Department Of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010

Floor Speech

* Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise to express my support for H.R. 3326, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2010. This legislation provides the needed support, resources, and equipment for America's brave men and women in uniform.

* With the passage of H.R. 3326, Congress will affirm its commitment to America's Armed Forces, both overseas in a theater of war and here at home when they return from duty. I am pleased that this bill recognizes the incredible sacrifice made by our troops and their families. It provides an increase in military pay, first-class medical care, and expanded support and counseling for military families enduring the burdens of war.

* But the sacrifices made for national security should not be for our troops and their families to bear alone. When the country commits to fighting a war, it must also commit to paying for it. All additional funding necessary for stability in Afghanistan and Pakistan must be paid for today, rather than added to America's mounting debt. That is why I joined my colleagues in cosponsoring H.R. 4130, a bill that would establish a temporary surtax to pay for the war in Afghanistan.

* Madam Speaker, I am also pleased that H.R. 3326 increases oversight of the Department of Defense to reign in waste, fraud, and abuse. It ensures that defense personnel--not outside contractors--perform the department's most critical functions, and calls for additional investigators to oversee those contracts that are outsourced.

* Finally, in addition to critical spending for our national defense, this package contains key items to help Americans during our economic downturn. H.R. 3326 will extend expanded unemployment benefits, health insurance for unemployed workers, and enhancements for small business loans. It will delay cuts to Medicare physician payment extensions, and help meet the growing demand for nutrition assistance for low- and middle-income Americans.

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