Click for more photos

BLACKBURN: DESTROYING TERRORISM PROGRESS, CHALLENGES

Monday, September 8, 2003

We are committed to destroying terrorism, not just holding it back. That is why we are in Afghanistan, that's why we're in Iraq, and that's why we must continue to support the President's efforts. We must not forget that these faraway lands are the places of comfort and sustenance that gave rise to those who murdered more than 3,000 Americans on September 11th.

I am ready to roll up my sleeves and look at the details of the funding President Bush has requested for Afghanistan and Iraq. We know it contains resources to provide better security for our men and women in uniform and improve their quality of life -- and we absolutely must support these funding elements.

Rebuilding these nations, after decades of neglect is not an easy task, but it's critical to providing any long-term hope of stability, peace, and democracy. We must also start looking at ways Iraq can utilize its tremendous oil resources to rebuild. Ultimately the costs of rebuilding should be shared by a coalition including Iraq, the U.S., and those nations that believe stability in the mid east is critical to defeating terrorism. We all look forward to the first time in a generation that Iraqi oil will benefit the entire nation, not just the spending whims of Saddam Hussein.

Congressional Art

Competition

Click here for information

Sign up for Marsha's

 

BLACKBURN ANNOUNCES 7th CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2004 SERVICE ACADEMY NOMINEES
click here to learn more about the nominees


SENIORS DISCUSS ISSUES WITH BLACKBURN DURING MEDICARE TOWN HALL MEETINGS

BLACKBURN ON IMMIGRATION REFORM:
AMERICA IS A NATION OF LAWS

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Marsha Blackburn (TN-7th District) issued the following statement today regarding immigration reform:

"America is a nation of immigrants, but we are also a nation of laws. Our first priority should be defending America's borders and enforcing our laws, not accommodating those who break them. As a state senator I led the effort to ensure that Tennessee driver licenses were not available to illegal aliens and I will continue working at the federal level to protect the legitimacy of America's identification credentials and citizenship rights. Our legal system is the envy of the world and we should not abuse it by rewarding those who have entered America illegally."

BLACKBURN ON 101st HOMECOMING: WELCOME HOME, JOB WELL DONE

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Marsha Blackburn issued the following statement today as nearly 200 members of the 101st Airborne Division returned home to Fort Campbell, Tennessee after almost a year in Iraq.

"Job well done. We are proud of you. You and your families are this generation's great Americans. America and the world are safer for your service and your sacrifice. The 101st has been at the forefront of the war on terrorism. I was fortunate to visit Iraq and see firsthand the progress General Petraeus and the 101st have made toward freeing the nation. Their work will pay huge dividends in the war on terrorism as we make progress in the effort to stabilize the Middle East. America honors the men and women of the 101st, their families, and those who have fallen in defense of our nation."

BLACKBURN TRAVELS TO IRAQ TO SURVEY PROGRESS

HOUSE PASSES EXTENSION OF IMMINENT DANGER PAY AND FAMILY SEPARATION ALLOWANCES FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL

Thursday, September 25, 2003

WASHINGTON, DC - Calling it an "affirmation of our support for America's military," Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) voted today to approve legislation that extends funding for both imminent danger pay and the family separation allowance. The resolution, H.J. RES. 69, continues appropriations for the entire federal government at current levels through October 31, while Congress completes work on fiscal year 2004 appropriations legislation. H.J. RES. 69 passed by a vote of 407-8.

"When it was suggested that cuts would be made to imminent danger pay and family separation allowance I made it a point to speak with the Department of Defense and House leadership in opposition to this action," Blackburn said. "My attitude was that we absolutely had to find the funds for this. I am known as an advocate of spending cuts, but some things you just do not cut and this is one of them. It is better that we cut any number of other entitlement programs than allow imminent danger pay and family separation allowance to be reduced. I have watched our Fort Campbell military personnel head off to Afghanistan and Iraq and I have helped welcome them home. They deserve this pay and I will work to ensure it continues. As Congress develops the legislation that authorizes and funds the Department of Defense, I will not support reductions in this pay without compensatory increases in other areas. One of the federal government's primary responsibilities is to protect our freedoms, and these men and women are central to that responsibility."