Dennis Shulman for U.S. Congress: Sensible Leadership for New Jersey’s 5th District

Scott Garrett has consistently stood in opposition to the moral and pragmatic policies needed to empower all of our communities and place them on equal ground. Given a “perfect” score of 100% by the American Conservative Union, he has voted in lockstep with (and many times to the right of) George W. Bush and the GOP.

Garrett was the only Congressman north of the Mason-Dixon line to oppose the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act…

When asked why he voted against the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act (H.R. 9), Garrett said, “I’m looking out for the American citizens who were born here legally.” The bill passed the House 390 votes to 33. (Source here)

Garrett was one of 11 U.S. Representatives to vote against aid for victims of Hurricane Katrina…

In a vote that overwhelmingly passed the House 410 to 11, Garrett opposed the Second Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act to Meet Immediate Needs (H.R. 3673) in the days following Hurricane Katrina. He has also consistently voted against legislation to assist New Orleans and its citizens in rebuilding their city and their lives, including a May 2008 amendment (H.R. 2642, Vote #330) that will provide domestic disaster assistance to the Gulf Coast. (Source here)

Garrett consistently voted against SCHIP and Head Start…

Garrett continuously refused to support the State Children’s Health Insurance Program and its reauthorization (H.R. 3162), therefore opposing the extension and improvement of health coverage for children whose parents cannot afford to provide it themselves. Garrett was also one of only 36 Representatives to vote against Project Head Start. (Sources here and here)

Garrett has failed to support America’s veterans…

Despite his rhetoric, Garrett has continuously refused to support our troops. He opposed the 2008 GI Bill and many other pieces of legislation that ensure veterans the quality health care and education they deserve; he has received a 0% from the Disabled American Veterans and a C- from the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. (Source here)

Garrett has stood with the housing and oil industries as Americans suffer…

Garrett has received at least $69,000 in campaign contributions from Big Oil, and has voted to give the oil and gas industry billions of dollars in tax breaks. He has also taken $7,500 in campaign contributions from Countrywide Financial (the disgraced company at the center of the nation’s financial meltdown) and has hired their former lobbyist as his chief of staff. (Source here)