To calculate the Ratings, IAVA reviewed all legislation voted on in the Congress since September 11, 2001. For each piece of legislation that affected troops, veterans or military families, IAVA took a position either in support of, or in opposition to its passage. The letter grades were derived, using the scales below, from the percentage of times that each legislator's vote matched the official IAVA stance.
The complete list of legislation, as well as the IAVA position for or against, can be found here: http://www.iavaaction.org/
I'd like to hear one of the die-hard "Republicans support the troops" folks talk their way out of this box.
Before responding, you should have a look at the list of legislation and see if you agree with IAVA's position or not. I would suggest that most military supporters will be in close to 100% agreement with IAVA's stance on each of the issues.
Here's the report card for the Senate, along with party affiliation.
What is IAVA? Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America believes that issues concerning our Troops & Veterans, the health of our Military, and our National Security are all interrelated. The IAVA philosophy/platform is that:
A healthy, well-manned, well-equipped, and properly used Military is vital to our national security, but with substantial priority placed on personnel, not high-end weapons systems
Our Troops must always be provided a clear mission (with goals and an exit strategy), be properly trained for the tasks it is given, and not be overextended in order to ensure success of the mission and to keep the military healthy.
Our Troops must always be provided the best equipment and operating conditions that provide for the greatest level of safety and moral within reason.
Veterans must be properly provided for, not only for moral reasons, but because it directly and significantly impacts recruitment and morale for the overall armed forces.
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