Congressman Culberson voted "present" yesterday on an amendment to increase taxes by billions of dollars to pay for more domestic spending and new entitlement programs. Entitlement programs already account for two-thirds of all domestic spending, and expanding these programs would only add to our record debt and deficits.

"The Democrats used the troop funding bill as a shell game to sneak 54 billion dollars of new taxes and spending past Congress. We have a responsibility to provide our soldiers with the resources they need to accomplish their mission in Iraq. Our military leaders on the ground have told Congress they need this funding by Memorial Day to sustain their progress, and we should honor their request.

"Republicans used the only legislative tool at their disposal to protest the unacceptable conditions that were imposed on troop funding by voting ‘present.' Democrats brought this bill to the floor without a hearing, without amendments, and without any input from the minority party.

"The bill contains items that have nothing to do with the safety of our troops in the field. Muddying the bill with new taxes and spending is a blatant abuse of power and process," Congressman Culberson said.