"I voted in favor of this bill because it is imperative that Congress act to provide much-needed funding for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is irresponsible for Congress to delay funding when our troops are in harm's way.
"I support a Cash for Clunkers program. This bill contains a version of the program that is weaker than legislation that I introduced earlier this year with Senator Dianne Feinstein, which would require strict fuel-efficiency standards, result in better oil savings, and would be better for both the economy and the environment. But, removing the provision from this legislation would have resulted in a harmful delay of critical funding for our troops. This Cash for Clunkers program will expire on November 1st, and Senator Feinstein received assurances from Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid that any extension of the program would reflect our legislation."
The Supplemental Appropriations bill also includes funding that is important to Maine, including:
• Approximately $3 million for the Maine Military Authority in Limestone
• $2.7 billion for construction of eight C-17 military transport aircraft, parts of which are constructed at Pratt and Whitney in North Berwick
• $165 million for emergency ship maintenance programs, some of which will help a team from Bath Iron Works that is currently repairing the USS Port Royal in Hawaii