HOUSE PASSES EMERGENCY FUNDS FOR TROOPS AND KATRINA VICTIMS

Rep. Davis calls measure “long overdue.”

 

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, by a vote of 351 to 67, the House of Representatives passed the conference report on H.R. 4939, the Fiscal Year 2006 Iraq/Katrina Supplemental Appropriations bill.  Congressman Jim Davis, who voted for the $94.5 billion measure, released the following statement regarding the vote.

 

“The conference report passed today takes long overdue steps to address the needs of our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan and to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina get back on their feet.”

 

“For too long, the men and women risking their lives to serve our country in Iraq and Afghanistan have been without an adequate supply of armored vehicles.  This measure provides $725 million over the President’s request to provide critical upgrades to military vehicles, ensuring that our troops have the necessary equipment to accomplish their mission. Furthermore, the report fully funds the $100,000 death benefit for soldiers’ families and the enhanced $400,000 maximum life insurance benefit for our service men and women.

 

“And over nine months after Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast, far too many of Katrina’s victims are still struggling to put a roof over their families’ heads, to rebuild their community’s schools and to repair broken levees.  I am pleased that this measure provides $19.8 billion to help address their needs.”