Defense spending on the war in Afghanistan has been a big concern to legislators, the military and the public. West Central Missouri Congressman Ike Skelton gives an update.
Skelton’s district encompasses Whiteman Air Force Base and Fort Leonard Wood. He’s the ranking chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and is throwing his support behind General Stanley McChrystal. Skelton says he’s urging Obama to give McChrystal the troops he’s asked for.
Skelton says he’s long said the war in Afghanistan is the “forgotten war” and the right resources were not given to Afghanistan — the genesis of attacks on America — when the U.S. was diverted into the war in Iraq.
Skelton says House has approved a bill will provide new facilities and land acquisitions at Whiteman Air Force Base and Fort Leonard Wood, resulting in $185 million dollars for facilities construction … and that leads to more jobs in the area.
“The bill will provide new facilities and land acquisitions at Whiteman AFB and Fort Leonard Wood; health and dental clinics, training and barracks at Fort Wood; 185 million additional dollars for facilities at Fort Wood…”
He says in making more than 210 public appearances over the past year and meeting with constituents, in addition to the phone calls and e-mail his office receives, the economy and the war are the top concerns voiced by Missourians.
skelwarvaweb — Jessica Machetta reports [Download / listen Mp3]
