Jones Votes To Support Our Troops; Seeks To Reign In Iraq Spending

Third District Congressman and senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee, Walter Jones today voted to pass HR 3289, the FY 2004 Defense and Iraq and Afghanistan Reconstruction Emergency Supplemental spending bill. The majority of today's $86.9 billion will go directly to our American troops fighting the War on Terror. This $64.7 billion is directed towards their equipment, pay, and other resources they need to perform their mission. Also included are funds to repair North Carolina military installations damaged by Hurricane Isabel. A smaller amount of today's supplemental, $22.2 billion, is directed towards reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. "I believe it is important to provide the necessary money for our troops, but we must balance Iraqi reconstruction funds with our needs at home," Congressman Jones said today. "I voted yes on today's supplemental because I support the great sacrifices our troops are making. However, it is more important than ever that the Administration lay out a clear long-term plan and exit strategy for Iraq. In light of the current deficits and economic climate in our country today, that critical component must be addressed before I could support any future emergency supplemental like the one before us today." During consideration of the bill, Jones supported a number of amendments that sought to limit the taxpayer costs of the Iraqi reconstruction. One amendment that received a Jones yes vote would have provided the funding to Iraq in the form of a loan rather than a grant. Recognizing that Iraq has one of the three largest oil reserves in the world, Congressman Jones believes it is more sensible to allow the country to pay back the aid given their wealth of natural resources. Jones supported another amendment would have redirected a portion of the reconstruction funds to provide additional assistance to improve the safety and quality of life for our military personnel serving in country. Although both amendments failed to gain a majority during consideration, the measures will receive additional consideration when the House and Senate meet to resolve differences between their respective measures. Finally, Congressman Jones voted to pass the Kirk Amendment, which seeks to tighten sole sourced non-competitive contracts. The Amendment, which passed the House last night, will increase require Congressional notification and oversight over any contracts awarded in Iraq on a non-competitive basis. For additional information or to schedule an interview with Congressman Jones contact Lanier Swann at (202) 225-3415 or via email at lanier.swann@mail.house.gov.