(Washington, D.C.) - U.S. Sen. David Vitter today issued the following statement on the Senate’s passage of the Iraq War emergency funding bill that also includes important hurricane recovery provisions.

        “We are moving forward in funding our continuing recovery needs, particularly with regard to levee protection.  The good news is that we are receiving billions of dollars to stay on schedule with that essential work in southeast Louisiana, and we are receiving important housing voucher money for displaced, low-income and elderly residents still recovering from the storm.  The bill also includes language that I fought for to ensure we fix the outfall canals in a current and proper manner.

        “Unfortunately, House Democrats did strip many significant provisions including a better cost-share agreement and 30-year payout plan that was in an earlier Senate version of the bill.  These are critical components that still need to be addressed, so I am introducing legislation to provide a cost-share agreement that follows the more historical agreement that is more favorable to the state and local communities as well as allowing for a 30-year payment plan,” said Vitter.

        With the U.S. Senate’s approval of the Iraq War emergency funding bill, the legislation will head toward the president’s desk for his signature.