(He takes it seriously when it smacks him in the face. Just like everything else, Pombo fails to see the ramifications of globalization. – promoted by SFBrianCL)
(Cross-posted at Daily Kos and Berkeley Bubble).
So Pombo went on the air this week with a new ad hitting McNerney on the war on terror, claiming that McNerney wants to stop law enforcement from monitoring terrorist phone calls and also is against the death penalty for terrorists, based on McNerney’s responses to the Project Vote Smart Issues Survey (NPAT). Aside from the fact that this latest Pombo ad is extremely deceptive and stretches the truth, Pombo’s ad is also totally hypocritical.
Because when you take a look at the same site, Project Vote Smart, one can look up Pombo’s own voting record on legislation dealing with national security and terrorism. (Pombo REFUSED to take the same Issues Survey that McNerney did, despite being urged to do so by John McCain and others). And wouldn’t you know it, prior to 9/11, in 1996, Richard Pombo voted against anti-terrorism legislation on TWO occasions–legislation that would have helped law enforcement crack down on terrorists, and thwart and prevent terrorist attacks.
Check out Pombo’s voting record on National Security Issues, again on the Project Vote Smart site used by Pombo in his hit ad on McNerney:
National Security Issues
Date Bill Title Vote
06/29/2006 Intelligence and Law Enforcement Resolution Y
03/07/2006 PATRIOT Act Reauthorization bill Y
12/14/2005 USA PATRIOT and Terrorism Prevention Reauthorization Ac Y
07/21/2005 USA PATRIOT & Terrorism Prevention Act- Motion N
07/21/2005 USA PATRIOT & Terrorism Prevention Reauthorization Act Y
06/15/2005 Patriot Act Amendment – Library Records N
05/18/2005 Homeland Security Department Authorization Act FY06 Y
10/08/2004 9/11 Recommendations Implementation Act Y
10/24/2001 USA Patriot Act of 2001 Y
10/12/2001 Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001 Y
09/14/2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force Y
04/18/1996 Comprehensive Terrorism Prevention Act N
03/14/1996 Antiterrorism bill N <<br>
Pombo’s votes appear to be consistent with the anti-terror position AFTER September 11–but check out his two votes on anti-terror bills PRIOR to 9/11. Notice the two conspicuous “N”s by those two bills.
In 1996, Pombo voted against the Comprehensive Terrorism Protection Act, S 735, a bill sponsored by Senator Robert Dole. The bill provided for:
“increased detection agents for explosives; expands deportation of criminal aliens; provides more funding for deportation of suspected terrorists; allows suspected terrorists to be denied asylum; prohibits terrorist groups from fundraising in the U.S.; and limits death penalty appeals, among other provisions,”
according to Project Vote Smart’s own analysis and synopsis. Ultimately, despite Pombo’s “NO” vote, both the House and Senate passed S 735 and it was signed into law on April 24, 1996.
But Pombo didn’t stop there–in the same year, Pombo voted “NO” on yet another Antiterrorism bill, this one sponsored by Republican Henry Hyde. The bill provided
“the government with increased leeway in investigating and prosecuting suspected terrorists and increases the penalties for attempting and executing terrorist acts.”
So prior to the horrific terrorist attacks on this country on 9/11, Pombo voted TWICE against anti-terrorism legislation that would have beefed up law enforcement and military efforts to prevent and thwart terrorists from attacking our country.
When Pombo attacks McNerney on the war on terror, he should really look in the mirror and question his own votes AGAINST anti-terrorism legislation designed to prevent terrorist attacks on our nation in the years leading up to 9/11.