Washington, Jan 31, 2007 -

House Conference Secretary John Carter (TX-31) today voted against a bill that would significantly increase taxpayers’ share of the national debt while simultaneously cutting funds to support America’s troops. Although claimed to be a Continuing Resolution by House Democrats, H.J. Res. 20, the 2007 Revised Continuing Appropriations Resolution, is a 137 page omnibus crafted in secret and debated for only one hour and yet proposes to spend an additional $463.5 billion on special provisions, increasing every American’s share of the national debt by $1,539.53.

“This omnibus spending bill is outrageous. It shortchanges military families in a time of war while funding such pork projects as $44 million for a rain forest in Iowa,” said Congressman Carter. “Instead of taking advantage of the $7 billion opportunity to make good on their promise to cut the deficit by passing a CR that freezes government spending at current levels, the Democrats instead chose continue their pattern of tax and spend.”

The resolution contains numerous provisions of particular concern to military families. The huge spending bill significantly decreases funding from DoD’s 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) decisions. Specifically, it provides for a $3.1 billion reduction from President Bush’s request for the BRAC process, more than half of the money the Pentagon needs to meet its BRAC commitments. If enacted, this omnibus would significantly delay BRAC implementation, reduce BRAC savings and negatively impact many communities throughout the country that have begun making specific plans in response to BRAC. A reduction of this magnitude below the 2006 enacted level will affect the ability to carry out foreign policy priorities, including crucial democracy, infrastructure statement, and economic development programs in Iraq.

Other items in the omnibus crucial to the defense of the United States include an additional $100 million to fight the war against terrorism in Afghanistan, roughly only 40 percent of President Bush’s request of $249 million, and only $40 million for stability and reconstruction programs in Iraq, only a fraction of the 2007 budget request for an increase of $709 million.

Among the items missing from the spending bill that had been included in the previously approved FY 2007 Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill is $18 million for the construction of a CH-47 Chinook Hangar at Fort Hood, which was requested by Congressman Carter and Congressman Chet Edwards. While such vital projects were cut entirely, the omnibus unashamedly includes $44 million earmarked for a tropical rain forest in Iowa. Other projects of critical value to central Texas that were stripped from the previously approved spending package include:

· Metroplex Hospital Birthing Center expansion - The expansion would have enabled the Killeen hospital to meet the medical needs of a rapidly growing community.

· Tarleton State University's Center for the Advancement of Rural Nursing Education - The initiative would have met the health needs of rural Texas by training local nurses at two satellite nursing school programs.

· Hester's Crossroad Turn Around – This major project would have relieved traffic congestion in Williamson County.

· Tank Destroyer Boulevard improvements - This project would have relieved traffic congestion between Coppers Cove and Ft. Hood.

“Being a fiscal conservative, I cannot in good conscience vote for such a measure that would irresponsibly spend our taxpayers’ dollars without oversight,” said Congressman Carter. “This is an unprecedented and egregious act by our Democratic leaders to sneak a massive $460 billion spending increase through the House without following the proper channels that would allow transparency. These bills are always passed through committee, and this was devious ploy to make sure this bill was crafted behind closed doors and would never see debate in the light of day.”

House Republicans moved to shut off funding for the hundreds of millions of dollars in hidden earmarks incorporated into the spending bill, and proposed to instead use the funds to support America’s military and enforce anti-drug laws. The motion was intended to help Democrat leaders make good on their promise to end abuse of appropriating excessive dollars for earmarks. Specifically, it will support military housing for those in uniform and restore cuts to anti-drug enforcement programs that address the blight of methamphetamine abuse and reduce drug-related crime and violence.