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Senator Amy Klobuchar Votes for Increased Troop Funding, Convention Security and Ag Disaster Assistance for Minnesota

Senate Also Includes Provision for Phased Withdrawal from Iraq

March 29, 2007

(Washington, D.C.) U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar today voted for the Emergency Supplemental bill (H.R. 1591) which provides an extra $96 billion funding for the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition to providing more equipment and body armor to soldiers in the field, the bill increases veterans' healthcare funding by $4 billion. The bill passed by a margin of 51 to 47. It will be merged with the House of Representatives legislation before heading to the President's desk for his approval.

"Our country faces an enormous challenge: how do we repay our men and women who have sacrificed for us on the front lines and ensure that they have all the support and services that they need when they return home," said Klobuchar. "Today's important action begins to meet that challenge with increased funding for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, more assistance to care for our soldiers when they return, and a commitment to a change of course in Iraq through a phased withdrawal of combat troops."

Klobuchar also discussed security funding at home. She helped lead the effort yesterday to protect $50 million in security funding coming to Minnesota for hosting the 2008 Republican National Convention. A motion to strike Minnesota's funding was defeated yesterday. Working from the Senate floor, Klobuchar explained to her colleagues, "this is an enormous effort that involves law enforcement from all over our state. We have to be reimbursed or taxpayers all over our state will have to foot the bill."

Senator Klobuchar also went to bat for Minnesota farmers who suffered from floods, droughts and other natural disasters. The bill provides $4 billion to compensate farmers for a portion of their crop and livestock losses over the past two years. The bill also provides $95 million for dairy production losses and $24 million for sugarbeet producers. "Minnesota farmers have been hit with heavy losses for two consecutive years," said Klobuchar. "Our state has waited too long for this emergency funding and I am pleased that the Senate has finally responded to the urgent need for assistance. I look forward to hearing our farmers' concerns at Senator Conrad's Farm Bill Meeting on Monday." Klobuchar will join Senator Conrad at the "Northern Plains Priorities in the 2007 Farm Bill" hearing in Fargo, North Dakota on Monday, April 2nd, 2007.

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