Senator Klobuchar Votes for Additional $100 billion for Troops
Press Release
Senator Klobuchar Votes for Additional $100 billion for Troops
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar today voted for legislation which provides $124 billion primarily for our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq and calls for a sensible redeployment from Iraq beginning in October. In addition, the Emergency Supplemental Bill, H.R. 1591, increases veterans' health care funding and offers financial disaster relief to farmers.
"We have an obligation to wrap our arms around those who serve and sacrifice for us. I believe we can do much better for our troops and this bill is the first step in realizing that. The very best thing we can do for our troops is to get this policy right. This means sending a clear message to the Iraqi government that we are not staying there indefinitely," said Klobuchar.
The legislation provides $100 billion for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan -- $4 billion more than the President requested. It also includes a change of course in Iraq policy. The new legislation calls for redeployment of troops from Iraq beginning no later than October 1, 2007, with a goal of completing withdrawal within 180 days. After that time, a limited number of forces will remain to help train, protect, and equip Iraqi forces and perform targeted counter-terrorism operations.
Klobuchar also voted for an increase in funding in health care for wounded veterans. "When our soldiers signed up to serve our country, there wasn't a waiting line. When they come home, they should not be shunted to the end of the line. These are first-class soldiers - and they should be treated as first-class soldiers when they come home, with the benefits and support they deserve," Klobuchar said. The new legislation allocates more than $5 billion in health care funds for returning troops and veterans.
Senator Klobuchar also went to bat for Minnesota farmers who suffered from floods, droughts and other natural disasters. The bill provides $3.5 billion to compensate farmers for a portion of their crop and livestock losses over the past two years. As Klobuchar noted, "Minnesota farmers have been hit with heavy losses for two consecutive years. Our state has waited too long for this emergency funding and I am pleased that the Senate has finally responded to the urgent need for assistance."
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