Political Quotes

“I will support passage of this Iraq Supplemental Appropriations bills for our troops and their families. I will support this bill because we must support our troops and we must continue to engage the effort in Iraq to its successful conclusion. I have the honor of representing the Army's Fort Bragg, Pope Air Force Base and many Guard and Reserve units in North Carolina. Many of them are serving in Iraq while their families here at home pray for their safety and speedy return. This bill increases funds to purchase body armor for our troops and to contract for the clearing of unexploded ordnance. The bill provides funding for the contracting of security guards to replace reservists currently performing these duties. The Army has indicated this provision would permit the demobilization of 7,000 to 10,000 reserve component soldiers. The bill also includes a provision to continue the increased monthly rate of hazardous duty pay and Family Separation Allowances through September 30, 2004. These provisions are very important to the military families in my district because they have a very real impact in relieving some of their financial burden. I am proud my Democratic colleagues in the House and I have successfully led the fight to secure these needed funds. I will support this bill because America must heed history's lessons from the previous century.”