Thad Cochran: “this conference report is the wrong response to the President's request for the supplemental funding that is urgently…”

“this conference report is the wrong response to the President's request for the supplemental funding that is urgently needed by the Department of Defense. While most of the funds--over $109 billion--are appropriated to wage the global war on terrorism, to continue operations in Afghanistan, and to support Iraqi security forces, the conference report also includes funding for continuing the recovery from Hurricane Katrina and ensuring that our veterans receive the care they deserve. I am very disappointed this bill includes language that sets forth a timetable for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq. We should be providing the President with a bill he can sign so our military forces can receive the funding they now need. I recently brought to the attention of the Senate a letter I received from the Joint Chiefs of Staff on April 2 describing the urgency of an appropriations bill and their concerns about further delays of funding. It has been now over 3 weeks since that letter was received. It is very clear that delay is occurring, and it is undermining the ability to manage the responsibilities of the Department of Defense. We are talking about life-and-death situations and the ability to obtain equipment, armaments, and the training that is necessary by our Armed Forces to carry out their mission.”