HOUSE APPROVES NEW GI BILL FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) today applauded the defeat of an amendment that would  have continued funding the war in Iraq without any conditions.  Following the amendment's failure, Pascrell voted to approve an amendment that would limit America’s military presence in Iraq by mandating that a troop redeployment be completed by the summer of 2009.  With the cost of the war expected to last generations after the last shot is fired, Pascrell also voted to approve a measure that includes a fiscally responsible new GI bill to restore full four-year academic scholarships to veterans.

“The measures that were approved in the House today reflect two fundamental principles that have the overwhelming support of America’s public,” stated Pascrell.  “I am pleased that the House took decisive action to begin the drawdown of America’s military presence in Iraq and am encouraged by the commitment we’ve expanded to those who’ve carried the incredible burden of fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The legislation would require that U.S. troops begin redeployment from Iraq within 30 days of enactment with a goal of completing withdrawal of combat troops by December of 2009. 

“The war in Iraq has lasted far too long and has needlessly endangered the lives and livelihood of America’s troops.  With over 4,000 of our brave sons and daughters killed and more than 30,000 diagnosed with injuries, it is time they come home.  After five years, this war has lasted longer than America’s military involvement in World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Civil War.  Furthermore it has taken away from our military’s focus on fighting al Qaeda in Afghanistan, the epicenter of the war on terror."

With the national economy struggling and Americans continuing to finance the war, this legislation assists taxpayers by requiring that the Iraqi government begin matching construction costs incurred by the United States on a dollar-for-dollar basis.  It also extends unemployment benefits for Americans who have exhausted the 26 weeks of regular benefits.  

“American taxpayers have been hit hard by the war in Iraq.  We’ve financed $48 billion in reconstruction costs alone.  With the Iraqi government reaping windfall revenues from oil profits that are expected to total about $70 billion this year, it is time that Iraq begins shouldering more of the costs currently being imposed on American taxpayers.

“As the American economy continues to lose jobs, 1.35 million workers have been jobless for over 26 weeks.  Extending unemployment benefits puts money in the hands of those who need it most and are most capable of quickly stimulating an economy that is struggling to survive the costs of an ill-advised war.  The legislation approved today provides a comprehensive plan for how America should continue handling the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the dramatic impact that each has had here at home.  I urge my colleagues in the Senate to follow our lead and move to end the war, expand new services to veterans and stimulate the sagging the economy,” concluded Pascrell.

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