- $2.5 billion for military personnel, $600 million above the request due to better than projected recruiting and retention levels in the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Marine Corps Reserve and an unanticipated increase in mobilization of Air Force Guardsmen and Reservists. - $68.4 million for defense health programs, including $35 million above the request for improved operating rooms and equipment. Support for Coalition Partners - $1 billion to expand and improve capabilities of the Iraq Security Forces, and a new reporting requirement on the intended uses of these funds to ensure they are used for only the most critical needs that Iraq cannot meet itself. - $2.6 billion to expand and improve capabilities of the Afghan Security Forces. Equipment and Force Structure 2 / 11 FY2010 Supplemental Appropriations Bill - $5.2 billion for procurement, $792 million above the request to replace combat loss equipment ($420 million), for Marine Corps trucks ($176 million), and Guard and Reserve equipment ($200 million).
Moreover, 79 percent of those surveyed say it is more difficult now than 5 years ago to maintain their standard of living. The American middle class is struggling under the financial burdens of a modern lifestyle: paying for college, caring for aging parents, maintaining health insurance, saving for their retirement, and balancing their work and family obligations. The Democratic Middle Class Working Group was created to address those challenges and craft policies that will help middle class Americans attain the success they desire. The Working Group is co-chaired by Reps. Melissa Bean (D-IL), Nancy Boyda (D- KS), Andre Carson (D-IN), Ciro Rodriguez (D-TX), Tim Ryan (D-OH), Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH) and Anthony Weiner (D-NY).