Boehner Calls on House Democrats to Allow

WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) today called on House Democrats to allow a vote on a measure that would ensure Congress does not cut off funding for American troops serving throughout the world in the Global War on Terror.

Victory in Iraq is the most important issue facing our country today, Boehner said. It deserves a full and thorough discussion in Congress. I hope the House Democrats will take a more open approach on this issue than their counterparts in the U.S. Senate, who just days after trying to shut down debate on the Iraq War have now refused to allow a vote on a measure stating that Congress will not cut off funding for our troops serving in harms way.

Numerous 8^th District residents have deployed overseas to serve in Iraq and other areas in support of victory in the Global War on Terror, including members of the 324^th Military Police Company from Middletown; the Ohio Army National Guard 1487^th Transportation Company from Eaton and Piqua; Ohio Army National Guard A Company, 612^th Engineer Battalion from St. Marys; and Ohio National Guard C Troop, 107^th Cavalry Squadron from Greenville. There have also been countless 8^th District constituents serving with active component units not stationed in the district. Additionally, there are currently 387 troops connected to Wright-Patterson Air Force base not including a C-5 Galaxy cargo plane reserve unit deployed overseas in the war on terror.

Republicans and Democrats must work together to help stabilize Iraqs democracy and bring our troops home safely. Our challenge is a difficult one, but one thing is clear: We must protect the funding our troops need to succeed in their mission, Boehner said.

Boehner is an original co-sponsor of legislation (H.R. 511) authored by Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX) to ensure the Congress does not cut off or restrict funding for Americas troops who are in a combat zone.

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