Washington, D.C. – The Senate passed legislation today that U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., said would be instrumental to the rebuilding of Iraq and Afghanistan and in bringing U.S. troops home.

The Senate passed the conference report to the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Iraq and Afghanistan Security and Reconstruction Act of 2004 today by voice vote.

The bill provides about $87.4 billion in supplemental funding for military operations and reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Of that, about $65.8 billion would go toward military efforts and approximately $21.8 billion would be directed toward reconstruction and foreign assistance. Iraq and Afghanistan would receive about $18.6 billion and $1.2 billion respectively for reconstruction efforts.

The bill also provides $55 million to cover the travel costs of troops on home leave, and requests that the commercial airline industry charge Armed Forces members and their families the lowest available fares for air travel in connection with home leave.

Enzi became aware of the difficulties facing troops trying to return on home leave after a Wyoming resident brought the problem to his attention. Enzi cosponsored an amendment to the Senate legislation which requested funding be provided for flights home within the United States for service men and women during their home leave from Iraq or Afghanistan.

Enzi’s comments follow.

“I believe this is a vitally important allocation of resources and we should help Iraq and Afghanistan become economically independent, politically viable and solid democracies that respect basic human rights.

“I am pleased the conference committee agreed that the funds for Iraqi reconstruction will be made in the form of a grant rather than a loan. I support a Marshall Plan approach that will enable the Iraqi people to have a solid foundation for their new nation. The more quickly Iraq becomes fully independent, the sooner our troops can return home.

“Our troops have a lot on their minds and the last thing they should be worrying about is how to afford a much needed and greatly deserved break at home. I am pleased the conference committee maintained the provision that helps our troops return home for some rest and recuperation.”