U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey voted today to fund President Bush’s supplemental budget request for military and rebuilding efforts in Iraq. The bill passed the House 303-125.

“I am strongly in support of both parts of this bill. The $66 billion for our troops, giving them the resources necessary to succeed in the war on terror and protect them from terrorist attacks, including, as an example, armored Humvees to better protect our forces, lifesaving body armor, equipment, weapons, ammunition, better housing for our troops, yes, and to continue the increased monthly rate of imminent danger pay and family separation allowances that this bill calls for. And then $18.6 billion for the continued relief and reconstruction of Iraq,” Gingrey said. “This is an investment in democracy, security and law enforcement, justice, public safety, and a civil society, infrastructure, water resources, electrical generation, distribution infrastructure, roads and bridges and health care.”

Gingrey said that, under present circumstances, the United States needs to grant – rather than loan – money for rebuilding.

“A loan with possible interest fees risks serious harm to America's image in the Middle East and Iraq. Heavy debt repayments could become a destabilizing political issue in postwar Iraq and could easily be exploited by anti-American factions. It is likely that the Iraqi people will view the loan as a way for the profiteering American invaders to make money off of Iraq,” Gingrey said. “A loan burden also would likely stifle any significant economic development in Iraq. With the added burden of interest payments to the United States, the Government of Iraq will be limited in its ability to invest in its new market-based economy. We cannot expect the Iraqi people to pick themselves up off of the ground if we have got a boot at the back of their neck.”