Rep. Scott Votes for a New Direction in Iraq

April 25, 2007

(Washington D.C.) - Congressman Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (D-VA-03) and a majority of the U.S. House of Representatives voted to approve the conference report on H.R. 1591, the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Health and Iraq Accountability Act of 2007. The measure fully funds our troops fighting in Iraq; at the same time, it requires accountability from the President and the Iraqi government.

The Senate is expected to consider and approve the conference report on Thursday. The bill will then be sent to the President's desk.

"The bill that passed the House today fully funds our troops fighting overseas, spends billions more on healthcare for our veterans here at home and holds this administration accountable for the situation in Iraq," said Rep. Scott. "This bill will finally change the course in Iraq."

The conference report fully funds the President's request while adding an additional $4 billion. These additional funds are for military health care, military housing, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles for our troops, and a Strategic Reserve Readiness Fund. The measure also provides $1.8 billion not requested by the President to meet the unmet healthcare needs of our veterans returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan.

(####)