Congresswoman Hirono Votes Against Further Funding of the Iraq War
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) voted today against providing additional funding for continued military operations in Iraq. The measure would have extended funding for the war through the summer of 2009.
“Today we sent a strong signal to the president that Americans want an end to the war in Iraq,” said Hirono.
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives voted on three amendments as part of a $184 billion emergency supplemental bill. The first amendment—to extend war funding for military operations—was defeated.
Congresswoman Hirono voted in support of the second amendment. The measure calls for a complete withdrawal of combat troops from Iraq by the end of 2009, requires any agreement between the U.S. and Iraq that commits U.S. forces to be specifically authorized by Congress, and mandates that U.S. reconstruction aid for Iraq be matched dollar-for-dollar by Iraq’s government.
The congresswoman also voted in support of the third amendment that appropriates funding for domestic programs, including an expansion of mandatory education benefits for veterans, support for military personnel and their families, and an extension of unemployment insurance for those hit hardest by the economic downturn.
“I am pleased that the House voted to honor our troops by voting not only to bring them home safely and responsibly, but by also supporting a new GI Bill that finally provides them with the educational benefits that they deserve,” Hirono said. “This bill will also allow us to help meet the needs of struggling families across the country by extending their unemployment benefits and providing support for those who depend on the Medicaid program.”
The Senate Appropriations Committee was marking up its version of the measure today.
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