Westmoreland Votes to Fully Fund Troops

Statement

Today, in a last ditch effort to keep the federal government from shutting down, House Republicans passed legislation that would fully fund the Department of Defense for the remainder of FY11, ban the use of federal funds for abortions in the District of Columbia, ensure that previously appropriated funds would be sent to our most important ally in the Middle East, Israel, in the event of a shutdown, and extend funding to the remaining sections of the federal government for one week. Below is Congressman Westmoreland's statement.

"I cannot in good faith let our military personnel who risk their lives to ensure our safety and security go without pay for even one day to make some political point. As they fight on the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan, our brave men and women in the armed forces should not be worried that their families can't afford to pay their mortgage or put food on the table. For that reason, I supported HR 1363 the Department of Defense and Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, which fully funds the Department of Defense through September 30, 2011.

"In addition to supporting our brave men and women in the armed forces, reaffirming our commitment to our biggest ally in the Middle East, Israel, and protecting the sanctity of life, this legislation also cuts $12 billion from the president's proposed budget in one short week. While it has been piecemeal, House Republicans have been able to cut $22 billion in just six brief weeks -- bringing us closer to our goal of cutting $100 billion from President Obama's budget proposal.

"Unfortunately, President Obama issued statement of administrative policy that he would veto this troop funding bill. But I would like to remind the president that I don't work for him; and I don't work for Senate Democrats. I work for the people of the Third District of Georgia. And I am going to keep doing that, no matter what he threatens.

"I strongly urge Senate Democrats to listen to the American people -- not the president -- and pass this vital legislation. It will fully fund our troops, put our nation on the path of fiscal responsibility, and enact social changes the American people have been calling for, including prohibiting federal funds for abortions. I will also continue to work with my House colleagues to urge the Senate to fulfill their constitutional obligation and finally pass a complete funding bill for the 2011 fiscal year," stated Westmoreland.

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