Speaker Nancy Pelosi released this statement last night supporting the war spending bill that the House Appropriations Committee will begin to consider Thursday:

"Chairman Obey and the Members of the House Appropriations Committee are to be commended for quickly drafting legislation to meet our military's needs in Iraq and Afghanistan and to address the H1N1 flu virus.

"The bill the Committee will consider on Thursday meets the first priority of Congress and the President, which is to protect the American people and to provide our men and women in harm's way with all the resources they need. Chairman Obey has also ensured that this legislation is fully consistent with President Obama's plan to end the war in Iraq and to refocus our efforts on Afghanistan and Pakistan.

"I look forward to our debate in the House and to working with the Senate to ensure that this legislation gets to President Obama's desk as soon as possible."