Senator Barack Obama-Issue Points
The Economic Crisis



Senator Obama has consistently called for federal mortgage and banking regulations that will protect consumers and avoid an economic crisis that we are in today.

He also argues that any deal to restore the U.S. financial sector with public funds must include independant accountability and oversight. It must also be structured in a way where taxpayers will be able to recoup their investments.



Veterans

Co-sponsored a bill that increased veteran's health care funding by $1.5 billion.

Voted for the 21st century GI Bill "to provide every returning veteran a real option to afford a college education.

Sponsored the Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act to improve care at military hospitals

Requested assignment to the Veterans Affairs Committee.




Family & Education

Will fully fund "No Child Left Behind" and fix it's problems. He does not believe that teachers should be forced to spend the academic year preparing students to fill in bubbles in standarized tests".

Wants to expand the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), to cover workers at businesses with 25 workers.(the current limit is 50). Senator Obama also wants FMLA to cover elder care and also allow 24 hours a year leave for children's school activities so parents can attend.

Senator Obama will expand Early Head Start and Head Start programs by quadrupling the number of at-risk infants and toddlers with access to the program.

Senator Obama supported the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act that ensures that women who discover they have been paid less for equal work have recourse in the courts.

Proposes a $4,000 tax credit and proposals to streamline the financial aid process to help families pay for college.


Senator John McCain-Issue Points
The Economic Crisis

Senator McCain supported banking deregulation his entire Senate career until the meltdown of Wall Street in September 2008. His closest economic advisor is former Texas Senator Phil Gramm, the architect of deregulation that led to the economic crisis.

Senator McCain is now calling for more transparency and accountability on Wall Street, completely opposite of his Senate record.


Veterans

For 4 straight years, starting in 2004 he voted against increased funding for veterans' health care.

Senator McCain, a decorated military POW, opposed the bipartisan 21st century GI Bill, saying its educational benefits would "encourage more people to leave the military."

Voted against a trust fund to improve military hospitals and health facilities because it would have been paid for by repealing some of the Bush tax cuts for people making more than $1 million a year.

Surprisingly, Senator McCain never served on the Veterans' Affairs Committee his entire Senate career.


Family & Education

Senator McCain has repeatedly voted against increased funding for Head Start Programs.

In his bid to become President, McCain now says he will fully fund "No Child Left Behind", but in the senate he constantly voted against funding. This action left schools with strict requirements to meet, but few resources.

Senator McCain voted for the original FMLA bill in 1993 after trying to cut out many of its provisions. He firmly opposes any expansion of coverage.

In regards to equal pay for woman as outlined in the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, Senator McCain is against it and says,"it opens us up for lawsuits,for all kinds of problems and difficulties.

Finally John McCain has voted against changes in student aid and loan programs to make it easier for college to be affordable. In 2007, he voted "no" on the College Cost Education and Access Act, which increased access to Pell Grants, lowered interest rates on Stafford loans and provided grant funds for teachers.