Statement on Iraq War Supplemental

Press Release

Congressman and U.S. Senate candidate Tom Allen announced today that he will oppose a supplemental appropriations bill to fund the war in Iraq because it lacks a binding responsible deadline for troop withdrawal and leaves room for an open-ended commitment.

"After more than five long years, there is still no end in sight in Iraq. Yet President Bush, Vice President Cheney, Senator Collins, and other supporters of an open-ended commitment still have no plan for bringing our troops home," Allen said. "During a time when the middle class is struggling to pay for things like fuel, groceries, healthcare, and education, we continue to spend $12 billion every month in Iraq. America can't afford to stay in Iraq indefinitely. For that reason, I will oppose any funding bill that doesn't include a firm, responsible deadline to bring our troops home."

Congressman Allen supports an amendment to the legislation that would create a new GI Bill which would help Americans troops attend college. The amendment also increases contractor accountability and closes fraud loopholes. Lastly, the amendment provides funding for Medicaid, military quality of life initiatives, international food aid, and levee construction in Louisiana.

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