POLITICIZING FUNDING AFFECTS BUDGET PLANNING AND ALLOCATIONS, HURTING THE MILITARY

Washington, Apr 25, 2007 - "Our military commanders and troops need funding for equipment, supplies, and training as they are engaged in ongoing operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala).  "Instead of delivering support that our service members require, this bill delivers a message of defeat, setting a date for surrender.  In addition, today the Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England explained to us how this process is hurting the military by creating uncertainty in the budget allocation process, they need this funding with no a strings attached."

Stearns today opposed passage of H.R. 1591, the Emergency Supplemental Bill.  While providing funding for military operations, the measure would impose an arbitrary end to operations in Iraq.  The measure would require the withdrawal of most American troops from Iraq by October 1, 2007 at the latest.  Under certain circumstances, these troops would be withdrawn by July 1, 2007.

Added Stearns, "This bill empowers our enemies with a date certain for an end to combat operations, providing an incentive to maintain their reign of terror.  I support strategic benchmarks that measure the success of the Administration and Iraqi government in achieving victory.  However, the benchmarks in H.R. 1591 are designed to trigger failure and the withdrawal of our troops before their mission is completed."

Although the bill provides nearly $100 billion for the missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, it includes funding for non-emergency programs.  Explained Stearns, "Instead of focusing on ongoing operations in the Global War on Terror, this measure includes $3.7 billion in agricultural assistance, $450 million for foreign food assistance, and $140 million in foreign aid."