FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 2009
Contact: Katie Laning Niebaum, Leah Vest
(202) 224-4843

Lincoln: Funding Bill Supports Troops in Afghanistan and Iraq
Lincoln says “no” to funds for closure of Guantanamo

Washington – U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) today said a funding bill passed by the Senate late Thursday provides critical resources to protect our troops fighting overseas along with funding for critical health care needs and for services that help reservists transition back to their families and communities once they return home.

“Our troops fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq, including over 1,000 activated reservists from Arkansas in addition to those serving on active duty, deserve every resource we can provide to keep them safe and ensure they are prepared to meet the demands of their missions,” Lincoln said.  “The military funding bill provides needed resources for our ongoing operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Funds will support additional troops in Afghanistan and will replace worn-out or damaged equipment so that our forces fighting overseas have the most effective and protective equipment to complete their missions safely and successfully.

“Additional funds also will be provided for military health care initiatives so that active duty service members and mobilized reservists can access much-needed medical and dental services. This funding also will help more troops cover the costs associated with treatment of their combat-related injuries. For our Guardsmen, reservists and their families, funding will be provided for pre-mobilization training and post-mobilization reintegration services, such as family counseling and career support.

“Additional resources will be provided in bonuses to the over 170,000 service members who have recently had their enlistments involuntarily extended, and for military families to help cover the costs of their child care.

“The military funding bill also provides needed resources for border security operations, chiefly to expand border enforcement support teams, hire more Customs and Border Patrol Agents, and combat drug trafficking on our southern border.

“Along with an overwhelming majority of my colleagues, I voted to block funding to close the United States detention facility at Guantanamo Bay until the President presents Congress with a report on the status of the facility’s 240 detainees and a comprehensive and responsible plan on the fate of these detainees. I am opposed to the release of these terrorists into the United States, and look forward to working with the President and my colleagues on an appropriate plan that lawfully brings to justice those who would do us harm and that best serves our national security interests.”

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