The proposal was taken up as two amendments.  Rep. Maloney voted against the first amendment, which would continue funding the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  She voted for the second amendment, which included important provisions to meet the needs of our troops, fully restore GI Bill education benefits for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, provide emergency assistance to Americans struggling in an economy on the brink of recession, provide urgently-needed disaster relief in the response to the floods and tornadoes in the Midwest, and block damaging Medicaid regulations.  Both amendments passed. 

“Unfortunately, this bill didn’t include the necessary language that I and many of my colleagues support, which would have ensured that this war funding is not simply a blank check.  I cannot vote for legislation to fund the Administration’s wrongheaded policies in Iraq without provisions to ensure that American troops will be coming home by a date certain.

“I supported the amendment to provide critical funding for domestic priorities.  This amendment will expand veterans’ education benefits and extend unemployment insurance by 13 weeks for all states.  Additionally, it will direct nearly $3 billion in much needed funding to aid those who have been affected by the devastating floods in the Midwest.

“It is time for the President to listen to the American people who want the war in Iraq to end.”

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