WARWICK, R.I. – Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today voted for H.R. 2346, the Supplemental Appropriations Act for FY2009, which will fund efforts to end combat operations in Iraq, refocus the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan, and better prepare for pandemic flu. The bill appropriates $96.7 billion.

“Unlike past war funding supplemental appropriations, this year’s measure will focus on supporting a clear plan for ending the war in Iraq and bringing our men and women home safely and responsibly,” said Langevin, a member of the House Armed Services Committee. “This will be balanced with adequate resources to support a ‘whole of government’ approach to combat Al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan and to support our allies in Pakistan as they fight a violent insurgency that threatens to envelop their country.”

While providing President Obama the funding requested to implement his new strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the legislation also requires the President, by February 2010, to report to Congress on an assessment of the performance of the Afghan and Pakistani governments.

H.R. 2346 also includes funding for:
• Pandemic flu preparedness
• Additional international assistance for United Nations peacekeeping, international food assistance and global financial crisis assistance
• Additional pay for more than 170,000 service members who have had their enlistments extended since September 11, 2001
• Military family advocacy programs
• Replacing or repairing military vehicles and equipment
• Military health care, including money for post traumatic stress disorder and brain injuries

H.R. 2346 does not include any of the funding requested by President Obama to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay. Instead, the bill requests a comprehensive closure plan from the President by October.

“I believe this bill ensures the safety of our nation by balancing our war efforts overseas with disaster response at home,” continued Langevin.  

-30-