Political Quotes

“in behalf of the Committee on Appropriations, I present to the Senate a bill making emergency supplemental appropriations for Iraq and Afghanistan security and reconstruction for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2004. The bill was reported favorably by the committee by a vote of 29 to 0. During 6 hours of deliberation, the committee considered many amendments and rejected most of them, but I am sure we will have the opportunity to reconsider some of these suggested changes on the floor of the Senate. This bill is requested by the President and is a matter of some urgency. It is an emergency supplemental appropriations bill which should be acted upon without delay, but, of course, with the thoughtful and careful consideration which the subject matter clearly requires. The President's request has been considered in hearings held by the Appropriations Committee, the Armed Services Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, and the Banking Committee. During these hearings and through 16 witnesses, the case has been well made that these emergency funds are needed and should be approved. The funds appropriated by this bill will provide the equipment, fuel, ammunition, and subsistence our troops need as they complete their missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. The bill includes military pay, including imminent danger pay and family separation allowance, at the levels authorized in the fiscal year 2003 emergency supplemental for the duration of fiscal year 2004.”