Larsen Supports Funding for Troops, Tsunami Relief
Larsen Supports Funding for Troops, Tsunami Relief
March 16, 2005
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) today voted in favor of Emergency Supplemental Wartime Appropriations for FY 2005 (H.R. 1268). The measure passed the House of Representatives with a vote of 388 to 43.
Larsen released the following statement on his vote:
"Today's war supplemental is a further measurement of the administration's miscalculations in Iraq. The overall price tag for U.S. military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan now totals more than $275 billion.
"Like many Americans, I am frustrated by the president's lack of a clear vision for success in Iraq and an exit strategy to bring our troops home as quickly as possible.
"The administration has made several errors in Iraq, but Congress and our troops have a responsibility to correct those missteps. I voted for today's war supplemental bill because it will help our troops do their jobs so that they can return home.
"As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am also fighting against President Bush's deep cuts to veterans benefits. Many brave women and men are returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan. We must stop the Bush budget from cutting critical funding for veterans health care. We should be increasing, not decreasing, programs that help our veterans returning from duty.
"I will continue supporting the women and men in our military by making sure they get the resources they need on the ground and the services and benefits they've earned at home."
The bill appropriates $81.3 billion in emergency fiscal year 2005 funds. It appropriates $76.8 billion for military activities. The measure provides $3.2 billion for foreign assistance, peacekeeping programs in Sudan and other countries, and State Department activities. The bill also provides funding for tsunami relief and U.S. military efforts to provide tsunami relief operations.
Larsen serves on the House Armed Services Committee. He has twice visited with troops in Iraq since the war began.
http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/wa02_larsen/pr_03162005_troopstsunami.html