Skelton Readys for Military Spending Debate

Congress opens debate this week on bills carrying almost $450-Billion for military spending. Missouri’s top Congressman on defense matters says that’s not enough to get the job done in Iraq and Afghanistan. Congressman Ike Skelton of Lexington, the top Democrat on the US House Armed Services Committee, hopes the bills lay the groundwork for a stronger military. Skelton says a $25-Billion supplemental appropriations bill contains money for things the Pentagon has not asked for, but which the services need. Skelton adds this country has no choice but to maintain a strong military presence in Iraq. He says the military needs more people to maintain the commitments it has throughout the world. Skelton hopes the appropriations bills will produce almost 40,000 more people in the Army and the Marines.