Cole Opposes Rationing Funds to American Troops

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) today strongly opposed the House Majority's attempt to ration funds for the troops and ultimately retreat from Iraq.

"Today the new Majority in Congress passed a spending bill that will force a quick retreat from the Global War on Terror, and slash funds for the covert operations that have kept our country safe from another 9/11 attack. General Petraeus and our troops on the ground deserve the funding they need-they don't deserve to be put on a payment plan set by Congress half a world from the battlefield," Congressman Cole said. "No matter where you stand on the war, it is unconscionable to put our troops on life support until Congress decides to pull the plug. Those are our sons and daughters over there fighting for our freedom. They deserve to get the resources they need, and time is running out."

The latest version of the emergency spending bill is unlike the recent bill that was vetoed by President Bush on May 1, 2007. The bill complies with the President's request to remove troop withdrawal requirements; however, the bill takes a two step approach by providing $42.8 billion to the Pentagon immediately-43 percent of the funding level provided in the original spending bill. This funding would support the Global War on Terror for approximately three months.

In July, following submission of the President's report on progress in Iraq, the House and Senate must pass a second resolution to release the additional $52.8 billion in funding.

"I have said it before, our troops should not be used as bargaining chips for political gain," Congressman Cole said. "It is time for this political game to stop and it is time for this Congress to produce a clean spending bill that will give our men and women on the ground the funds they desperately need to succeed in Iraq and return home."

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