," said James Logan, Ret. U.S. Marine from Ashland. "Whether you are a WWII or Iraq War veteran, he has always fought to ensure we receive the benefits and services we need. We need more common sense leaders like Gordon in Washington."

Smith received an "A" on his IAVA reportcard for voting in accordance with IAVA seven out of nine times since February 2007. He voted in favor of enhancing veterans’ benefits, veteran health care, and putting together a new GI Bill. The only two votes he split with IAVA on were his votes in favor of what the group called “a second rate G.I. bill,” in 2008, and a vote against military healthcare in 2007.