Nevada Senator Harry Reid made the following two statements today after the U.S. Senate passed the emergency supplemental bill for efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan and urgent domestic needs:

June 27, 2008

Washington, DC— Nevada Senator Harry Reid made the following statement today after the U.S. Senate passed the 21^st Century G.I. Bill:

“Today is an historic day for the newest generation of America’s veterans: we have paved the way for them to receive the same opportunities enjoyed by their predecessors from World War II.  This bipartisan bill further strengthens the finest military in world, and will enhance America’s security and economy.  It will help our servicemen and -women readjust to the civilian life we enjoy because of the sacrifices they make and it will help our veterans afford an education so they will have the tools to succeed at home.

“At a time when two million men and women have fought in Iraq and Afghanistan and when our troops have had to endure multiple deployments, stop-loss policies, insufficient equipment and an unclear strategy, giving them the opportunity to fuel our future economy is the least we can do.

“We have fought long and hard for our veterans, but no one has worked harder than Senators Webb, Hagel, Lautenberg and Warner.  I’m glad that those Senate Republicans who initially opposed this bill have come around.  And I hope President Bush heeds the call of a bipartisan majority of Congress and the thousands of veterans who know we owe our veterans the support they deserve.”

###

REID: SENATE PASSES PRESSING DOMESTIC NEEDS INCLUDING UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS AND DISASTER RELIEF

Washington, DC— Nevada Senator Harry Reid made the following statement today after the U.S. Senate passed important domestic priorities in the Supplemental Appropriations bill:

“With millions of Americans suffering from a Bush economy that has shed jobs every month of 2008, Democrats have extended unemployment insurance to immediately provide up to 13 additional weeks of benefits in every state.  Extending this insurance is one of the most cost-effective and fast-acting ways to stimulate the economy because the money is spent quickly.

“We are also providing $2.65 billion to secure critical resources for Americans suffering from disasters in the wake of tornadoes and flooding in the Midwest, and nearly $6 billion to strengthen New Orleans levees weakened in Hurricane Katrina.  Among many other important provisions, we are protecting seniors, families and those disabilities from Medicaid cuts; nearly doubling the President’s request for military construction and veterans hospitals; and more than doubling the President’s request for international aid.  I hope that President Bush recognizes that our needs at home deserve at least the same attention as those we pay for abroad.”

###