Blunt: Passing a Clean Supplemental is the Best Way to Support Our Troops

WASHINGTON, April 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- House Republican Whip Roy
Blunt (Mo.) issued the following statement today after President Bush's
remarks on our soldiers' success in Iraq, as well as the need for a clean
troop supplemental:

"I commend the President for providing an important update to the American
people on the situation in Iraq and vowing to veto a troop funding bill if it
includes unrelated spending. It is because of the tremendous dedication and
work of our soldiers that a greater level of security has been brought to a
country that has for decades been racked by violence and brutality.

"Al-Qaeda is on the defense thanks to joint action between our soldiers and
the Iraqis. A stable, free and independent Iraq is vital to a secure Middle
East and America.

"Our recent achievements on the ground in Iraq will allow the five brigades
that went to Iraq as part of the surge to return home in success and will
ensure that future troops will have shorter tours in Iraq. And as Congress
turns to the troop supplemental spending bill, Republicans will fight to
ensure that our soldiers receive every resource they need.

"Our men and women in uniform are rightfully respected for their first-rate
service to our country. They deserve that same respect right here in the
marble halls of Congress. You cannot separate our troops from their mission
-- they both deserve our full support."

SOURCE House Republican Whip Roy Blunt

Nick Simpson, Antonia Ferrier, or Chris Tucker, +1-202-226-7022, all of the
Office of House Republican Whip Roy Blunt