mr. speaker , i rise in strong support of h.r. 1268 making supplemental appropriations to ensure that our forces who are hard at work in iraq and afghanistan , and elsewhere , have the tools they need to do their job , and are well protected .  mr. speaker , this week we witnessed the establishment of iraq 's first democratically elected government in over half a century and their swearing in .  this event is yet another historic milestone in iraq 's progress toward a representative and transparent government .  but even as we see important movement toward democracy , we are reminded that `` freedom is not free. '' as those of us who have seen war know , it is paid first by the sacrifices of those who serve .  their courage is our inspiration .  we wish them godspeed , swift victory and safe return .  however , while it pales in comparison to the sacrifices of our brave men and women in the field , there is another part of the equation .  and it is before us today .  with this legislation , congress is acting decisively to ensure that our soldiers , sailors and airmen have the resources they need to keep iraq on the road back to the community of civilized nations .  this bill contains over $ 76 billion to support military activities .  this sum will : pay for the troop deployment ; repair and replace damaged vehicles being chewed up in an extreme harshly operating environment ; replenish stores of munitions and supplies ; and provide additional armor for vehicles , improved communications gear and more night-vision equipment .  i would also add that this bill also provides over $ 60 million for additional electronic devices designed to protect our forces from the `` weapon of choice '' of the insurgents -- ieds .  mr. speaker , this `` wartime supplemental '' appropriations bill meets our military , humanitarian and foreign policy requirements .  we have every reason to be proud of young men and women at war .  every single word of praise uttered on this floor today is justified .  but while our young men and women in uniform appreciate our vocal support , they need this bill .  it will provide them with the tools they need to get their job done as quickly as possible so they can return home to their families .  i commend mr. lewis , the chairman of the appropriations committee -- the gentleman from california -- for his leadership .  and i urge passage of the legislation .  