2/16/2007 - Congressman Albio Sires Votes For Iraq Resolution
Feb 15, 2007
Press Release
For Immediate Release Contact: Olga Alvarez
February 16, 2007
(201) 222-2828
(Washington, D.C.) - Today, Congressman Albio Sires voted in support of H.Con.Res. 63, the Iraq War Policy Resolution, which passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 246-182. Over the last four days, Republicans and Democrats have debated the resolution on the floor of the House of Representatives.
"I believe the American people deserve to see a real debate and have a vote on the President's plan for a troop surge in Iraq. I support this resolution because of the brave servicemen and women of this nation that have been deployed since 9/11. The President has not listened to the American people and has failed to provide a plan for success in Iraq.
"Congress has appropriated $379 billion for the war in Iraq and another $235 billion is slated for the upcoming supplemental appropriations. The United States has already committed $38 billion to Iraq Reconstruction projects across the country. The Iraqi government believes $100 billion will be needed of the next four years to rebuild the country's infrastructure.
"It concerns me that since Iraqi rebuilding projects started, the Coalition Provision Authority cannot account for almost $9 billion in reconstruction funds and $4 billion is being lost every year due to a lack of oversight and quality management. The Administration has failed to give us the necessary oversight for these efforts.
"This wasted money could have been used here in the United States to combat poverty, improve our schools, invest in affordable housing, health care, our veterans and our elderly. As a Member of Congress, I fully support this resolution and this effort. Our troops and my constituents can no longer afford to have this Congress support the Administration's failed policies in Iraq."
February 16, 2007
(201) 222-2828
(Washington, D.C.) - Today, Congressman Albio Sires voted in support of H.Con.Res. 63, the Iraq War Policy Resolution, which passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 246-182. Over the last four days, Republicans and Democrats have debated the resolution on the floor of the House of Representatives.
"I believe the American people deserve to see a real debate and have a vote on the President's plan for a troop surge in Iraq. I support this resolution because of the brave servicemen and women of this nation that have been deployed since 9/11. The President has not listened to the American people and has failed to provide a plan for success in Iraq.
"Congress has appropriated $379 billion for the war in Iraq and another $235 billion is slated for the upcoming supplemental appropriations. The United States has already committed $38 billion to Iraq Reconstruction projects across the country. The Iraqi government believes $100 billion will be needed of the next four years to rebuild the country's infrastructure.
"It concerns me that since Iraqi rebuilding projects started, the Coalition Provision Authority cannot account for almost $9 billion in reconstruction funds and $4 billion is being lost every year due to a lack of oversight and quality management. The Administration has failed to give us the necessary oversight for these efforts.
"This wasted money could have been used here in the United States to combat poverty, improve our schools, invest in affordable housing, health care, our veterans and our elderly. As a Member of Congress, I fully support this resolution and this effort. Our troops and my constituents can no longer afford to have this Congress support the Administration's failed policies in Iraq."