Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2010

Floor Speech

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Mr. BRALEY of Iowa. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of this bill but also to voice my strong concerns with the direction of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. While I fully support ensuring the safety of our Nation's troops, I have serious concerns over the provisions of this bill related to the funding of the conflicts. I have long advocated a responsible withdrawal from Afghanistan and believe that the continued funding of these wars outside of the appropriations process without a plan in place for withdrawal is reckless and wasteful. I firmly believe that Congress must require a responsible exit strategy from Afghanistan and work to ensure that the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq remains on track.

Over the weekend, severe weather across Iowa caused heavy rains, thunderstorms, hail, tornadoes, and flooding that devastated numerous communities in my district. I support this bill today for the $5.1 billion included to replenish the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Disaster Relief Fund, which has been operating at a dangerously low level since the beginning of this year, halting recovery projects in Iowa and across the country from past disasters. With the recent disasters in my district, I believe this continued funding is vital to ensure that my constituents and other citizens who are faced with disaster have the necessary assistance to recover and rebuild from these devastating storms.

I applaud the House and Senate for acting today to ensure appropriate funding is available for disaster recovery and for other provisions in support of veterans, but I do not support another blank check for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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