2007-03-23 19:07:58 -

WASHINGTON, March 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones voted in favor of H.R. 1591, the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Health, and Iraq Accountability Act of 2007. She released this statement:

"I want to see a swift end to this conflict in Iraq and bring our troops home as soon as possible and I feel that this bill is a positive step in that direction," said Rep. Tubbs Jones. "This bill provides the necessary benchmarks for both President George W. Bush to bring about an end to this war

and requires the Iraqi government to meet the key security, political and economic standards. Their failure to meet these requirements will result in the beginning of U.S. withdrawal from Iraq and will restrict economic aid to the Iraqis.

"Additionally, I strongly support many of the provisions of this supplemental including $100 million to allow the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to contract private mental healthcare providers for veterans, primary and higher education assistance, extension of the Social Services Block Grant, and an additional $750 million for the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Also, there are several provisions that will assist victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita including Community Disaster Loan forgiveness, and an additional $25 million for Small Business Administration for disaster loans.

"I feel that the leadership has done a good job in crafting this bill and I am proud to support Speaker Pelosi in this effort."

Source: Office of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones