WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Allen Boyd (D-North Florida) last week in support of the 2009 Supplemental Appropriations Act (H.R. 2346), which would fully fund military operations in Iraq, while making a strategic investment in the ongoing fight against terrorism in Afghanistan. Specifically, the supplemental bill provides $47.7 billion to fund the operations and maintenance of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, $23 billion to refurbish or replace equipment worn out or damaged in combat, and $3.2 billion for important military construction projects.

 

“I believe it’s our duty to ensure that our troops on the ground have the training, tools, and resources they need to complete their mission and come home safely,” said Congressman Boyd. “In addition to fully funding the needs of our armed forces, this supplemental bill is consistent with plans to refocus our efforts on the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan. As our military strategy in the region continues to evolve, this legislation upgrades our force structure, improves the quality and reliability of life-saving equipment, and will support our efforts to stabilize Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan.”

 

Over the past seven years, Congress has funded many of our country’s anticipated expenditures through the supplemental process, which is typically reserved for unforeseen emergencies.

 

Congressman Boyd has been outspoken about the need to end this practice, and the 2009 Supplemental Appropriations Act will be the last time that this Congress will be required to pay for anticipated spending obligations through the supplemental process.  This commitment is further reiterated in the Fiscal Year 2010 Budget that Congress passed last month, which includes the full costs of our operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, putting these costs on the budget for the first time.

“Congress can’t continue to rely on off-budget supplemental spending bills to pay for our spending obligations,” added Congressman Boyd. “I am pleased that the budget passed by Congress last month fully funds all of our national priorities, including the costs of ongoing missions in Iraq and Afghanistan and begins to reverse the reckless fiscal policies that have led to our current budget deficits.”

 

The 2009 Supplemental Appropriations Act passed in the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support by a vote of 368-60.  The bill will now be considered by the Senate with the goal of sending it to the President’s desk before Memorial Day.

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