WASHINGTON, DC - on Thurday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on three amendments to the War Supplemental. In a rare turn of events, House Republicans came together to vote 'present' on the amendment to provide troop funding, causing the amendment to fail. This maneuver was done to send a message to Democrats and the American people of the need for a clean troop funding bill that is not packed with extra domestic spending and hefty tax increases.

"I strongly support all American men and women in uniform," said Conaway. "I support their mission, and I support providing the Department of Defense, and all agencies involved in the Global War on Terrorism, with the best resources and tools available to win the mission against the Islamic Jihadists. I do not, however, support politics that interfere with and possibly compromise the mission of our military. House Leadership must get serious about developing a supplemental package that is clean, straightforward, and is not loaded with domestic pork and tax hikes. The Democrats have more than enough votes to pass their spending excesses and tax increases under regular order without using the welfare of our troops as a shield against their own "PAY-GO" rules."

House Democrats included an amendment in the War Supplemental that would implement a $51.6 Billion tax increase on individuals and couples to be used to pay for expanded GI benefits. This is bad policy that seeks to name winners and losers, and I will not support such maneuvers.

Conaway went on to say, "This erroneous tax increase could affect many small businesses in District 11 and across the country. While I support initiatives to improve Veterans programs, we should not resort to funding such programs by raising taxes, when funds from wasteful spending projects could, and should, be redirected."

An amendment was also included that incorporates withdrawal language for U.S. Armed Forces to begin withdrawal within 30 days and to have a completion goal of 18 months.

"I will not support any language that will put a time restraint on the missions in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Conaway. "Although politics may differ, I believe that the support for our men and women in uniform is undeniable, and we are working diligently to ensure their needs are met and the Department of Defense can carry out its mission of ensuring national security."

Congressman Conaway voted 'present' on the amendment to provide troop funding, 'nay' on the amendment that calls for a tax increase, and 'nay' to the troop withdrawal amendment.

Republican Congressman Conaway is a Member of the House Armed Services Committee.

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