Topeka ? Democrats are blasting U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins, R-Topeka, for voting earlier this week against a bill that provides emergency funding to maintain U.S. operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“By voting no on H.R. 2346, Jenkins would rather play politics than provide our brave men and women in uniform with the necessary funds they need to keep our country and themselves safe,” said Kansas Democratic Party executive director Kenny Johnston.

Jenkins said she does support the troops, but voted against the bill because Democratic leaders put in the legislation other provisions that she didn’t support, such as funds to secure a line of credit to the International Monetary Fund for loans to poorer countries hit hard by the current economic downturn.

“Congress should have parked the politics at the door and taken an up or down vote to fund our troops and nothing else, and I am extremely disappointed that did not happen,” said Jenkins, whose district includes western Lawrence.

The bill passed 226-202. Republicans were almost unanimous in opposing the measure.