Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008

Floor Speech

SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2008 -- (House of Representatives - May 15, 2008)

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Ms. DEGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the amendment to be voted on today which will provide another blank check for the war in Iraq:

I remain steadfast in my opposition to the Iraq war and its continued funding. Tens of thousands of our bravest sons and daughters have been wounded and over 4 thousand killed. We have spent hundreds of billions of dollars on this war, which has necessarily meant we have had fewer resources to deal with significant problems here at home.

Our continued military involvement in Iraq only prolongs the tragedy this war has been for our country and delays the inevitable time when Iraq will have to take responsibility for its own security. While my support for our heroic troops is unwavering, it is time to bring them home. These views are shared by the vast majority of the American people.

I strongly support the other two amendments the House is considering today. One amendment would bring needed change to our efforts in Iraq. For example, it would require that the redeployment of our troops out of Iraq begin within thirty days with a goal of completing that redeployment by December 2009. And, it would encourage Iraq to contribute towards its own reconstruction.

The other amendment addresses important domestic priorities. Among other provisions it would modernize educational benefits for veterans and extend unemployment insurance. It also would block devastating Medicaid regulations which, if left in place, would reduce access to safety-net health care for people across the country and threaten the ability of certain health care providerss, such as Denver Health in my district, to offer vital services.

These three amendments on the floor today offer the Members of the House of Representatives a stark choice. They can choose to reject the views of the American people and blindly follow the misguided policies of the Bush Administration. Or, they can choose to end this war. support our veterans, and help Americans struggling in these dark economic times. History will look most kindly on those who show the independent judgment and wisdom that such important decisions require.

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