"This bill provides a new strategy for success in Iraq..." - Rep. Gillibrand

March 20, 2007

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Later this week Congresswoman Gillibrand will vote in favor of the House Iraq Supplemental Bill known as the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans’ Health and Iraq Accountability Act. The bill reflects many of the priorities Rep. Gillibrand advocated for prior to her election in Congress and provides America with a new direction in Iraq.

“This bill provides a new strategy for success in Iraq,” said Gillibrand, a member of the House Armed Services Committee. “It is time to force the Iraqis to decide their own future and give them a defined notice period for the conflicting religious groups to choose between compromise and conflict. This will force all the Sunni, Shi’a and Kurds to the bargaining table.”

The bill also reflects Gillibrand’s commitment to troop safety and veteran healthcare by going beyond the President’s request for greater investments in our nations heroes.

Specifically the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans’ Health and Iraq Accountability Act appropriates:

• $1.7 billion more for military health care, including for Walter Reed and other hospitals,
• $1.7 billion more for veterans’ health care,
• $2.5 billion more for improving the readiness of our stateside troops, and
• $1.4 billion more for military housing allowances

Congresswoman Gillibrand recently formed a Veterans’ Advisory Committee within the district. Overwhelmingly the group sees better access for our soldiers and veterans to quality healthcare as a major priority for Congress.

“Our soldiers and their families have made great sacrifices and served their country with distinction. It is our obligation to meet their sacrifice with a commitment to take care of them when they come home, added Gillibrand.”

The bill also re-focuses our efforts to fight terrorism on Al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan by calling for a responsible, phased redeployment of our troops out of Iraq, allowing the U.S. to solidify our military efforts in Afghanistan where al Qaeda and the Taliban are strengthening. The bill also provides $1.2 billion more than the President originally requested for efforts in Afghanistan.

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