Maloney Statement on War Supplemental Funding

Jul 27, 2010 Issues: Appropriations, War in Afghanistan, War in Iraq

WASHINGTON, DC -- Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney made the following statement on War Supplemental Funding:  

Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the war supplemental funding bill. 

After years of war that have strained our military, their families, and the country, I cannot continue to support funding for the war in Afghanistan – a war marked by increasing violence and attacks on our troops and no clear definition of success.

The last time this measure was before us, I voted with my colleague Rep. Barbara Lee on her amendment to prevent an escalation and limit funding to the safe and orderly withdrawal of our troops and military contractors from Afghanistan.

I also voted in favor of the McGovern-Obey amendment that would require the president to provide Congress with a plan for the expeditious redeployment of U.S. troops in Afghanistan and a timeline for completion of the redeployment.

But the bill before us is simply a continuation of a policy that needs to be changed – with no accountability and no debate on the merits of continuing this conflict in a country beset by corruption and seemingly endless violence.

Contained in this bill is badly needed funding for Haiti, disaster relief and funds for our veterans, which I wholeheartedly support and would urge a separate up or down vote.  

But a vote for this bill before us today is a vote to continue this war and the time has come to bring our troops home.

Reports of corruption abound in Afghanistan, and without a true partner in the Karzai government, our prospects for making real progress have grown dim.

In recent days, even more troubling reports have come out of the region indicating that Pakistan intelligence may be collaborating with elements of the Taliban against the United States.  With claims such as these coming to light, how can we move forward with business as usual on the war?

I cannot in good conscience vote to continue funding this war at so high a cost and with no guarantee that our efforts are reaching our goals there and keeping the American people safe. 

That is why I vote no today.