November 1, 2006

Biscoe , NC – The non-partisan and non-profit Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) has awarded Robin Hayes an appallingly marginal "C" rating given the legislator's pro-military rhetoric as compared to his actual record on issues that affect US Troops, Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans and military families. [ http://www.iava.org/index.php] Hayes' district includes the Ft. Bragg area and many families with loved ones currently deployed.

Among the many anti-veteran votes of Robin Hayes that earned him the IAVA "C" rating, was his 2005 opposition to expanding TRICARE to thousands of National Guard and Reserve volunteers. A 2003 report by the General Accounting Office showed that 20 percent of all Reservists do not have health insurance, and 40 percent of Reservists aged 19 to 35 lack health coverage. According to Defense Department data, 18 percent of activated Reservists have no medical coverage. Currently, only those called up for active duty are eligible for the program. The proposal would have expanded military health care to provide access to TRICARE to most members of the Guard and Reserve and their families for a low fee. The motion failed, 211-218, thanks in part to Robin Hayes. [HR 1815, Vote #221, 5/25/05]

Torpedoman's Mate Jeff Joyner of Rockingham commented, "As a veteran, I know how critically our brave Reservists and their struggling families needed the expansion of TRICARE that Hayes opposed last year. We need Larry Kissell representing us in Washington."

Larry Kissell, Democratic nominee for Congress in North Carolina's 8th District, was endorsed by the Veteran's Alliance for Security and Democracy earlier this year.

Hayes also cast the deciding vote against bonuses for our troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. The 2003 amendment would have provided funding to grant a $1,500 bonus to every American service member on active duty in the conflicts. It was defeated, 213-213, thanks in LARGE part to Robin Hayes. [HR 3289, Vote #554, 10/17/03]

The North Carolina Democratic Party highlights Hayes' anti-veteran record in the latest radio ad playing in the 8th District.