Sam Johnson votes for “clean” troop funding bill
Troop money and modern G.I. bill passes House

June 20, 2008

Calling the measure a “huge victory for our brave men and women in uniform,” last night U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (3rd Dist.-Texas) voted for a key troop funding bill that directs critical money to the armed forces, modernizes the G.I. bill and frees the troops’ efforts on the ground by removing a mandatory time-table for withdrawal from Iraq.

“Congress must support our troops and give them the money they need to get the job done. Backing from your country and your Congress are critical for mission success,” said the 29-year Air Force veteran.

“I’m so thankful that Congress could pass a clean troop funding bill that gives the valiant members of our armed forces the money they need to get the job done and eliminates all war restrictions. This is a huge victory for our brave men and women in uniform,” continued Johnson. In an earlier version of the troop-funding bill, the Democrats tacked on a date-certain for Iraq withdrawal.

The House passed H.R. 2642, the Iraq/Afghanistan Supplemental Appropriations Bill. The measure: 1) fully funds the troops; 2) removes all war demands from Washington for the leaders on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan; 3) modernizes the G.I. bill so veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan will receive a better education; and 4) removes the hefty tax increases from the last troop funding bill.

Conservatives scored several victories including the removal of $8 billion in pork added by Senate Democrats in a prior version of the bill; the elimination of federal funds for Planned Parenthood; and the common-sense addition of a mandatory work requirement for those seeking unemployment benefits.

“The G.I. bill improvements will go a long way in helping our young veterans return home and get back into the swing of things after their service to our country. This is a small way for the country to say ‘thank you’ and ‘we appreciate you,’” continued Johnson, who represents parts of Dallas and Collin counties.

The troop funding bill passed last night 268-155 despite 151 Democrats voting against the money for our men and women serving in harm’s way. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.

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