DOES INCLUDE BENCHMARKS FOR THE IRAQI GOVERNMENT TO MEASURE PROGRESS TOWARD VICTORY

Washington, May 24, 2007 - "Our troops need to know that they have our support, especially as they are engaged in ongoing military operations," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala).  "It is imperative that they receive the resources to complete their missions, and this measure provides them funding through the end of the current fiscal year (through September 30, 2007).  The certainty of funding through the current fiscal year allows our commanders to plan and prepare for the future.  In addition, it includes benchmarks for the Iraqi government to measure progress in achieving victory."

The House today approved the funding bill negotiated with the Senate and the White House that provides $120 billion in emergency spending, with $95.5 billion for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.  The measure, H.R. 2206, also establishes benchmarks for the Iraqi government, including: Enacting and implementing legislation on de-Baathification; Forming a Constitutional Review Committee; Enacting and implementing legislation to ensure the equitable distribution of oil resources without regard to the sect or ethnicity of recipients; Providing three trained and ready Iraqi brigades to support Baghdad operations; and Increasing the number of Iraqi security forces units capable of operating independently.