Washington, DC - Today, Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) made the following remarks in support of H.R. 2346, the “Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2009.”  This bill will make supplemental appropriations available for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009 – providing funding for the Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the “Cash for Clunkers” program and other provisions. The House passed the bill, 226-202.

“Madam Speaker: I rise in support of the Conference Report to H.R. 2346, the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2009. 

“The agreement reached by the House and Senate negotiators provides our troops needed equipment on the battlefield and adequate pay for their service through the remainder of the 2009 fiscal year, compensation of $500 for every month they were forced to remain on active-duty for longer than planned since 2001, funding to fulfill President Obama’s promise to end the Iraq War, support for refocusing our military and civilian operations in Afghanistan, and assistance for new counterterrorism, economic, and diplomatic initiatives in Pakistan.   

“In addition, this legislation contains much-needed funding to respond to urgent humanitarian crises involving refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs).  While I thank the Committee for including this assistance, I am hopeful such funding is just a sign of more to come.  I am especially hopeful the U.S. will continue to respond to the dire needs to Iraqi refugees and IDPs, the largest refugee crisis since Palestinian Diaspora of 1948. 

“I would also like to thank Chairman Obey for providing $1 billion for the program authorized by the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act (also known as “cash-for-clunkers.”)  I was pleased to cosponsor and help craft the cash-for-clunkers legislation which will result in meaningful reductions in vehicle fleet carbon emissions and fuel consumption, while providing much-needed stimulus for our ailing automakers and economy.

“Finally, as a long-time supporter of the Department of Health and Human Services and front-line public health agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, I am pleased that the Supplemental Appropriations Act includes $1.5 billion for these Federal programs, along with an additional $5.8 billion in contingent emergency appropriations for priority efforts to respond to the pandemic flu.  Further, it provides $350 million to assist State and local governments, who play an important role in protecting the public, in preparing for and responding to a pandemic. 

“After the recent outbreak of H1N1, which has been confirmed in 75 countries, it became apparent that the United States must work swiftly to ensure our readiness.  The funding provided in the bill will allow the United States to take important steps forward in protecting Americans from a dangerous outbreak, including the expansion of detection efforts, shoring up Federal stockpiles, and securing sufficient vaccinations. 

“I thank Chairman Obey, the Appropriations Committee, and the conference negotiators for including these provisions, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the Conference Report to H.R. 2346.”