John Sarbanes: “when our Nation is at war, it is our government's responsibility to provide the best protection and care for the men and…”

“when our Nation is at war, it is our government's responsibility to provide the best protection and care for the men and women who willingly volunteer to serve in our armed services. Now as we enter the fifth year of the Iraq war, it is no secret that the administration's strategy has dangerously eroded our military readiness. Troops are being sent overseas without the proper training, equipment and armor necessary to keep them safe. And as the conditions at Walter Reed's Building 18 starkly testify, we must bring much more attention and support to our troops when they return home. Madam Speaker, this Democratic Congress is committed to supporting our men and women in uniform. The supplemental legislation coming before this House will provide an additional $1.7 billion for military health care, including conditions at Walter Reed, $1.7 billion for veterans health care, $2.5 billion for improving the readiness of our troops, and $1.4 billion for military housing. As long as they are at war, our troops deserve our support.”