Statement of U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL) Regarding Supplemental Appropriations Bill

 

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL) issued the following statement in regard to the Supplemental Appropriations Bill, which today passed the U.S. House of Representatives:

"The Supplemental Appropriations Bill provides funds that are essential to the improvement for the stability of our economy, for the health of our nation at a time of pandemic, for our national security, the International Affairs budget, and for our troops. I am confident that this supplemental fulfills the pledge to upkeep the best interest of our nation, and honor the commitment and sacrifice of our troops.

"With $4.5 billion for Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, which is $1.9 billion above the request, we can continue provide our troops better protection from Improvised Explosive Devices that will ultimately save lives. Moreover, the $5 billion for stability and security in Afghanistan, as well as funding for preparedness against pandemic flu—at a time when the World Health Organization has declared the first worldwide flu epidemic in 41 years, provides the resources and capabilities needed for our troops and our nation as a whole."

Specifically, the Supplemental Appropriations Bill authorizes appropriations dedicated to the International Affairs budget, food assistance, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, and to addressing pandemic diseases. The version passed by the full House on May 14, 2009 authorizes $96.7 billion in supplemental funding while the version passed by the full Senate on May 21, 2009 authorizes $91.3 billion in supplemental funding. The version outlined in the House-Senate Conference Committee Report submitted on June 12, 2009 authorizes $105.9 billion in supplemental funding. Today, the House approved the Conference Committee Report resolving differences between House and Senate versions of the bill by a vote of 226-202.

U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek represents the 17^th Congressional District of Florida which includes parts of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. He serves as the lone Florida Democrat sitting on the House Committee on Ways and Means.

-30-