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Wilson Supports Troops, Opposes Massive Spending Bill

December 19, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 19, 2007

CONTACT: Ryan Murphy
(202) 225-2452 (Office)
(202) 689-4825 (Cell)


Wilson Supports Troops, Opposes Massive Spending Bill

Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) issued the following statement today after he supported an amendment to the Democrat Omnibus Appropriations Bill (H.R. 2764) which will provide $70 billion in funding for our soldiers fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“While our men and women in uniform continue to serve in harm’s way to protect American families, some in Washington have tried to obstruct needed funding and resources for our troops,” said Wilson. “As we see substantial gains on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan, I am grateful that the sacrifices of our servicemen and women will be honored by this critical funding. I encourage my colleagues to not play politics with future funding for our troops or try to pile future spending packages onto their backs while they are defending our freedom around the world.”

“Though I am grateful for the troop funding, the process under which the massive omnibus spending package was considered was as short-sighted as the bill is long. It failed to provide for proper scrutiny and a cost-benefit analysis where members would have the opportunity to rightfully debate funding levels particularly in regards to such important issues as border security. This Majority chose to include regulatory roadblocks that could prevent the construction of a border fence.

“Honest debate was sharply curtailed or all out abandoned by the fact that these appropriations bills were considered as one giant package. That is counter to the promises of openness and transparency the Majority made to the American people and it is abusive to the trust of the American taxpayer. After months of wasteful investigations, political posturing, and continuing resolutions, the majority finally accomplished a primary responsibility of Congress - passing a budget and funding it.”

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