WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement regarding a move by the House majority late last night that effectively stalls funding that would support flood-recovery efforts in Tennessee and for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, which Secretary Gates said is essential to their success and must be passed before this weekend:
“More than a month after the Senate passed legislation to fund our troops and aid Tennessee flood victims, the Democratic House leadership waited until it knew the Senate had already adjourned before passing a new version of the bill loaded down with controversial measures that will drive up the national debt and drag out the debate on this important measure.”
On May 27th, the Senate passed a Supplemental Appropriations bill that included funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as funding to assist flood victims in Tennessee.
Late last night, the House of Representatives passed an amended version of the Supplemental Appropriations bill, effectively stalling the bill until the Senate reconvenes July 12th.