House Approves Funding for Southern California Wildfires
$500 Million Included in Iraq, Afghanistan Supplemental

October 31, 2003

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman David Dreier (R-CA), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, voted last night to approve an emergency funding bill for the war in Afghanistan and Iraq that included $500 million for the wildfires raging in Southern California. H.R. 3289, the Supplemental Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2004 Conference Report, was approved with broad bipartisan support, 298-121.

"The wildfire situation in our state certainly qualifies as an emergency and I'm very pleased my colleague Jerry Lewis was able to include this funding in the conference report," Dreier said. "Unfortunately, this money may be just a down payment, given the extent of the damage. This bill is an important first step and a recognition that the federal government is ready to help the thousands of Californians who have lost their homes and businesses rebuild."

The funding bill approved by the House last night provides $87 billion for our troops fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan and the reconstruction of both countries. Specifically, it includes $20.3 billion in funding for law enforcement, military, and justice, public safety infrastructure and civil society in Iraq. It also includes $1.2 billion for infrastructure improvements, in support of women's programs, security assistance and economic development in Afghanistan.

The remainder of the funding in the bill, $64.7 billion, goes to support of our troops and their missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. The funding will provide increased force protection through the purchase of body armor Special Armor Plate Inserts, Tricare and Reservist Health Care Benefits, meal allowances for injured troops during their hospitalization, and hazard pay and family support.

"This funding provides critical support to our troops and our allies for their efforts to prevent terrorists from using Iraq and Afghanistan as places to plan and execute terrorist acts," Dreier said. "Doing so will make America, and the world, safer. We must see this mission through, and we will continue to send whatever support is needed to our troops."