$91 Billion Supplemental Passes Appropriations Committee

Washington, Mar 9, 2006 -  

WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Congressman John Carter (TX-31), a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, voted in favor of the emergency supplemental bill that will provide funding for the War in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as disaster relief. The $91 billion bill includes $19.1 billion for disaster assistance and $67.7 billion in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

“I am pleased that this emergency spending bill includes more than $19 billion to support ongoing hurricane recovery efforts for which Texas will be eligible. The funds will be invaluable in assisting in the long-term recovery and restoration for devastated areas through Community Development Block Grants. It also provides funds for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund, including reimbursing state and localities for infrastructure repairs, debris removal, and assistance to individuals and families,” Congressman Carter said.

Congressman Carter continued, “This bill also provides funds critical to providing our troops with the resources they need to succeed in the War in Iraq and Afghanistan. The $67.6 billion will allow the troops to arm themselves against Improvised Explosive Devices which have been devastating to our service men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan. It also continues efforts to provide our military with enhanced equipment to better protect our troops. These men and women are putting their lives on the line, and it is our duty to ensure that they are well-equipped when they go into combat,” Congressman Carter said. “I am also proud of our successful efforts to rein in extraneous funding, defeating an additional $8 billion for a number of non-emergency requests.”

The bill also includes an amendment that would prohibit federal funds from being used to execute the controversial deal between several U.S. ports and Dubai Ports World, a company that is partly owned and controlled by the Government of the United Arab Emirates.

“Since news of this deal broke, my constituents have expressed grave concerns over the security of our nation’s ports. This is a complex issue, and we need to step back and take a look at the facts before we enter into a deal that may or may not compromise our nation’s security,” Congressman Carter said. “I am pleased to support the measure that restricts emergency supplemental and all other federal dollars from being used to pay for this controversial deal.”