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Today, by a vote of 51-47, the United States Senate passed an emergency supplemental spending bill for continuing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and domestic priorities. Senator Nelson voted for the bill and issued the following statement on its passage:
"This legislation is critically important for our military personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. It contains almost $100 billion for equipment and training to ensure that those serving our nation have the resources they need to carry out their mission.
"It also includes benchmarks I have longed championed as essential for success in Iraq. These benchmarks would require the Iraqi government to take responsibility for Iraq. Congress would be briefed on Iraq's progress by the commander on the ground, General Petraeus. If Iraq does not make progress on the items outlined in this bill, Congress will be notified and we will revisit the future role of our military in Iraq.
"While the bill does contain an aspirational date for withdrawal, it is not a hard and fast deadline. I oppose setting calendar dates for withdrawal, but I support this legislation because it firmly establishes that both the American and Iraqi governments must undertake a political, economic and diplomatic effort to provide stability in Iraq. As General Petraeus has said, the military will not be able to solve the problems of that nation. We need a comprehensive strategy.
"Finally, the supplemental contains more than $4 billion in emergency agriculture disaster assistance. While this package is not perfect, it does provide necessary financial relief to farmers and ranchers who have been suffering under a multi-year drought. This is important aid for rural communities in Nebraska that has been delayed for too long.
"It is my hope that President Bush will join with Congress on a bipartisan basis to complete work on the supplemental so that we can get these resources to those who need them as soon as possible."
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