WASHINGTON  -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today voted to sustain the president’s veto of the emergency supplemental appropriations bill and to begin consideration of a consensus measure to fund U.S. troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“The politics of this bill are unconscionable at a time when our focus should be on funding our troops,” Emerson said.  “It’s high time to get past the gamesmanship and get down to the important business of making sure our brave men and women in uniform arrive home safe, sound and soon. This bill was never a serious effort to pass legislation.  Both sides need to do better in new legislation that doesn’t micromanage the war, but sets reasonable benchmarks to transition control of Iraq to the Iraqis.”

Last week, citing the partisanship surrounding the measure, Emerson voted “present” on the bill. 

“That bill was quintessential Washington politics, full of political favors, rhetoric, and mixed messages.  Congress ought to be sending two precise messages with this important legislation:  one to our troops, that they have the total support of the nation and every necessary resource to do their jobs quickly and safely, and another to the Iraqi government, that the American military commitment is in its last phases,” Emerson said.

The veto of the first bill was sustained in the U.S. House of Representatives by a tally of 222-203 with 222 voting to override the veto, which requires a 2/3 majority.  Construction of a new, consensus legislative effort is expected to begin immediately.