Russ Feingold: “I voted for the non-Iraq portion of the supplemental because it included a number of provisions I support, such as…”

“I voted for the non-Iraq portion of the supplemental because it included a number of provisions I support, such as Senator Webb's GI bill, an extension of unemployment insurance, funding for LIHEAP and Byrne grants, and a number of important Africa-related provisions. The Webb GI bill represents one of the best ways that the Federal Government can support members of our Armed Forces who might not otherwise have the opportunity to obtain a higher education. Expanding educational benefits is the least we can do for the men and women in uniform who have been asked to do so much for our country. However, I am disappointed that the Senate was prevented from voting on the fiscally responsible House version of the GI bill. We should not be piling up more debt for future generations to repay, and I will work to try to make sure that the cost of this benefit is paid for. The Senate should not get into the habit of using nonoffset emergency supplemental bills to bypass the regular appropriations process. Just because the President refuses to pay for the cost of the war in Iraq doesn't mean we should follow his path of fiscal irresponsibility. I am deeply disappointed that neither the House nor the Senate version of the supplemental contains language that would end the Iraq war.”