The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2008” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E963 on May 19, 2008.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2008
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speech of
HON. NITA M. LOWEY
of new york
in the house of representatives
Thursday, May 15, 2008
The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2642) making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes:
Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Obey and Speaker Pelosi for crafting a bill which protects our troops, supports our veterans, addresses critical economic and infrastructure needs, and redirects our policy in Iraq to reflect the will of the American people.
The President misled the Congress and the American people into the war in Iraq and has mismanaged it at every turn. As a result, this war has provided fertile ground for terrorists to grow their networks in Iraq and distracted the Administration from the original war on terror in Afghanistan.
The President has continued to ignore the will of the American people and Congress, disregarding expert guidance of former generals and foreign policy leaders by continuing a failed strategy in Iraq.
So, today I am compelled to vote against continued funding for this war to send a strong message to the Administration that we cannot continue this course and there will be no more blank checks.
That is why I will also vote for requirements that establish clear guidelines to end this war quickly and responsibly. This bill requires that U.S. troops begin redeployment from Iraq within 30 days and complete withdrawal of combat troops by December 2009. This measure also ensures that any new agreement between the U.S. and the Government of Iraq that commits U.S. forces be specifically authorized by Congress; prohibits the establishment of permanent bases in Iraq; prohibits torture; and protects our troops by ensuring that they are
``combat ready,'' deployed no longer than Pentagon guidelines allow, and provided adequate time between deployments.
I will also support the portion of this bill which includes GI education benefits for veterans, extended unemployment compensation for those out of work in this struggling economy, and critical funding for international priorities.
In the State and Foreign Operations portion of this bill we reduced Iraq assistance and operations by $1.2 billion from the President's request and, furthermore, require that the Iraqis match our assistance dollar for dollar. With oil at $125 a barrel and the Iraqi government expected to run surpluses over $50 billion, there is no reason that the Iraqis shouldn't provide more of their own resources to support their country.
This bill provides sufficient funding to maintain assistance programs and fund our diplomatic operations in Iraq and Afghanistan through the first three quarters of fiscal year 2009, including over $50 million to continue important oversight functions of the inspectors general in Iraq. This bill also provides $462 million for counter-drug and law enforcement efforts in Mexico and Central America.
The President's request failed to address the needs of one of our closest allies in the Middle East. Jordan is struggling with an influx of nearly 500,000 Iraqi refugees, and this bill provides $350 million in economic and security assistance to help Jordan meet these needs.
Additionally, we have included $675 million in response to the global refugee crisis resulting from the conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan and parts of Africa.
Rising fuel costs, the global economic down-turn and food scarcity have created a global food crisis that is breeding instability across Africa, Asia and Latin America. This bill provides $620 million in disaster and development assistance to address short-term and longer-
term food security. These funds exceed the $1.2 billion in PL. 480 food aid in the agriculture section of this bill.
We have also provided the remaining $333.6 million for the UN Mission in Darfur for FY08 as well as an additional $90 million to train police to join this UN mission and to support the upcoming elections in Southern Sudan.
Finally, in light of critical staffing deficiencies at the State Department and USAID, the bill contains over $100 million to rebuild the capacity of our diplomatic and development corps, including $50 million for the Civilian Stabilization Initiative.
This bill provides funding for critical international and domestic needs to help suffering people overseas and struggling families here at home. We also must end the war in Iraq which has cost us far too many lives and too much money. Our troops and their families have sacrificed greatly, and it is time to bring our troops home.
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