JOHN BOEHNER

Washington (Jun 17, 2008) House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) today criticized House Democrats after media reports indicated they may bring to the House floor a troop funding bill that includes provisions to hamstring generals conducting the war, billions in unrelated spending, and a massive tax increase.  This would mark the second consecutive time in the past month that the Democratic Majority would have brought to the floor a supplemental appropriations bill that has no chance of passing the Senate or being signed into law by the President.  Boehner issued the following statement:

 

“The Democrats’ failure to pass a troop funding bill that will actually get our Armed Forces the money they need is nothing less than a disgrace.  One definition of insanity is to repeat the same action and expect a different result.  But when it comes to the safety of our men and women in harm’s way, repeating the same cynical action is more than just insanity; it demonstrates a complete lack of judgment and responsibility.  This would be the second time the Democratic leadership brings up a nearly identical bill they know has no chance of passing the Senate – let alone being signed into law.  They are shamelessly using and abusing our troops to satisfy radical constituencies who are more concerned about advancing a strategy of defeat than they are about bringing them home safely – and after victory. 

 

“The Pentagon should be focused on winning wars, not wasting time shifting funds from one account to another because Congress hasn’t done its job.  The bulk of the troop funding request was made over a year ago, and our military told the Democratic leadership that they needed this money nearly a month ago.  All that this bill does is ensure that the troops’ funding will be delayed even longer.  There are some things in Washington that should transcend party agendas, and chief among them is supporting our Armed Forces.  On behalf of the men and women defending us in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families praying for their safety here at home, it’s time for the Democratic Majority to take a timeout and end their embarrassing display of incompetence.  It’s well past time to work together to give our troops the resources they need for success.” 

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