Webb Hails House Passage of "Dwell Time" Amendment to Support Troops Through Responsible Deployment Cycles

Press Release

Webb Hails House Passage of "Dwell Time" Amendment to Support Troops Through Responsible Deployment Cycles

Senator Webb today applauded the House of Representatives for passing a companion bill to his legislation requiring that regular and reserve units of the armed forces have predictable minimum time periods between their deployments for combat operations in Iraq. The House legislation, HR 3159, was sponsored by Representative Ellen Tauscher (D-CA).

"Today's House vote is a significant step forward to establish more responsible deployment cycles for our nation's men and women in uniform," said Senator Jim Webb. "It signals that there is growing bipartisan support in Congress to do what is necessary to protect the welfare of our troops and their families."

"After four years in Iraq, it is vital that our deployment cycles return to the historical ratio that allows our troops sufficient periods of time at home between deployments," continued Webb. "Whatever one's political views as we sort out the politics and diplomacy of this endeavor, we must take into account the well-being of those who have answered their country's call."

"I look forward to bringing this legislation up again in the Senate and hope that more of my Republican colleagues will join me in this effort to support our troops," said Webb.

Senator Webb received a 56-vote majority for his dwell-time amendment to the National Defense Authorization Bill, although the measure fell four votes short of the 60-vote threshold needed to overcome a Republican filibuster. Senator Webb's amendment was strongly endorsed by the Military Officers Association of America and other veterans and military family groups.

For more information about Senator Webb's amendment, please go to: http://webb.senate.gov/

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