Conference Report On H.R. 2346, Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2009

Floor Speech

Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in support of the FY 2009 Supplemental Conference Report. The funding provided in this Report is part of the President and Congress' comprehensive effort to keep our nation safe. The brave men and women in our armed forces are central to our national security. From ensuring our troops have appropriate equipment to fully funding military pay and providing compensation for stop-loss, President Obama and Congress are committed to providing for our troops and their families. The Conference Report also allows the extension of the new GI-Bill benefits to children of members of the armed forces who die while on active duty.

Another central piece of our national security is implementing the comprehensive plans that President Obama has laid out for Iraq and Afghanistan, and this Conference Report is consistent with those plans. It also funds new initiatives in Pakistan as part of our continued effort to improve their ability to confront the threat posed by the Taliban and al Qaeda. Working to improve our health security, the Supplemental Conference Report provides billions for pandemic flu response to expand detection efforts, supplement federal stockpiles, and develop, purchase and administer vaccines.

Congress is working with President Obama every day to keep our nation safe--this legislation is a key piece of that effort. I urge my colleagues to support it.

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