Nov 15 2007

Graham Calls on Democrats to Pass Funding for Troops and Veterans

WASHINGTON-  U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today called on Senate Democrat leaders to pass troop and veterans funding legislation that can be signed into law.

Graham was joined at a press conference by a representative from Vets for Freedom and a group of Senators including Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, and Richard Burr of North Carolina.

Graham said:

“I am extremely disappointed the Democrat-controlled Congress cannot appreciate that the surge has been one the most effective military operations in American history.

“We owe it to our troops and our own national security interests to continue to support their historic efforts.  Instead, some seem intent on pulling the rug out from under their feet by failing to fund our troops while they are on the battlefield.

“The strings attached to the House bill put in jeopardy the gains we have made.  It also sends the wrong message to a diminished enemy.”

The Senate has yet to vote on the bridge funding for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Conference Report.

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