As part of his commitment to providing troops with the resources they need while they put their lives on the line for freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9) today voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2010 Supplemental Appropriations Act that provides critical funding for our ongoing military efforts.

“We are fighting two deadly wars, and it is my belief that we must provide our men and women in uniform with the resources they need to carry out their duties and succeed in their efforts. We must remain resolved and determined in our fight against terrorism, and not become complacent, or else we risk another attack on the homeland,” Luetkemeyer said. “It is disheartening that some in the majority attempted to play games with the legislation at the expense of the men and women in uniform. As our brave men and women continue to serve in Iraq, Afghanistan and throughout the world they deserve our full and unwavering support. The security we all enjoy is a direct result of their selfless sacrifice.”

The supplemental appropriation provides $33.4 billion for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Most of these funds are for the 30,000-troop surge in Afghanistan, including $20 billion for combat operations. The funding bill also includes $13.4 billion to fund a presumption of service connection for Parkinson’s disease, ischemic heart disease, and B cell leukemia for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange.

Luetkemeyer noted that the bill should have passed earlier this year but the majority embarked on a process to politicize the troop funding bill with reckless spending. For the past six months, Luetkemeyer and his colleagues have called for the swift passage of a “clean” supplemental spending bill in order to support our troops. 

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