Hello BMGrs,
Although I regularly read Blue Mass Group, today’s post is my first. I know many of you are deeply concerned about the wars in Iraq and in Afghanistan. This issue remains at the top of Congress’ agenda and we have been debating additional war funding for some time now. Last night, the House passed the Conference Report for H.R. 2346: Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2009, which provides funds sought by the Administration. I voted against this bill because I just don’t think it gets us closer to ending these conflicts.
I really do believe that President Obama will change the course of the wars and I did struggle over whether to support this bill as a show of support for him. Ultimately, my decision came down to the fact that, as I write this, I think our policies toward Iraq and Afghanistan are inadequately formulated. I hope and expect that to change, but right now I have too many unanswered questions over how we will bring an end to these conflicts. I was concerned that a vote in support of H.R. 2346 might imply that I accept the current situation as is. I don’t. However, I certainly am more hopeful that this President will understand the concerns of those of us who voted no, and will continue focusing on a new strategy – one that starts bringing our men and women in uniform home. If you’d like to review H.R. 2346 yourself, you may find the text and a summary at the Appropriations Committee website. Thanks for the opportunity to share my thoughts in this forum.
Regards,
Congressman Mike Capuano, 8th district
How did Speaker Pelosi vote?
This might help with an answer.
Obama is wrong on this, you were right – we need a plan to get out of Afghanistan. We can do a lot more towards building a just world if we stop trying to solve problems with bombs.
I’m especially proud of my Congressman, Jim McGovern, of course, but thanks to you and Rep. Tsongas as well, for recognizing the importance of making a stand on this vote.
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p>I can only speak for myself, but I know I’m not alone in my appreciation for this display of leadership from all three Representatives.
We need to keep our eyes on the goal of getting out of these conflicts in a responsible manner.
For someone I voted against in the 1998 primary, Rep. Mike Capuano annually exceeds my expectations.
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p>Thank you!
It was an important one — and you made the right decision.
Your Dorchester constituents are proud to be in your district.
Representative Capuano Thank You and please keep up the great work and thank you for your efforts with Secretary Geitner last month Superior job best questions asked by far.
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p>As Usual just my Opinion!
I hope you’ll demonstrate similar leadership and political bravery on the healthcare issue. It is so obvious that this nation is in desperate need of strong and brave leadership on the health reform for people not for profits issue.
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p>On this note, I want to thank you for endorsing Congressman Conyer’s bill HR 676 for improved Medicare-for-All aka Medicare Part E (Everybody in, nobody left out). All but 3 of the MA delegation have endorsed it. I expect that those 3–Neal, Lynch and Tsongas–will soon do the right thing to support their constituents wishes and needs and endorse HR 676 too.
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p>As PDA says “Healthcare Not Warfare!” and it makes perfect sense https://www.thedatabank.com/dp…
As I have often said, good thing we have Rep. Mike Capuano working for us. This was an important vote, and an important message.
You are brave.
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p>Thank you, Mike!