Republican Leader Opposes Troop Funding

Today the DCCC issued this press release:

Responding to criticism that Republicans let the war strategy in Afghanistan drift under President George W. Bush, yesterday, House Republican Leader John Boehner said, "We've all worked together to support or [sic] troops in the field."

The reality is that Leader Boehner has led the Republican opposition to supporting our troops numerous times this year.

"While our military pledges to leave no soldier behind on the battlefield, House Republicans have been all too willing to play politics and leave our troops' funding behind in Washington," said Ryan Rudominer, National Press Secretary for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. "The last thing our troops and their families deserve is House Republicans' putting politics first."

Background

House Republican Leader John Boehner: "We've all worked together to support or [sic] troops in the field." [Politico, 10/21/09].

131 Republicans voted against the Conference Report accompanying H.R. 2647, The National Defense Authorization Act of FY2010, which provides significant force protection and troop support measures for the men and women of our Armed Services. [H.R. 2647. #770, 10/8/09].

The measure provides $28 billion for defense healthcare programs and a 3.4% pay increase for military personnel.

It also provides increased funding for Force Protection, including:

• $6.7 billion formine-resistant ambush protected vehicles;


• $1.3 billion to upgrade Abrams tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles; and


• $2.0 billion for improvised explosive device jammers.

170 Republicans voted against the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2009, which includes funding for American troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. [H.R. 2346, #348, 6/16/09]