Representative Sutton Speaks in Support of the FY2009 Supplemental Appropriations Bill

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time and for his leadership.

Today we consider the last War Supplemental providing funding for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, I am deeply concerned that this bill does not have an exit strategy for military operations in Afghanistan.

Out of fairness to our brave soldiers, we cannot have an open-ended strategy, and I support the bill introduced by Rep. Jim McGovern to require one.

But this bill does have some provisions in it that I support. Since October of 2001, approximately 160,000 soldiers have been subject to stop-loss, serving on involuntary extended tours of duty.

Last June, I introduced the Stop Loss Compensation Act to ensure that all our soldiers affected by the policy would be properly compensated.

And last fall, we took the first step toward fulfilling our duty to these brave soldiers by including stop-loss compensation for Fiscal Year 2009 in the Continuing Resolution.

But today, I am proud that we will extend the $500 a month payments to all 160,000 soldiers that have been affected by stop-loss since 2001.

And Mr. Speaker, on the home front, our fire fighters answer the call of duty in communities throughout this country, often the first on the scene and the last to leave.

Because of the current recession, a lot of communities, including the community of Elyria in my district, are being forced to lay off firefighters, resulting in staffing levels that are too low.

I am proud to say that we have worked on language to include in the bill to allow the SAFER grant to be used to rehire or retain much-needed firefighters.

The Elyria Fire Department has already informed me that with this change, they plan to apply for a SAFER grant to reinstate the 10 firefighters who were laid off last month.

This bill will help us ensure that stop-loss payments for those who protect us overseas will be properly given and to ensure the adequate staffing for those who protect us at home.

Thank you, and I yield back.