Walberg Signs Discharge Petition to Force House Vote on Funding for US Troops

Press Release

WALBERG SIGNS DISCHARGE PETITION TO FORCE HOUSE VOTE ON FUNDING FOR U.S. TROOPS

U.S. Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI) issued the following statement today after signing a discharge petition to force consideration of Congressman Sam Johnson's (R-TX) legislation (H.R. 511) which would bind Congress to a funding commitment for U.S. troops.

"Congressman Sam Johnson is a true American hero, and I am honored to join him in committing full support to our troops in the field.

"It is the role of Congress to give authorization, provide funding and exercise oversight of wars. It is not the role of Congress to micromanage the troops on the ground and the conflict in Iraq. These decisions are best made by our military commanders in the field, not by 435 generals in the House of Representatives.

"It is time to stop playing games with funding that our troops need. Congress needs to give our heroes the full amount of resources and support needed to complete their mission victoriously."

BACKGROUND:

- Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX) introduced H.R. 511 in January
- The legislation requires that "Congress will not cut off or restrict funding" for troops in Iraq or Afghanistan
- While the bill has 176 co-sponsors, the Democrat majority has not scheduled a vote on it
- The discharge petition will force the bill's consideration if signed by a majority, or 218 members, of the House

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