House Addresses Iraq and Afghanistan War Funding, College Aid for Returning Troops, Assistance for Laid Off Workers
Statement
House Addresses Iraq and Afghanistan War Funding, College Aid for Returning Troops, Assistance for Laid Off Workers
Late last week, the U.S. House overwhelmingly approved funding for our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, college aid for returning troops and assistance for laid-off workers said Congressman Lincoln Davis. The White House has signaled support for the measures.
Funding U.S. operations in Iraq and Afghanistan totals $162 billion. A provision prohibiting U.S. money from being spent on Iraq reconstruction efforts unless Baghdad matches every dollar spent was added.
"I'm pleased Congress just passed a bill providing funding for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Congressman Davis. "As long as our men and women in uniform are in harms way I will make sure they have every tool needed to do their job."
After years of seeing education benefits decline due to inflation, soldiers who have served in the military for at least three years will now be guaranteed a full scholarship at any in-state public university, along with a monthly housing stipend. The new GI Bill, authored by Senator Jim Webb, D-VA., is aimed at replicating benefits earned by veterans of World War II. Senator Webb's bill increases the value of the benefit from $40,000 to $90,000.
"As we continue to see violence and instability overseas, I'm proud we are taking action to do more for the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to bring peace and stability to the Middle East."
Included in the appropriations package was a measure to extend unemployment benefits to working Americans laid-off due to a slumping economy. As part of the agreement people are required to have worked for 20 weeks in order to be eligible for the 13 weeks of extended payments.
"The extension of benefits will help some 3.8 million Americans who are out of work. Since the beginning of the year, our nation has lost nearly 325,000 jobs. In May alone, 49,000 workers lost their jobs, making it the biggest monthly increase since 1986, raising the nation's unemployment rate to 5.5%. Employers pay into an unemployment fund for a reason and the extension of benefits during a true emergency is not only warranted, but justified."
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