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U.S. Marine Photo |
WASHINGTON, DC (October 24, 2007) – The leader of the nation’s largest veterans organization today urged Congress to swiftly pass this week’s $196.4 billion funding request by the Commander in Chief for Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom.
"Don't nickel and dime the men and women you placed in harm's way," said Marty Conatser, national commander of The American Legion, to Members of Congress responsible for funding the Global War on Terror.
"Our troops have their hands full fighting for their lives and don't have time for the kind of 'political gamesmanship' that the Commander in Chief and the military leadership are having to endure,” Conatser said.
“Congress’ attitude that our troops in harm’s way will have to wait until next year to receive much needed funds for ongoing operations, to repair or replace damaged equipment, or and pay for medical care and transition assistance for injured servicemembers is more than irresponsible,” Conatser said. “It’s wrong!”
It’s time for the rhetoric on Capitol Hill to stop,” he said. “Our troops aren’t running for political office. They just want the resources to do their jobs.”
The American Legion adopted Resolution 169 mandating full support for the Commander in Chief, the military leadership, and, most importantly, the service members. "The Global War on Terror is not about partisan politics, it is about the survival of freedom," Conatser explained.
"To the leadership of Congress, my message is very simple: pass the 2008 War Funding Request," he said.
The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and patriotic youth programs. The Legion’s 2.7 million wartime veterans work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.
