WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night the House of Representatives considered the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2008 which provides funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  This proposal was considered by the House as two amendments: Amendment #1 provided funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and was passed by a vote of 268 - 155; Amendment #2 provided funding for key domestic and humanitarian priorities and was passed by a 416 - 12. 

Congresswoman Lois Capps voted against Amendment #1, which would give President Bush another blank check to fund his failed policies in Iraq.  Capps voted for Amendment #2 to fund key domestic priorities such as the new GI bill and extended unemployment benefits.

“While I am proud to support our brave men and women in uniform, and their families, who have given so much to our country, I cannot support the continued funding of President Bush’s failed policies in Iraq,” said Capps.  “Despite our best efforts to bring this war to a responsible end, President Bush and his Republican friends in Congress continue to resist the American people’s call for change.  I’m going to continue my efforts to hold the Bush Administration accountable and I look forward to responsibly ending this war with a new Administration and an expanded Democratic Majority in Congress. 

“I was proud to support funding for several critical domestic and humanitarian priorities, including a much needed expansion and enhancement of the GI Bill.  As we welcome the return of our military men and women it is important that we show our full appreciation for their service by providing them with the tools and the support to take the next step in their lives.  Restoring the GI Bill’s original promise of a full, four-year college education, and allowing service members to transfer educational benefits to spouses and dependents is the right thing to do for our military men and women.  Not only will it help our service members but it will help make America’s economy stronger and encourage a more educated workforce.” 

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Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.