Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) released the following statement in support of the Iraq funding bill:

“I voted in favor of the Supplemental Appropriations bill today, not because it was perfect, nor that I agree with the President’s Iraq policy. I voted for it because it will provide our soldiers, who are serving in some of the most horrible circumstances, with the equipment and supplies they need to keep safe and to come home. Let me be perfectly clear, this bill is much weaker than I would like it to be on holding the Administration accountable. I voted for three different bills in the last six weeks that would have been much better in my eyes; one would have begun withdrawing the troops almost immediately. But unfortunately, we do not have the votes necessary to override the President’s veto.

“If we continue to have bills vetoed, and Congress defaults on passing a bill the President can sign, then the President would likely use his powers as Commander in Chief to fund the war without constraints, without standards, and without meaningful oversight. We cannot let that happen. Passing nothing, or voting against this stripped down bill, would literally mean a blank check for President Bush. At the very least, this bill begins the process of reining in the free hand of President Bush and providing benchmarks for the Iraqi government.”

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