House Approves Funding for Troops,
Iraq Reconstruction

October 17, 2003

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman David Dreier (R-CA), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, voted today to approve legislation that will provide critical funding for our troops and the reconstruction of Iraq and Afghanistan. The Supplemental Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year for 2004, H.R. 3289, was approved 303-125.

"This funding bill represents a huge step forward not only in Operation Iraqi Freedom, but in the global war on terror as well," Dreier said. "Most of the funding in this bill goes to direct support for the troops. But the reconstruction funding is critical to the well being of our troops as well. The sooner we get Iraq up and running and standing on its own two feet, the sooner we will be able to bring our troops home. The mission is critical, but as the President has said before, we should not stay in Iraq one day more than is necessary."

Included in the legislation is $18.6 billion for Iraq Relief and Reconstruction, $1.2 billion for Afghanistan Relief and Reconstruction, and $64.7 billion for National Defense. Specifically, the Iraq Reconstruction section of the bill includes $217 million for border security, $950 million for recruiting and training of an Iraqi police force, and $2.1 billion for training, equipping, and deploying the New Iraq Army. Highlights of the National Defense section of the bill include increased funding for force protection and quality of life and continued payment of per diem for travel of family members of military personnel who are ill or injured as a result of active duty service.

Dreier said he views this funding bill as yet another investment in our national security. "It's estimated that the attacks of September 11, 2001 had an economic impact of over $150 billion, not to mention the horrible personal and emotional impacts," Dreier said. "We must do everything we can to prevent another attack like that from happening. A secure and stable Iraq will go a long way towards doing so."

The House and Senate versions of this bill will now be reconciled in a conference committee and sent to the President for his signature.