Gerald Kleczka: “the bill before us provides the additional funds required for the ongoing war in Iraq. $62 billion will help provide the…”

“the bill before us provides the additional funds required for the ongoing war in Iraq. $62 billion will help provide the supplies, munitions, weapons, intelligence, and logistics that are critical to those in combat at this time. I support our brave troops, and urge my colleagues to do the same. Congress must ensure that our fighting men and women are provided with every resource they need to accomplish their mission and return home quickly and safely. As I cast my vote in favor of this measure, however, I note that there is $1 billion in foreign aid for Turkey. The Administration argues that we need to offer this aid because of the depressed economy there. I voted to strike this aid, since it makes no sense to provide a billion dollars to a nation that did not even allow our troops access to their soil for this operation. Unfortunately, the amendment was defeated. Further, as I support this measure, I would hope that Congress is equally generous when addressing the challenges that we face right here on the home front.”