Walz to Vote for Latest Iraq Supplemental Legislation

Press Release

WALZ TO VOTE FOR LATEST IRAQ SUPPLEMENTAL LEGISLATION

Today, the House of Representatives will vote on a revised Iraq War supplemental funding bill. Rep. Tim Walz says he is very disappointed with the legislation but feels he must vote for it in order to prevent the troops from losing the funds they need.

"I opposed the U.S. invasion of Iraq and I believe that continued U.S. involvement in Iraq's religious civil war has been counterproductive. I supported legislation that would have required benchmarks and timelines limiting our military presence in Iraq, but unfortunately the President vetoed those proposals. Although I am extremely disappointed in this legislation, it is the only option I have to ensure that our troops in the field have the resources they need," said Walz.

Walz continued, "I would like to believe that if the Congress withheld funding for Iraq, President Bush would eventually negotiate with us on compromise legislation. But over the past few weeks I have witnessed a very different and disturbing reality. The truth is, throughout this debate the President has been unwilling to compromise. He made it clear that if my colleagues in Congress and I vote against this newest funding bill, he will not relent."

"I believe that if Congress rejects the funding proposal, President Bush will leave our solders in Iraq regardless of whether they have the resources necessary for their safety. I spent 24 years serving in our Armed Forces training and equipping young people to fight for their country. I understand the consequences of cutting budgets for troops in the field, and I cannot allow that to happen. The only way I can moderate the President's recklessness is to ensure he does not leave our soldiers in Iraq without the funding and equipment they need," concluded Walz.

The spending bill considered by the House today provides the needed funding for our Armed Forces in Iraq, while also funding veterans' and active-duty military health care beyond what the President requested. This new bill still requires the Iraqi government to meet benchmarks of success. However, instead of tying the U.S. troop presence in Iraq to the Iraqi government's success in achieving these benchmarks, the new bill cuts their foreign aid if the Iraqis do not meet the benchmarks.

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