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WASHINGTON – Reflecting the principles of Hoosiers across the 8th District, Rep. Brad Ellsworth today voted to support our troops, get tougher on terrorism, and hold the Iraqis accountable for their own destiny. The House finished consideration of the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Health, and Iraq Accountability Act today.
“I am living up to the promise I made to Hoosiers to support our troops, get tougher on terrorism, and hold Iraqis accountable for their own destiny,” said Ellsworth.
The bill provides over $90 billion in funding requested by the President for weapons, equipment and training for American troops in Iraq. It also requires units headed for Iraq to be designated as ‘fully mission capable’ by the Department of Defense, who has long-established criteria to determine the equipment and training levels of units.
“I have said this many times before, my number one priority is ensuring our troops on the ground, and those on the way, have the weapons, equipment and training they need to do their jobs safely,” said Ellsworth. “We should treat every soldier as if they were our own son or daughter. Providing them with anything less than our full support is unacceptable to me.”
The bill strengthens America in the Global War on Terror, by providing an additional $1 billion to get tougher on terrorists in Afghanistan.
“It’s time for us to redirect our focus and military might on terrorists in Afghanistan, instead of playing referee for a religious civil war in Iraq,” said Ellsworth.
The bill spells out benchmarks – established by President Bush in his January State of the Union Address – the Iraqis must meet to ensure they take responsibility for their country’s future. These benchmarks include implementation of a militia disarmament program and a plan to equitably divide oil revenues among all Iraqis, among other things.
“Time and time again, Generals and military leaders in the Armed Services Committee told me that until Iraqis stand up and take responsibility for their own destiny, no military strategy in Iraq will be successful,” said Ellsworth. “The bill supports President Bush’s benchmarks and makes it clear we expect Iraq to live up to its promises.”
Ellsworth summed up his support for the measure as simply doing what he felt was right for American troops: “Ultimately, this is a vote of conscience for me, and my conscience tells me supporting our troops and getting tougher on terrorism is always the right decision.”
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