Darrell Issa cast two votes against us

In its first 100 hours, the newly Democratic-controlled Congress passed two long overdue bills that benefit many Americans. Congressman Darrell Issa voted against both bills.

The first, the Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act (HR4), permits Medicare to negotiate with drug companies for lower prices for our seniors. A similar program, long in effect with the VA, has generated enormous savings for our veterans. A recent survey found the VA pays 48.2 percent less for the 20 drugs most frequently used by senior citizens.

The Bush administration strenuously opposed legislation authorizing Medicare to negotiate with drug companies for lower prices. Why would Issa vote against our seniors? The pharmaceutical companies poured millions of dollars into the campaign coffers of Republican candidates, hoping to avoid this plan for negotiating drug prices.

Issa cast his other negative vote against the Minimum Wage Bill (HR2), to raise wages to $7.25 over the next 28 months. Although this bill passed by a lopsided margin of 315-116, indicating strong grassroots support, it had always failed under Republican leadership. Only last June Issa voted to give himself a $3,330 a year raise. He got it, and he didn’t have to wait 28 months to get it. Then, just a few days later, Congress refused to increase the minimum wage for the working poor.

It remained $5.15 an hour until Nancy Pelosi took control as Speaker. I believe this American mom of five children and six grandchildren is offering new hope to our families – and our seniors. Many single working mothers and other working poor will benefit from this bill.

Why did Darrell Issa vote against this bill, when California already has a higher minimum? Obviously Issa values his own paycheck more.

Joe Howard Crews