Dick Lugar: “I have filed amendment No. 670 to H.R. 1591. This amendment authorizes the Secretary to spend up to $50 million for the…”

“I have filed amendment No. 670 to H.R. 1591. This amendment authorizes the Secretary to spend up to $50 million for the establishment and maintenance of a civilian reserve corps to address postconflict situations and other emergencies overseas. The amendment provides the Secretary the flexibility to use a portion of the funding in this act to make an urgent effort to recruit and train more civilians in planning and managing stabilization and reconstruction. The Senate embraced the creation of such a civilian corps when it unanimously passed S. 3322 last May. The funding in this amendment matches the level provided in the House version of the emergency supplemental. If enacted, this amendment provides the Secretary with access to immediate funding to recruit and send civilians with the appropriate skills to assist in reconstruction and stabilization in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as to emerging trouble spots around the world. The United States must have the right structures, personnel, and resources in place when an emergency occurs. A delay in our response of a few weeks, or even days, can mean the difference between success and failure. Both the State Department and the Defense Department are keenly aware of the importance of this amendment.”