HARMAN STATEMENT ON 2009 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT

Bill reflects a change from failed Bush strategies in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and the West Bank

Washington, D.C. -- Rep. Jane Harman (D-CA) delivered the following statement today on the House floor during rule debate on the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2009: 

I am keenly aware of the economic hardship faced by people in my district and all over the country, and the heart-felt questions being raised about the cost and policies involved in this bill. 

After careful review, I believe the bill is needed and the policies it funds reflect a change in direction from failed Bush strategies in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and the West Bank -- all locations I have visited in this past year. 

We are ending the combat mission in Iraq -- a policy I strongly support.  We are also embracing a strategy for Afghanistan which makes governance and not projection of military force the top priority. 

Mission success there will only come from efforts to eliminate corruption and help the central and local governments provide essential services to the Afghan people.  Otherwise, that country will revert to a failed state and safe haven for terrorists intent on attacking the United States and our allies. 

Pakistan is even more dangerous because of its huge population, a military larger than ours and its nuclear arsenal.  This bill funds non-military aid and counter-insurgency training to enable Pakistani forces to defeat the growing Taliban threat inside their borders. 

A promising security program in the West Bank is also supported -- a key building block to a viable and independent Palestinian state.  The bill makes explicit that no Palestinian funding will go to Hamas, which continues to rearm and threaten Israel.  For the future, funding for our troops in harm’s way and missions like this will be on budget -- and fully debated through the regular process in Congress. 

This is yet another good course correction by the Obama Administration and one I have long advocated.  Vote aye on the rule and the underlying bill.

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