John Hall: “today, this body once again considered legislation to provide funding for the ongoing military efforts in Iraq and…”

“today, this body once again considered legislation to provide funding for the ongoing military efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. In the final analysis, this was one funding bill for two very distinct conflicts. In Afghanistan, the men and women of our military continue to perform an important mission by taking action against our enemies in the country that served as host to the Al Qaeda organization that attacked the United States of America on September 11th, 2001. The importance of the work they are doing with complete skill, courage, and professionalism has only been underscored by the recent resurgence of Taliban activity, which must be quelled. I am fully supportive of them and their mission. I have voted to provide funding solely for our military activities in Afghanistan, and would do so again if such a bill were to come before the House. However the funding measure before us today also included funding for the war in Iraq without accompanying conditions on those funds or a timeline for withdrawal of American forces. I remain opposed to the President's mistaken war in Iraq, which has now claimed over 4,000 American lives, undermined our military and ability to respond to other threats abroad, and cost hundreds of billions of dollars that could have been used to meet pressing needs at home. The men and women in uniform serving in Iraq have performed brilliantly and heroically.…”