Date: 2003-10-17
Speaker: CORRINE BROWN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Florida

Mr. Chairman. I was horrified to learn that tens of thousands of our troops were sent out to battle without proper armor. And to this day. they still lack many necessary Items. I spoke with several soldiers who suffered Injuries to their legs. and many who totally lost their legs when bullets crashed through their vehicles because the cars were not fortified with armored plates. I met with soldiers who suffered chest Injuries because they did not have bulletproof vests. This Is a very important issue. and I want the American public to clearly understand this point. Even though we have 44.000 soldiers In Iraq today without proper bulletproof vests. the President asked for absolutely nothing to protect those troops. Let me repeat that. We have 44.000 soldiers In Iraq without body armor. and the President didnt ask for a single cent to protect these soldiers. I guess these brave men and women will have to wait until Halllburton starts making body armor before they can get the protection they need and deserve. Congress approved $310 million in April to buy 300.000 bulletproof vests for our troops. But sadly. only $75 million of that money has gone to the Army office that Is responsible for purchasing these vests. Where Is the accountability that this Administration promised this nation? The Republicans keep telling us this bill Is all about the soldiers. and everyone In this Congress supports our soldiers. but how can a bill for our soldiers not Include money for basic protections like Body Armor. Boots. Camouflage. Rucksacks. Armored Vehicles. Tank Tracks. Humvee Tires. Signal Jammers. and Chemical Suits. We cant even provide these brave men and women with simple necessities like drinking water. showers. tennis shoes. and even toothpaste. Just six months ago. we appropriated $79 billion dollars for the war effort. and yet relatives have resorted to buying body armor In the U.S. and shipping It to troops In Iraq. What happened to this money. Mr. President? These families and this Congress want and deserve to know. Yesterday I was shocked to find out that the Services did not fully meet immunization and other predeployment requirements. Based on GAO review of deployments from four installations. between 14 and 46 percent of servicemembers were missing at least one of their required Immunizations prior to deployment. As many as 36 percent of the servIcemembers were missing two or more of their required Immunizations. such as Influenza and hepatitis. We cannot send our servicemembers to war without first making certain that they are protected from Intheater disease threats. We*need to take care of the basics for our troopsl The American people who are writing the check for Iraq do not want a grant program. Like anyone who lends money In the real world. they want their money back. I would encourage every citizen to call their Senators and Congressperson to let them know that you do not support another Blank Check slush fund for this Administration. Vote no on this bill. and no on another blank check for the President and his campaign contributors. Mr. President. this account is already overdrawn.