Horizon (PBS) Arizona U.S. Senate Debate

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Horizon Eight (PBS) hosted the first of three U.S. Senate candidate debates on Wednesday between Democrat Dr. Richard Carmona, Republican Rep. Jeff Flake, and Libertarian Marc Victor (he doesn't know who you are either).

The Carmona for U.S. Senate campaign sent out a series of "fact checks" by topic after the debate that I will include below since none of the corporate media in Arizona deem fact checking important, prefering instead stenography and "he said/he said" reporting and false equivalencies.

Video below the fold.

Throughout his career in Congress, Jeff Flake has failed to stand up for critical Arizona projects.  The Arizona Republic called his refusal to stand up for Luke AFT “unconscionable.” That’s why Mayor Scott Smith, leader of the largest city in Flake’s district, supported Flake’s opponent in the Senate primary.

Mayor Of Largest City In Flake’s District Endorsed Flake’s Opponent In Senate Primary. The Arizona Republic reported that “Mesa Mayor Scott Smith, a top Republican in the city where Flake and his family live, in August chided Flake on Twitter for neglecting his congressional district's needs until launching his Senate campaign. Smith endorsed Cardon over the 12-year incumbent in the primary.” [Arizona Republic, 10/7/12]

Flake Refused To Sign On To Letter Supporting Luke AFB; Arizona Republic Editorial Called Flake’s Refusal To Sign Onto Letter Requesting Appropriation Of Funds To Arizona’s Luke Air Force Base “Unconscionable.” Wrote the editorial board of the Arizona Republic in July 2003, “That's when the U.S. Congress could turn a kind eye and appropriate $14.3 million for the acquisition of property in the Southern Departure Corridor of Luke Air Force Base. . . . There's been no authorization for the funds in the House, and only four of eight Arizona House members saw the need to sign a letter by Rep. Trent Franks, whose district encompasses Luke, in support of including a like amount in a House appropriations bill. Solidarity is exceedingly important on issues so critical to the state. It's unconscionable that Reps. Jeff Flake, Jim Kolbe and Raul Grijvala flatly refused to sign Franks' letter.” [Editorial, Arizona Republic, 7/2/03]

Flake Voted Against Transportation Bill Containing I-11 Designation For Hassayampa Freeway. Reported the Arizona Republic: "The route of Interstate 11, the ambitious project of transportation officials and powerful business interests in Arizona and Nevada, survived a final revision of a long-delayed transportation-funding bill this week. The bill would officially designate the I-11 route, making the project eligible for interstate highway funds. It also would mean supporters have cleared the first major political hurdle, although building any highway could take up to two decades. The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote today on the transportation bill, with President Barack Obama expected to sign it into law soon after." Jeff Flake voted 'no' on the measure.  [Arizona Republic, 6/28/12; NY Times, 6/29/12]

Flake Voted Against FAA Authorization Bill And Vital Airport Improvement Program Used By Airports Including Mesa Gateway. In 2010, Rep. Flake voted against authorizing a $53.5 billion budget through fiscal year 2012 for the Federal Aviation Administration.  According to Chairman James L. Oberstar, the bill provided “historic” investment levels including $12.3 billion for the Airport Improvement Program; $10.1 billion for FAA facilities and equipment; $30.3 billion for FAA operations; and $685.4 million for research, engineering, and development. The bill passed, 276-145.  In August of 2012, Gateway Airport received a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration to fund the Taxiway Papa Reconstruction project.  The FAA grant was for $4,050,005. [CQ Bill Analysis; House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure release, State News Service, 3/25/10; HR 1586, Vote 190, 3/25/10, Gateway Airport Release, 8/30/12]

Flake Repeatedly Voted Against Funding For Appropriations Bills Containing Funding For Hoover Dam Bypass Requested By Jon Kyl. Sen. Kyl requested funding for the Hoover Dam Bypass bridge at least three times as part of the FY08, FY09, and FY10 transportation appropriations bills.  The bridge was part of a $240 million project to re-route traffic from across the hoover dam. Security concerns after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks led authorities to ban commercial trucks from traveling across the dam, forcing truck drivers on the route to use a 75-mile detour. The new Hoover Dam bypass shortened the route for commercial shippers along the major trade corridor and reduced traffic congestion.  Flake voted against those appropriations bills all three times. [Las Vegas Sun, 10/20/10; Sunlight Foundation, retrieved 9/6/12; Roll Call 1186,12/19/07; Roll Call 86, 2/25/09; Roll Call 949, 12/10/09]

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Jeff Flake Doubles Down On Catastrophic Medicare Plan
AARP SAYS FLAKE’S PLAN UNDERMINES MEDICARE’S PROMISE

Jeff Flake doubled down on his support of the disastrous Ryan Budget plan that would raise costs for seniors today and undermine Medicare’s promise for future generations.

DURING THE PRIMARY, FLAKE HAS DOUBLED DOWN ON HIS SUPPORT FOR THE RYAN PLAN (WHICH HE COSPONSORED) THAT TURNS MEDICARE INTO A VOUCHER PROGRAM AND RAISES COSTS FOR SENIORS BY $6,400

Flake “Isn’t Backing Away” From Ryan Budget Plan. Reported the Wall Street Journal, “One member who isn't backing away is Rep. Jeff Flake of Arizona, who is running for Senate next year. In an interview, Mr. Flake says that he plans to go to Sun City and other retirement areas in Arizona to explain the fiscal necessity of the GOP cutbacks.” [Wall Street Journal, 4/29/11]

Flake “Praised The Conservative House-Passed Budget Developed By Rep. Paul Ryan.” The Arizona Republic reported that Flake “praised the conservative House-passed budget developed by Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis. Flake noted he was an early co-sponser of the Ryan plan, which some conservatives love but liberals scorn.” [AZCentral.com, 6/13/2012]

Congressman Flake supports privatizing Medicare and turning it into a voucher system, increasing out of pocket costs for seniors by as much as $6,400 every year. In March 2012, Flake voted for the 2012 Ryan budget, which, according to a report from the Congressional Joint Economic Committee staff, would “end Medicare’s role as a health insurance provider.” Instead “individuals will be forced to purchase private health insurance” with vouchers provided by the federal government. The Committee’s staff report concluded that “Based on estimates from the non?partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the typical 65-year-old’s out-of-pocket health care costs will increase from $6,154 to $12,513 in 2022—or an extra $6,359.” [H Con Res 34, Vote 277, 4/15/11;Congressional Joint Economic Committee, 5/20/11]

AARP: Ryan Plan Would  “undermine Medicare’s promise” “The Chairman’s proposal, rather than tackling skyrocketing health care costs, would simply shift these costs onto the backs of people in Medicare.  It would undermine Medicare’s promise of secure health coverage—a guarantee that future seniors have contributed to through a lifetime of hard work.” [AARP, 4/5/11]

FLAKE CLAIMS THAT HIS BILL WON’T IMPACT CURRENT SENIORS, BUT HIS BILL WOULD RAISE PRESCRIPTION DRUG PRICES FOR NEARLY 100,000 ARIZONA SENIORS

Flake Co-Sponsored Budget Would Force 95,990 Arizona Seniors Back Into the Prescription Drug “Donut Hole.” The Republican budget would “re-open” the prescription drug donut hole and cost the average senior who falls into the donut hole approximately $11,794 between 2012 and 2020. The “donut hole” forces seniors to pay the full cost of their prescription drugs after their yearly drug expenses exceed $2,840, and full coverage doesn’t resume until total drug spending hits $6,447 for the year. Since health reform was signed into law, 95,990 Arizona seniors saved $56,882,096.09 on prescription drugs. [H Con Res 34, Vote 277, 4/15/11; HHS, 3/19/12; State level data compiled by HHS, 3/20/12, via DPCC, 3/22/12]

FLAKE WOULD ALSO FORCE OVER 700,000 TO PAY EXTRA FOR PREVENTATIVE CARE AND WELLNESS VISITS

728,400 Arizonan Seniors To Pay More For Preventative Services This Year. The Republican budget will require that seniors pay deductibles, co-insurance, and copayments for many preventive services currently covered by Medicare; including cancer screenings such as mammograms and colonoscopies as well as annual wellness visits. As a result, fewer seniors will access these preventive services, thereby dramatically increasing Medicare spending in the long-term. [CMS, 2/15/12]

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Flake Has Failed Arizona’s Veterans
CONGRESSMAN FLAKE GETS AN ‘F’ FOR HIS FAILURE TO STAND UP FOR ARIZONA’S VETERANS

An “F” From the IAVA. The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America gave Jeff Flake an “F” in 2010 for failing to stand with veterans. [IAVA,2010]

Voted To Increase Fees, Against Funding Increase For Vets Healthcare. In 2006, Rep. Flake voted to kill three amendments to the Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill to prevent fee increases and provide an additional $1.82 billion for veterans health care. [Leadership Document, “Better and More Affordable Health Care for Veterans and Military Families,” 5/19/06; HR5385, Vote 173, 5/19/06]

Congressman Jeff Flake Voted Against The Post 9/11 GI Bill. In June 2008, Flake voted against a war-funding measure that revised GI Bill college benefits.  According to the NY Times, the bill “provided those who served at least three years on active duty educational assistance equivalent to tuition and fees at a leading public university in their state along with housing assistance, money for books, school supplies and tutorial assistance.” Reported the Associated Press, “The 416-12 roll call Thursday by which the House approved spending for revised GI Bill college benefits, a 13-week extension of unemployment checks and other domestic programs as part of the war-funding bill. A ‘yes’ vote is a vote to pass the bill. Voting yes were 230 Democrats and 186 Republicans.  Voting no were 3 Democrats and 9 Republicans.” [Associated Press, 6/20/08; NY Times, 6/20/08]

Flake Was One Of 3 To Vote Against A Bill Providing Educational Assistance And Jobs Training For Post-9/11 Veterans. In December 2010, Flake was one of 3 members to vote against S 3447. Reported the Associated Press, “A measure aimed at improving educational assistance for veterans since Sept. 11, 2001 awaits President Barack Obama's signature after passing the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill was introduced by U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka of Hawaii, who said Thursday that education of veterans is a vital part of the nation's commitment to members of the armed services. The bill provides for less complex programs for veterans who have served on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001, pays benefits for on-job and vocational training, and makes service members eligible for an annual book allowance.” [S 3447, Vote 642, 12/16/10; Associated Press, 12/17/10]

Flake Voted To Cut Legal Assistance For Poor Veterans Fighting For Their Benefits. In 2011, Rep. Flake voted for an amendment that made it harder for low-income veterans and Social Security recipients to hire a lawyer when fighting for their benefits.  The Lummis amendment imposed a seven-month moratorium on all legal fees paid under the Equal Access to Justice Act, a Reagan-era law designed to help people afford an attorney while suing the government.   “We’re in the middle of two wars right now and to make it harder for a veteran — fighting for his benefits — to have an attorney is a horrible thing. That’s not what this country is about,” Robert Chishold, a prominent veterans’ law attorney said. The amendment passed, 232-197. [Politico, 2/23/11; HR 1, Lummis amendment #195, Vote85, 2/17/11]

Flake Was One Of 2 Members To Oppose Increasing Education Opportunities For Veterans, Support For Servicemembers And Families During Deployment. In November 2009, Flake was one of two members to vote against HR 3949. Reported Tulsa World, “The House passed the Veterans' Small Business Assistance and Servicemembers Protection Act (H.R. 3949), sponsored by Rep. Bob Filner, D-Calif., to make provisions for increasing educational opportunities for servicemembers, stronger efforts nationally to support veterans, servicemembers and their families during deployment including greater flexibility for family cell phone plans, rental leases, and motor vehicle leases when servicemembers are deployed or required to change duty stations…The vote Tuesday was 382 yeas to 2 nays.” [HR 3949, Vote 835, 11/3/09; Tulsa World, 11/8/09]

Flake Voted To Cut Legal Assistance For Poor Veterans Fighting For Their Benefits. In 2011, Rep. Flake voted for an amendment that made it harder for low-income veterans and Social Security recipients to hire a lawyer when fighting for their benefits.  The Lummis amendment imposed a seven-month moratorium on all legal fees paid under the Equal Access to Justice Act, a Reagan-era law designed to help people afford an attorney while suing the government.   “We’re in the middle of two wars right now and to make it harder for a veteran — fighting for his benefits — to have an attorney is a horrible thing. That’s not what this country is about,” Robert Chishold, a prominent veterans’ law attorney said. The amendment passed, 232-197. [Politico, 2/23/11; HR 1, Lummis amendment #195, Vote85, 2/17/11]

Flake Opposed Bonuses for Troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2003, Rep. Flake voted against an amendment to provide $1,500 bonuses for each service member serving in Iraq ad Afghanistan in fiscal 2004. The measure would have taken $265 million out of an account paying for Iraqi petroleum imports and put it into a military personnel fund to pay for the bonuses. According to the Congressional Research Service, the energy firm Halliburton could be overcharging the U.S. as much as $249 million for importing fuel into Iraq. The amendment was defeated 213-213. [New York Times, 10/22/03; HR 3289, Vote 554, 10/17/03]

Flake Was One of 9 Members To Vote Against Homes For Heroes Act To Help Ensure Veterans Have Access To Affordable Housing. In July 2008, Flake was one of nine members to vote against HR 3329. Reported CongressNow, “The Homes for Heroes Act (H.R. 3329), introduced by Rep. Al Green (D-Texas), would create a special assistant for veterans' affairs within the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The assistant would coordinate within the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that veterans have access to affordable housing. . . . During a subcommittee markup of the legislation, he said that veterans are "overrepresented" among the homeless population in the country. Green said that one in four homeless people is a veteran, and that 1.5 million veterans live below the poverty line.” [HR 3329, Vote 478, 7/9/08; CongressNow, 7/7/08]

Flake Was One Of 2 Members To Vote Against Homes For Heroes Act Of 2009. In June 2009, Flake was one of two members to vote against HR 403, the Homes for Heroes Act of 2009. [HR 403, Vote 344, 6/16/09]

Flake Was One Of 2 Members To Oppose Increasing Education Opportunities For Veterans, Support For Servicemembers And Families During Deployment. In November 2009, Flake was one of two members to vote against HR 3949. Reported Tulsa World, “The House passed the Veterans' Small Business Assistance and Servicemembers Protection Act (H.R. 3949), sponsored by Rep. Bob Filner, D-Calif., to make provisions for increasing educational opportunities for servicemembers, stronger efforts nationally to support veterans, servicemembers and their families during deployment including greater flexibility for family cell phone plans, rental leases, and motor vehicle leases when servicemembers are deployed or required to change duty stations…The vote Tuesday was 382 yeas to 2 nays.” [HR 3949, Vote 835, 11/3/09; Tulsa World, 11/8/09]

In 2003, Flake Voted In Favor Of A Budget That Called For $15 Billion In Cuts To Veterans Programs.  In 2003, Rep. Flake voted for a budget that called for cutting $15 billion from veterans’ benefits, including veterans’ pensions, compensation, education and other benefits, over 10 years. The budget read: “The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs shall report changes in laws within its jurisdiction sufficient to reduce the level of direct spending for that committee by $449,000,000 in outlays for fiscal year 2004, $4,221,000,000 in outlays for the period of fiscal years 2004 through 2008, and $14,626,000,000 in outlays for the period of fiscal years 2004 through 2013.” [H. Con. Res. 95 (as passed by the House), Vote 82, 3/21/03]

In 2004, Flake Voted In Favor Of Budget That Provided $1.1 Billion Less That Needed To Maintain Current Service. In 2004, Rep. Flake voted in favor of a budget that was strongly opposed by major veterans’ organizations. A coalition of veterans groups, including the AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States was vehemently opposed to the bill. “For veterans' discretionary programs, primarily veterans' medical care, H. Con. Res. 393 would provide $1.1 billion below the minimum amount of funding determined necessary by the House Veterans' Affairs Committee…With the level of appropriations in the House budget resolution, VA will be required to delay medical care for some veterans, and deny it altogether for other sick and disabled veterans, just to enable it to meet inflationary costs, including increases in employee wages” the groups said. The budget resolution passed 215-212. [Letter to Members, 3/23/04; HCR 393, Vote 92, 3/20/04] 

In 2005, Flake Voted In Favor Of Budget Which Called For $800 Million In Cuts To Veterans’ Programs. Jeff Flake voted in favor of a Budget resolution which read: The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs shall report changes in laws within its jurisdiction sufficient to reduce the level of direct spending for that committee by $155,000,000 in outlays for fiscal year 2006 and $798,000,000 in outlays for the period of fiscal years 2006 through 2010.” [H Con Res 95 (as passed by the House) 3/17/05; Vote #88, 3/17/05]

2005 House Budget Cut Funding $14 Billion Below Level Needed To Maintain Existing Services. Minority Leader Pelosi said on the floor of the House that the House GOP budget would set funding level $14 below what was necessary just to maintain current funding levels.  CBO projected that spending at the VA would need to hit $37.7 billion per year by 2010 to maintain services, while the GOP budget projected only $30 billion in funding. [H Con Res 95 (as passed by the House) 3/17/05; Vote #88, 3/17/05; CBO, 3/1/05; Speaker Pelosi Release, 3/17/05]

Flake Voted For FY07 Budget That Set Funding $6 Billion Below Level Necessary To Maintain Current Services.  In 2006, Rep. Flake voted in favor of a $2.8 trillion budget that was fiscally reckless and harmful for America’s working families. The budget added hundreds of billions to the already record budget deficit and includes a provision to increase the debt limit by $653 billion to $9.6 trillion. It cuts key programs like education, health and veterans’ programs. The budget cuts veterans’ healthcare beyond 2007. Despite an initial boost in veterans’ health spending for 2007, over five years (from 2007-2011), the Republican budget resolution actually cut funding for veterans’ appropriated programs by $6 billion below the level that CBO estimates is needed to maintain current services. Additionally, the Republican budget resolution included significant increases in TRICARE costs for military retirees under 65. In fact, healthcare fees will triple for retired officers, double for retired senior enlisted personnel, and increase by 40 percent for junior enlisted retirees. The budget passed 218-210.   [House Budget Committee, Minority Staff Analysis of the FY 07 Budget, 10/6/2006]

Flake Opposed Bonuses for Troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2003, Rep. Flake voted against an amendment to provide $1,500 bonuses for each service member serving in Iraq ad Afghanistan in fiscal 2004. The measure would have taken $265 million out of an account paying for Iraqi petroleum imports and put it into a military personnel fund to pay for the bonuses. According to the Congressional Research Service, the energy firm Halliburton could be overcharging the U.S. as much as $249 million for importing fuel into Iraq. The amendment was defeated 213-213. [New York Times, 10/22/03; HR 3289, Vote 554, 10/17/03]

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IN FEBRUARY 2011, FLAKE TALKED ABOUT HIS SUPPORT FOR COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM – TELLING THE HILL ARIZONANS ‘KNOW WHERE I STAND ON THIS’

Flake Worked With Democratic Representative On Comprehensive Immigration Reform Legislation, Including Path To Citizenship. Reported The Hill in February 2011, “Arizona conservatives have struck Flake hard in the past on the immigration issue, and it will undoubtedly come up in any Republican primary. Flake has supported efforts for comprehensive immigration reform in the past…‘I have the most conservative district in the state and I've had primaries periodically on the immigration issue,’ Flake told The Hill on Tuesday. ‘Arizona voters are very sophisticated on this issue. They know where I stand on this.’” [The Hill, 2/16/11]

BY MARCH 2011, WHEN JEFF FLAKE DECIDED TO RUN FOR SENATE, HE ABANDONED HIS PAST SUPPORT FOR COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM

FLAKE: “‘In the past I have supported a broad approach to immigration reform – increased border security coupled with a temporary worker program. I no longer do,’” “In the past I have supported a broad approach to immigration reform – increased border security coupled with a temporary worker program. I no longer do,’ Flake says in an immigration-policy statement that was expected to be posted on his campaign website as early as today.” [Arizona Republic, 3/23/11]

POLITICO: “No Ignoring The Timing Of His Conversion.” Flake attributed his flip to his observations of "troubling conditions" along the border, which has been plagued by grisly violence inflamed by warring drug cartels. But there's no ignoring the timing of his conversion, coming just over a month after he announced his Senate bid. [Politico, 3/23/11]

ARIZONA REPUBLIC: “Flake Rejects Comprehensive Immigration Fix.” “For years, Rep. Jeff Flake was one of the most reliable Republican champions for comprehensive immigration reform. Not anymore. As his campaign for Arizona's 2012 GOP Senate nomination revs up, Flake is explicitly rejecting his past advocacy for far-reaching legislation that would secure the border, enact a temporary-worker program and give many undocumented immigrants a pathway to legal status.” [Arizona Republic, 3/23/11]

…OF COURSE, THOSE WHO TALK ABOUT ‘SECURING THE BORDER’ HAVE THEIR CRITICS – AMONG THEM REPRESENTATIVE JEFF FLAKE

Flake: “…What I Have A Problem With Is Those Who Say Let’s Fix The Border, And Then Do Everything Else.”  Jeff Flake on Arizona Horizon: “But what I have a problem with is those who say let’s fix the border, and then do everything else, knowing that doing those things on the border at best is going to take years to secure the border, and in the meantime, we have to realize that between 42 and 45 percent of those who are here now didn’t come across the border, they came legally and have overstayed.  And so I think it behooves us to also deal with those issues as well, while we focus on the border, not just say ‘we’re going to focus on the border and then everything else.” [Arizona Horizon, 8/18/2010]

ADDENDUM: BACK TO THE MIDDLE FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION…

Flake Was Endorsed By The Western Growers Association In September 2012 For His Support For Immigration Reform.  The Western Growers Association endorsed Jeff Flake on September 20, 2012, saying that Flake “has pushed for sensible solutions to our immigration crisis” and adding that the Association looks forward “to his leadership in the Senate to finally create a system that addresses our critical need for a stable and legal workforce.”  The head of the Association added that Flake “knows what’s at stake… if the domestic supply of fresh fruit, vegetables and tree nuts goes offshore because farm workers can’t get visas or the legal status [emphasis added] to work here.” [Western Growers Association, 9/20/12]

Hypocrisy prompted AZ Republic Columnist To Ask: “What's Jeff Flake telling growers on immigration?” The Republic’s Linda Vasquez pointed out this inconsistency, writing that Flake “ran away from his long-time support for comprehensive immigration reform to run for the Senate” because “reasonable stands on immigration don’t play well among Arizona’s Republicans.”  But, she wrote, “the Western Growers just sent out a press release announcing their endorsement of him because ‘we look forward to his leadership in the Senate to finally create a system that addresses our critical need for a stable and legal workforce.’  Sure sounds like comprehensive reform, doesn’t it? Does this association of regional growers know something Flake doesn’t want GOP voters to know?” [AZ Republic, 9/20/12]

Flake Opposed Sanctions On Iran
Now he's flip-flopped to run for Senate

Jeff Flake opposed sanctions on Iran throughout his career, but now he’s flip-flopped to run for Senate.

Flake One Of Only 21 Members To Oppose Sanctions against Iran (2006). In 2006, Rep. Flake voted against a bill to impose sanctions against foreign companies that invest more than $20 million in Iran's energy sector. Under the bill, countries that assist Iran's weapons industry also could lose U.S. foreign aid. Sanctions would be in effect until the president certified to Congress that Iran had dismantled its weapons of mass destruction. The bill passed 397-21.  [HR 282, Vote 105, 4/26/06]

Flake Was One Of Only 6 House Members To Oppose Crack Down on Investors in Iran (2007). In 2007, Flake voted against the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act, a bill to authorize state and local governments to direct divestiture from, and prevent investment in, entities with investments of $20 million or more in Iran's energy sector. The bill also allowed state and local governments to direct divestiture from, and prevent investment in, companies that sell arms to the government of Iran, and financial institutions that extend $20 million or more in credit to the Iran government for 45 days or more. The bill passed 408-6.  [HR 2347, Vote #765, 7/31/07]

Flake Was One Of Only 11 House Members To Vote Against Expanding Sanctions Against Iran (2007). In 2007, Flake voted against legislation to expand sanctions on Iran. The bill expanded the definition of those subject to sanctions for making investments that increase Iran's ability to develop its petroleum resources. Under the bill, the new definition would add financial institutions, insurers, underwriters, guarantors and any other business organizations, including any foreign subsidiaries, to the list of entities already barred from investing in Iran. The bill passed 415-11.  [HR 957, Vote #772, 7/31/07]

In September, 2007, Flake Claimed That Unilateral Sanctions Were Inappropriate. In a press release on his “vote against sanctions on Iran,” Flake said: “Additional unilateral sanctions may undermine the Administration’s ability to act in concert with our allies with regard to Iran,” said Flake. “I have confidence that the Administration fully appreciates the threat that Iran’s government poses, and they are right to be concerned about moving too far ahead of our allies in response to that threat.” [Flake Press Release, 9/26/07]

Flake Was One Of 8 Members To Vote Against Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, And Divestment Act (2010). Flake was one of only 8 Congressmen to vote against the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, And Divestment Act (H.R. 2194) what John McCain called the “most powerful sanctions ever imposed by the Congress on the government of Iran.”  Targeted at the country’s imports of refined energy products, and the powerful Revolutionary Guard, the sanctions sent “a message to the Tehran government that notions of becoming a nuclear power could be accompanied by a steep economic price.” [AP/Huffington Post, 6/24/10; HR. 2194, Vote 975]

FLAKE’S POSITION HAS CHANGED, NOW THAT HE’S RUNNING FOR SENATE…

Flake Voted For 2011 Iran Sanctions Bill. In 2011, despite objecting to previous Iran sanctions bills, Flake voted for bill to “impose tough new sanctions on Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which not only is the major instrument of regime repression in Iran, but also controls Iran’s nuclear program and much of the economy. The legislation would, for the first time, also enshrine in law that it is U.S. policy to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, escalate the level of sanctions against the regime’s human rights violators, and sharply tighten the enforcement of existing sanctions law.” [AIPAC, Dec. 2011; THOMAS, HR 1905]

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Flake lies about pledge
Flake signed Americans for Tax Reform Pledge and then lied about it

Flake Signed ATR Pledge. According to the Americans for Tax Reform’s list of pledge signers from the 112th Congress, Flake has signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge. [ATR 112th Congress Pledge Signers, accessed 6/21/12]