Clyburn Statement on Passage of Emergency Supplemental Bill

Statement

Clyburn Statement on Passage of Emergency Supplemental Bill

House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn today released the following statement after House passage of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2008.

"Today the Democratic-led Congress has demonstrated a commitment to providing a bright future for our troops when they come home. I am especially proud of a provision in this legislation to provide a full four-year scholarship to all veterans under a new GI Bill. Our military service members and their families make significant sacrifices to protect the freedoms we all enjoy. The very least we can do is provide them resources for higher education and opportunities for a great future. Furthermore, as Democrats continue to push for a New Direction in Iraq, I believe it is important to provide the troops with the resources they need while they are in harms way.

"Although the President resisted attempts to provide for Americans struggling under the Bush economy, we were able to include in this package extended unemployment benefits for those who have exhausted 26 weeks of regular benefits. We responded quickly to the floods and tornadoes in the Midwest with $2.65 billion in disaster relief funds. And we halted Bush Administration Medicaid regulations that would slash vital services and resources for vulnerable Americans.

"Finally, I am pleased that we have continued our commitment to the Gulf Coast region and our partnership for the future by providing $5.8 billion to bolster the levees in New Orleans and $73 million for permanent supportive housing vouchers targeted to the extremely low-income, disabled and elderly left homeless as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Together we are building a New Direction for our fellow Americans in the Gulf Coast region."

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