WARWICK, RI - Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) yesterday voted for the Conference Report on H.R. 2346, the FY2009 Supplemental Appropriations Act, a $106 billion measure that will provide the military with the resources to continue missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.  The bill also funds a number of other urgent domestic priorities, including pandemic flu preparedness.

“Unlike past war funding supplementals, this year’s measure supports a clear plan for ending the war in Iraq and redeploying our servicemembers safely and responsibly,” said Langevin, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, who recently traveled to Iraq and Afghanistan. “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 efforts in Pakistan to fight a violent insurgency that threatens to envelop the country.”

In addition to funding for Iraq and Afghanistan, H.R. 2346 includes the following provisions:
- $1 billion to begin implementation of the “Cash for Clunkers” program
- Nearly $8 billion for pandemic flu preparation and response
- $420 million to support efforts to combat violence along the U.S. – Mexico border
- Extending the benefits of the 21st Century GI Bill of Rights to children of servicemembers who die on active duty
- Excludes funding for closure of the Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility
- International aid, including food, refugee, disaster and peacekeeping assistance
- Funding to combat wildfires in the U.S.

“Keeping Rhode Islanders protected against a resurgence of pandemic flu is also a top priority in this legislation,” continued Langevin. “With the resources included in this measure, Rhode Island will be able to prepare for and maintain the appropriate level of care during such an outbreak.”

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