Rep. Calvert Supports Funding Bill For Troops

Press Release

Rep. Calvert Supports Funding Bill For Troops

Congressman Ken Calvert (R-Corona) was pleased to support the conference report for the Fiscal Year 2010 Defense Appropriations bill, H.R. 3326, which passed the House today.

"One of the most important duties of Congress is to provide for the men and women who are fighting for our country," said Rep. Calvert. "Our military men and women are doing an excellent job in Iraq and Afghanistan. This bill provides them with the necessary resources to continue their missions, especially as we ramp up in Afghanistan to wrestle control from al Qaeda and Taliban forces."

The bill contains $128.2 billion for ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. This will provide critical resources for our troops in the field, including funding for personnel requirements, operational needs, and maintenance of facilities and equipment. This legislation does not include funding for the Administration's proposed "surge" in Afghanistan.

Items of Note:

* $2.5 billion for 10 additional C-17 cargo aircraft over the President's request.

* Unemployment Insurance Extension -- The bill contains a two-month extension of unemployment benefits for Americans who have exhausted their current benefits. The legislation would provide funds for unemployment programs in every state, with additional funds going to states with an average three-month unemployment rate above 8.5 percent.

* COBRA Extension -- The bill contains a two month extension of the COBRA health insurance subsidy program for the unemployed. Earlier this year, Congress approved an enhanced COBRA benefit as part of the "stimulus" legislation. This allowed the federal government to pay 65 percent of COBRA costs for nine months for those who lost their jobs before the end of this year. The provision in this bill would extend that deadline into February.

* Small Business Loan Fee Reductions and 90% Guarantee Extension -- The bill contains two months worth of funding to offset higher guarantees and reduce fees for certain business loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration. Funds for these offsets was originally included in the "stimulus" legislation, but is now almost exhausted.

* Patriot Act Extension -- The bill contains a temporary two month extension to various counterterrorism provisions within the Patriot Act that are set to expire at the end of the month.

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