Craig, Crapo, Simpson Vote For Iraq/Afghanistan Funding Bill

WASHINGTON, DC â?? Idaho Senators Larry Craig and Mike Crapo and Representative Mike Simpson voted today to approve an $87.5 billion supplemental appropriations bill to provide the necessary funding to support our troops and aid in the rebuilding of Iraq and Afghanistan. â??This important funding is not only critical to the support of our brave men and women in uniform, it is also critically needed to help build a safe and democratic society for the peoples of Iraq and Afghanistan,â?? said Senator Larry Craig, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. â??Most important, this funding is an investment in the future security of the Middle East and the security of our homeland. I look forward to this support getting to our troops as soon as possible.â??Senator Crapo said, â??Our brave men and women in uniform, State Department officials, relief workers, and others are engaged in delicate and dangerous work to secure and rebuild Iraq and Afghanistan. By passing this legislation, Congress demonstrates its firm and unwavering commitment to these important goals. I look forward to the Administrationâ??s continuing efforts to build the international coalition and contributions it has already secured to restore peace, establish democracy, and foster economic growth in these troubled regions.â??â??The simple fact is the sooner we get Iraqâ??s economy stabilized, its hospitals and schools functioning, and its citizens in control of their own destiny, the sooner weâ??ll be able to bring our troops home,â?? said Representative Mike Simpson, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. â??We all know the major news stories out of Iraq are focusing on our remaining challenges and the tragic loss of life. What the American public doesnâ??t see, however, is the tremendous progress that has already been made and the way in which the Iraqi people are returning to their daily lives with new hope for the future. Most importantly, this funding will help protect our troops, improve their quality of life, and contribute to efforts to bring them home as quickly as possible.â??[30]