Emergency Troop Funding Bill Includes Expanded GI Benefits

Demands New Direction in Iraq, Addresses Urgent Domestic Priorities; Bill Blocks Harmful Medicaid Rules Threatening Maryland Service, Extends Unemployment

May 16, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) praised House passage today of a bill that demands a new direction in Iraq while providing funds for troops in harm's way and expanding educational opportunities available for them upon their return home. The bill also extends unemployment compensation to inject stimulus into the still troubled economy and includes a moratorium on seven Medicaid regulations that threaten critical services for 650,000 Maryland beneficiaries.

"Despite the gross errors in judgment by the highest-ranking civilian officials in our government, the continued bloodshed and violence, and the lack of progress in Iraq, the fact remains that there are 150,000 American troops on the ground in who are in harm's way and a President who has no intention of ending this war under his watch," stated Rep. Hoyer. "Our forces currently fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan have done everything we have asked of them, and this Congress, I believe, must provide them with the resources that they need to defend themselves and do their jobs while they are deployed. But it is in no way a blank check. This funding comes with demands that there be a new direction in Iraq, including the safe redeployment of our troops, a plan for Iraqis to take greater responsibility, and a renewed focus on the war on terrorism in Afghanistan."

The troop funding was accompanied by a number of provisions aimed at changing President Bush's failing direction in Iraq, and ensuring the nation's best interests with regard to Iraq policy remain the priority. Those provisions include a plan to redeploy all troops within 18 months, a guarantee that all soldiers be "combat ready" before they are deployed to Iraq, and a requirement for Iraqis to contribute more to the reconstruction effort, among others.

The bill also expands the education benefits veterans receive under the GI Bill - restoring the full promise of a full, four-year college education, while providing a shot in the arm to our economy and our nation, just as the veterans returning from World War II did.

"Providing educational opportunities for our troops when the return is the least we can do to show appreciation for their service and sacrifice," stated Rep. Hoyer. Hoyer defended the measure in the face of objections from President Bush and Congressional Republicans, who argued against its inclusion in the funding bill, "Part of paying for this war is taking responsibility for the costs beyond the battlefield."

In continuing efforts to stimulate the economy, the House also approved an extension of unemployment benefits for workers who have exhausted their benefits by up to 13 weeks in every state as well as an additional 13 weeks in states with high unemployment. Most economic experts agree that unemployment compensation is one of the most effective actions to inject immediate stimulus into the economy.

This is particularly critical as the number of Americans looking for work has grown by 800,000 over the last year, and the number of American jobs has declined by 260,000 since the beginning of 2008.

Also included in the bill is a House-passed measure that places a moratorium on seven Medicaid regulations that would cut services to seniors, families, and those with disabilities as well as cut payments to safety net providers. Rep. Hoyer and Maryland's delegation have been strong supporters of the moratorium, which protects crucial services for the 650,000 Medicaid beneficiaries in the state while the effects of the changes can be independently reviewed before they are imposed.

In addition, the bill provides critical funding - much of it supported by this Administration - for food aid and disaster assistance, for levees in New Orleans, for Military Construction, including Child Care Centers, for the Bureau of Prisons and for the Census Bureau.

Source: Congressman Steny H. Hoyer

Bookmark/Search this post with:

 •    •    •    •    •    •    •    •    •    •    •    •