Levin & Stabenow Vote for more War Funding

Today, the US Senate voted to pass a defense appropriations bill in the amount of $636 Billion. Michigan Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow voted for the additional military spending, with Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold as the only Democrat voting against the measure.

After voting for more military spending Senator Levin and Stabenow released a joint statement providing some reasons for supporting the bill. Levin said, “During this time of two wars, supporting the military’s ongoing operations is among our highest duties as legislators. I will do all I can to support our troops by making sure they are properly equipped and have the equipment they need in the field. This bill ensures that Michigan’s factories and research centers will continue their cutting-edge work that has helped make our military the strongest the world has ever seen.”

Senator Stabenow also chimed in on why she voted for the $636 Billion for war. “I am very pleased that this legislation not only provides critical funding to support our troops, including a 3.4% increase in military pay, but also invests in my priorities for alternative energy research and more energy-efficient combat vehicle technology. These investments will create jobs in Michigan and further advance our state’s leadership in clean energy. This bill also includes another high priority of mine by addressing the unique health care needs of our men and women in uniform.”

So it seems that funding US military occupations abroad, occupations that result in the deaths of Iraq & Afghan civilians, plus US soldiers is ok as long as it creates jobs in Michigan. Economically this doesn’t make sense, since as the National Priorities Project has documented, the Iraq and Afghan wars have cost the state of Michigan over $25 Billion in tax dollars since 2001.