February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4245 will advance our efforts to conserve en- danger. They could provide these arms Additional troops are not going to ergy by light years and to create great to terrorists, giving them the means to make a difference because there simply new jobs here in America. match their hatred. is not a military solution to the war in If my colleagues want true energy Secretary Rice, after being named Iraq. The devastating sectarian vio- independence and a thriving domestic Secretary to succeed Colin Powell, lence is going to continue. But our auto industry, we must focus on the warned 6 months before the invasion in troops should no longer be asked to technology of the future. Iraq that Saddam Hussein could deploy serve as referees in a battle between re- f a nuclear weapon, saying that the ad- ligious sects that have been fighting ministration did not want a smoking for centuries. IRAQ RESOLUTION gun. We want to know as New Yorkers, f (Ms. CASTOR asked and was given when will we find Osama bin Laden IRAQ WAR RESOLUTION permission to address the House for 1 f minute.) The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. IRAQ RESOLUTION Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, over the HOLDEN). Pursuant to section 3 of last 2 days Republicans who support (Mr. MEEKS of New York asked and House Resolution 157, proceedings will the President’s troop escalation plan was given permission to address the now resume on the concurrent resolu- have had two main message points. The House for 1 minute.) tion (H. Con. Res. 63) disapproving of first is that the resolution opposing the Mr. MEEKS of New York. Mr. Speak- the decision of the President an- President’s plan is nonbinding and er, as the November election clearly nounced on January 10, 2007, to deploy meaningless, and the second is that the showed, Iraq is the number one issue more than 20,000 additional United resolution will be the ‘‘end of civiliza- weighing on Americans’ minds. A vast States combat troops to Iraq. tion,’’ to borrow a term from a col- majority of people across the Nation The Clerk read the title of the con- umnist. They cannot have it both strongly disagree with the President’s current resolution. ways. plan to send nearly 21,500 additional The SPEAKER pro tempore. When What we are doing over these 3 days troops into Iraq, and a bipartisan ma- proceedings were postponed on Wednes- of debate is having a real discussion jority in this Congress has also voiced day, February 14, 2007, time for debate about changing the course of the war its opposition to this measure. on the concurrent resolution on that in Iraq. For those who support the This week here in the people’s House, day had expired. Bush-Cheney escalation, this debate we will have an opportunity to express Pursuant to the resolution, it is now serves as a prime opportunity to ex- our opinions on the troop escalation, in order for a further period of debate plain why they think this escalation and then we will have to vote whether on the concurrent resolution. will work when four other surges have or not we support the President’s plan. The gentleman from New York (Mr. not worked. The American people want a debate. MEEKS) and the gentleman from Michi- It is a shame that some have ignored And while there is one going on in this gan (Mr. MCCOTTER) each will control 6 the merits of the resolution and fo- House, the Senate Republican leader- hours. cused on political calculation. In fact, ship continues to block debate in the The Chair recognizes the gentleman several Republicans sent out a letter Senate. from New York. saying this debate should not even be One has to wonder what Senate Re- Mr. MEEKS of New York. Mr. Speak- about the Iraq war today. If we let publican leaders are so worried about. er, I yield 5 minutes to the distin- Democrats force us into a debate on After all, Republican Senators, like guished majority whip, the Honorable the surge or the current situation in JOHN WARNER and CHUCK HAGEL, joined JAMES CLYBURN of South Carolina. Iraq, we lose. with Democrats to propose their own Mr. CLYBURN. I thank the gen- Far from it, Mr. Speaker. No one will resolution opposing the troop esca- tleman for yielding. lose by having a debate. In fact, our lation. Mr. Speaker, the debate we join great democracy benefits and the Are Senate Republican leaders really today is essentially over the matter of American people win by knowing that willing to stifle the voices of their own sending 20,000 more American troops we are charting a new direction. Republican colleagues so that they can into Iraq. Over the past 2 days, some f continue to protect the Bush adminis- deeply felt sentiments have been ex- tration? It is time for real debate. It is IRAQ RESOLUTION pressed in this Hall by some patriotic time for a new direction on this war. and honorable Americans from all (Ms. CLARKE asked and was given f walks of life and on both sides of the permission to address the House for 1 aisle. minute and to revise and extend her re- IRAQ RESOLUTION marks.) (Mr. PALLONE asked and was given b 1030 Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise permission to address the House for 1 And I respect and appreciate the in- today because I am very supportive of minute.) tensity of those feelings. our troops around the globe and in par- Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, the de- If this were the only issue, if the ticular those who are in harm’s way in bate taking place here in the House matter were only a matter of troop Iraq. I wholeheartedly support H. Con. this week is long overdue. We are ap- strength and numbers, then the issue Res. 63. proaching our fifth year of this war. would lend itself to military and stra- Mr. Speaker, in the President’s Janu- This is the first time Congress is debat- tegic solutions and we would not be ary 29, 2002, State of the Union address, ing the strategy President Bush wants having this debate. in regards to protecting America, re- to implement in Iraq. Congress can no That is not the real issue, however. sponding to terrorist threats and cap- longer stand on the sidelines, and the That is not the reason that every Mem- turing Osama bin Laden, he said, this President has to know that to escalate ber of this Congress is being granted is a regime that agreed to inter- the war in Iraq is not acceptable. the opportunity to speak on this issue. national inspections, then kicked out The President hopes this troop esca- No, my fellow Members of Congress, our inspectors. This is a regime that lation plan will help secure Baghdad the real issue we are addressing today has something to hide from the civ- and reduce the sectarian violence that is not that simple. The real issue goes ilized world. is ripping the country apart. But there to the very heart of our American de- States like these and their terrorist is no evidence to support those hopes. mocracy. allies constitute an axis of evil, arming In fact, on four different occasions, the Last November the American people to threaten the peace of the world. By President increased troop levels in voted for a change in leadership. They seeking weapons of mass destruction, Iraq, and every time these plans failed did so overwhelmingly because they these regimes pose a grave and growing to calm the violence in Iraq. want a new direction in Iraq. The

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00147 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4246 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 American people also voted for a new remain at the ready and not serve as eled to Iraq and once to Afghanistan to Congress, because they had lost faith targets for insurgents. meet with our troops; visited wounded in the old one. As a Congress, we had The best way for the Iraqi Govern- citizen soldiers, eulogized our fallen, lost our footing, and as a result, our ment to gain the trust of the American and consoled their grieving families. Nation lost its way on the inter- people is for them to step up and take As a witness to their courage, sacrifice national stage. control of their country’s security. and suffering, I have been morally I believe that last November’s call We say today that the victories we compelled to support every appropria- for a new direction in Iraq is also root- seek are real victories, permanent vic- tion for our military and civilian per- ed in our lost faith in those who are tories, victories of a Nation which still sonnel in harm’s way, oppose every pol- leading that nation. believes that the voice of the people is icy injurious to our country’s common We were stung when Iraqi Prime Min- our final and best judgment. cause of victory; advance my own ideas ister al-Maliki seemed to offer amnesty With this debate, we are taking steps on how to secure our victory, including to Iraqi insurgents that killed Ameri- to regain our footing as a Congress and the introduction of bipartisan, though cans. chart a new way forward on the inter- ultimately unaccepted, legislation to We have been robbed by the dis- national stage. establish concerted congressional over- appearance of billions of dollars sent to I am hopeful this debate will not only sight over the course of this conflict; Iraq in good faith to help build the be heard, but will be accepted as the and refused to condone a resolution by country. moment at which America turned its my Republican peers which failed to We have been deceived by the prom- face toward a triumph of enormous meet its duty; and, immediately after- ise of trained Iraqi police forces who proportions, a triumph for peace and a wards, introduced a resolution of my should be prepared to provide law and triumph for democracy everywhere own in order to fulfill my duty to our order for their country, but instead Mr. MCCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield soldiers, my constituents, and our ally themselves with insurgents. myself such time as I may consume. country. I traveled with some of you to Iraq Mr. Speaker, he was conscientious, As a staunch supporter of our Na- last Memorial Day, and enjoyed what I committed to peace and momentarily tion’s mission in Iraq, Afghanistan, thought was one of the best meetings praised. His laurels burned in the and throughout the world, I did so in of the trip with the Iraqi Speaker of bombings. His valorous and vain efforts the belief that it is morally imperative the Council of Representatives. The op- had but hastened upon his people. for every sovereign American citizen timism I felt following that meeting Yet, in eulogizing this ‘‘English wor- and their congressional servants to en- was destroyed when, just days after our thy,’’ Sir Winston Churchill, an ardent sure our valiant troops victoriously return home, I heard the Iraqi Speaker opponent of the deceased’s policy of ap- come home to their loved ones’ arms. denigrating American efforts in his peasement, unexpectedly struck a con- Were I to do otherwise and lapse in my country. ciliatory chord toward the late Neville moral duty, I would not only be vio- We in the new leadership of Congress Chamberlain: lating our troops and my constituents’ do not stand here as defeatists and not ‘‘It is not given to human beings, trust, I would be violating the dictates as opponents of this Nation’s best in- happily for them, for otherwise life of my conscience. terest. Only fools could reach that kind would be intolerable, to foresee or to It is equally true, of course, how of conclusion from this discussion. We predict to any large extent the unfold- within this House other Members’ dic- stand here today to say there is a vic- ing course of events. In one phase, men tates of conscience have led them to a tory to be achieved, but it is not a seem to have been right, in another decidedly different, though equally military conquest. they seem to have been wrong. Then constant course of action. To these The victory we seek is earned again, a few years later when the per- Members and their fellow citizens who through the restoration of America’s spective of time is lengthened, all have done so to date, I share the senti- role as peacemaker, not warmonger. It stands in a different setting. There is a ments Sir Winston held for Neville begins with the restoration of this Con- new proportion. There is another scale Chamberlain: You are ‘‘An American gress, as the deliberative arbiter and of values. History, with its flickering Worthy,’’ who ‘‘however the fates may representative of the best interest of lamp, stumbles along the trail of the play, will ‘‘march always in the ranks the American people. It begins with the past, trying to reconstruct its scenes, of honor.’’ Yet, because the resolution understanding and acceptance of this to revive its echoes, and kindle with thrust before us is a craven exposition Congress as a full partner in the future pale gleams the passion of former days. of political expediency in a time of na- of this activity. What is the worth of all this? The only tional crisis, today many may stray Many of us have seen firsthand and guide to a man is his conscience; the from the ranks of honor. witnessed firsthand the realities of our only shield to his memory is the rec- This resolution is ‘‘nonbinding,’’ presence in Iraq. Many of us have in- titude and sincerity of his actions. It is which means the resolution has no formed ourselves as fully as possible on very imprudent to walk through life force of law to compel future legisla- the complexity of the problems we without this shield, because we are so tive acts in compliance with its dic- face. Many of us have agonized over the often mocked by the failure of our tates. In sum, then, this resolution le- dangers and hazards which lie ahead, hopes and the upsetting our calcula- gally changes nothing. Americans’ no matter which direction we take. We tions; but with this shield, however the money will still unabatedly facilitate do not take these steps lightly. fates may play, we march always in the our troops’ continued deployment into Now we stand ready to create new ranks of honor.’’ harm’s way, despite the United States paths to new victories. We stand ready Mr. Speaker, while not serving in Congress collectively condemning the to initiate the kind of victories, which this Chamber during the debates on the President’s announced troop reinforce- will restore America’s respect around resolution authorizing the President of ment plan. This impotent resolution is the world and self-confidence here at the United States to use martial force injurious in the eyes of its opponents home. to remove Iraq’s Baathist regime for because it will undermine the morale We cannot achieve this by military numerous just causes, including its re- of our troops, their families, and our might, but by diplomacy. The need for fusal to honor its Gulf War cease-fire fellow citizens even as it heartens and a stable Iraq is not just an American and United Nations’ resolutions, during emboldens our enemies; and this impo- interest, it is a regional and global con- my time as a temporary custodian of tent resolution is injurious because it cern. my constituents’ office, I have striven will not stop what many of its sup- Iraq’s neighbors must be brought to to ensure our Nation’s victory in the porters purport will be a loss of life in the table. American troops must dis- battles for Iraq, Afghanistan, and in a lost cause. By neither stopping the engage from the Red Zone and redeploy the overarching war on terror. In doing war nor speeding our victory and by to the outskirts of Iraq where they can so for 3 years, I have four times trav- calculatedly doing nothing in this time

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00148 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4247 of national crisis, this resolution is im- special-interest pressure groups. No Iraq is a defeat in Iraq. Whatever one moral. doubt somewhere beyond this ephem- pretends to the contrary, one will This immorality is manifest in how eral stream of time there lurks a jeal- never convince our enemies otherwise. the resolution guilefully attempts to ous Clement Vallandigham. But, in Yes, it is all too human to wish the insinuate the United States Congress fairness, let us disdain a priori specula- world were different; all too human to can simultaneously support our troops tion, and instead examine a previous rationalize away one’s misguided ac- and oppose their mission. During a resolution to glean the potentialities of tions. Being composed of frail, fallible time of war, if an act is not i our na- the present resolution’s supporters’ se- human beings, even great assemblies tional interest, such as the President’s cret legislative plan. The following such as this have succumbed to the plan is deemed to be in this resolution, passages are excerpted from a previous temptation. We must not. the act is injurious to the national in- resolution which, albeit more forth- Writing well before Churchill’s mag- terest. At best, the act will expend re- rightly, also opposes the Commander in nanimous eulogy of Chamberlain and, sources, most tragically claim lives Chief’s decisions: to the contrary, warning the British without furthering the cause of vic- ‘‘Resolved, That this convention does people’s representatives how history tory. Better than anyone, our troops explicitly declare, as the sense of the was pitiless, George Dangerfield coldly understand this. Therefore, this Con- American people, that after 4 years of assessed his national leaders’ mis- gress does not support our troops when failure . . . by the experiment of war, management of state affairs during the it proclaims they are risking their during which, under the pretense of a pre-Great War years of 1910 to 1914: lives in a doomed mission injurious to military necessity of war-power higher ‘‘Along that row of distinguished and America. than the Constitution, the Constitu- original faces there would pass from Yet, if Congress persists in this in- tion itself has been disregarded in time to time, as lightly as a shadow sanity, the Members must meet their every part, and public liberty and pri- upon the waters, an alarming, an alien responsibility to enumerate the rea- vate right alike trodden down, and the spirit, a spirit dangerous and indefi- sons they disapprove of the President’s material prosperity of the country es- nite, the Spirit of Whimsy . . . In the plan and, in point of fact, the mission sentially impaired, justice, humanity, hush of crisis, in the tumult of abuse, upon which our troops have already liberty, and the public welfare demand or when the stuffy air of the Commons embarked. But this resolution does not that immediate efforts be made for ces- seemed almost to glitter with the shin- provide any rationale for its conclu- sation of hostilities . . . to the end ing, salt ripples of sarcasm, there it sion. Thus, rather than deserving our that, at the earliest practicable mo- played, airy, remote, and irrespon- collective concurrence, this resolution ment, peace be restored.’’ sible.’’ deserves our universal condemnation. This previous resolution too ex- Is an inchoate angst over history’s To this, some supporters will object presses its support for our troops in final verdict the reason some sup- and allege two defenses for this resolu- harm’s way: porters of this resolution have taken to tion’s fatal omission. Do not these sup- ‘‘Resolved, That the sympathy of the this floor, though not in this resolution porters’ floor remarks provide the ra- Democratic Party is heartily and ear- itself, and verbally professed three key tionales sufficient to sustain this reso- nestly extended to the soldiery of our defenses of their decision? One defense lution? No. If floor remarks alone are Army and sailors of our Navy who are is they were misled into supporting an sufficient to sustain the resolution’s and have been in the field and on the Iraqi regime change because of the conclusions, then floor remarks alone sea under the flag of our country, and false claim it did or might possess would be sufficient to derogate the in the events of its attaining power, weapons of mass destruction. Mer- President’s plan and, ergo, vitiate any they will receive all the care, protec- cifully, let us stipulate these elected necessity for a written resolution. Con- tion, and regard that brave soldiers and officials performed their due diligence versely, if it is imperative for the sailors of the Republic have so nobly on the matter and, especially for our plan’s detractors to express their oppo- earned.’’ Democratic colleagues so situated, sition in a written resolution, it is also This previous resolution is the Demo- they did not overly trust the some imperative to express their reasons in cratic Party platform of 1864. many of them had accused of stealing a writing. Alas, such logic pales before If the past is prologue, let us be firm Presidential election. some Members’ impulsive muse of the in a fair request: If the resolution’s Again, there were numerous justifi- moment. supporters possess a victory strategy, able reasons for authorizing the Presi- Let us, then, move to some of the or otherwise, for Iraq, these public dent of the United States to militarily resolution’s supporters’ second, far servants must immediately reveal it to execute a regime change in Iraq. As more distressing defense: ‘‘A vote of the sovereign citizens of the United those reasons are written in that reso- disapproval on the President’s plan will States. If these stealth strategists lution, I will not dwell upon them, for set the stage for additional Iraq legis- refuse, they will incur the American they do not constitute the crux of the lation which will be coming to the people’s inference this legislative plan matter, which is this: the war aim of House floor.’’ As no one who partici- assumes and will hasten our Nation’s regime change was a success. It is the pated in the crafting of this covert leg- defeat in Iraq. How else could one ex- post-war failure of Iraqi reconstruction islative agenda has deigned to inform plain these individuals’ already having breeding our present perils. the American people as to its aims, one a legislative plan and an accompanying Thus even if a Member of Congress wonders if it will cut off funding for media plan premised upon our troop re- can be excused for authorizing force on our troops in harm’s way or cut off inforcement failure, and doing so re- the basis of being ‘‘misled,’’ the Mem- critical reconstruction funding in the gardless of potential American vic- ber of Congress cannot be excused for supplemental appropriations bill, thus tories on the ground or the advice of failing to demand adequate post-war toppling an unheralded but essential our military commanders? Perhaps reconstruction planning, nor for a 3- pillar of the President’s new victory while they demur from revealing it, year failure to demand constructive strategy and proving the perspicacity these anonymous commander in chiefs changes to an inadequate post-war re- of the present resolution. While we will dubiously coin their legislative construction plan. wonder and worry, according to news- plan an ‘‘exit strategy.’’ Dovetailing with this defense, some paper reports there is a strategy to of the resolution’s supporters now make this rumored legislative plan pal- b 1045 claim their initial ardor for the regime atable to the public. This strategy’s It is an irrelevant distinction. Right change was a mistake because this ad- tactics, which its instigators are more now the enemy is actively seeking to ministration has botched Iraqi recon- than happy to relate to the media, are murder more American and Iraqi sol- struction beyond salvaging and the reputed to include a coordinated multi- diers and civilians. So right now and fledgling democracy is now in a state million-dollar TV campaign by leftist for the immediate future, an exit from of civil war. This argument has the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00149 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4248 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 merit of being partially correct, for de- slaves; a result which would not only through which we pass will light us spite the hard-learned lessons of our be a total subversion of the Federal down, in honor or dishonor, to the lat- Nation’s former successes in doing so, Union, but a revolution in the social est generation. We say we are for the this administration utterly failed to organization of the Southern States, Union. The world will not forget that comprehend and implement the funda- the immediate and remote, the present we say this. We know how to save the mental principles of reconstructing a and far-reaching consequences of which Union. The world knows we do know defeated, belligerent nation. Impor- to both races cannot be contemplated how to save it. We, even we here, hold tantly, this does not preclude recon- without the most dismal foreboding of the power and bear the responsibility. structing Iraq now. horror and dismay. The proclamation In giving freedom to the slave, we as- While rife with sectarian violence, invites servile insurrection as an ele- sure freedom to the free, honorable much of it instigated and perpetuated ment in this emancipation crusade, a alike in what we give and what we pre- from external elements, Iraq is not in a means of warfare, th inhumanity and serve. We shall nobly save, or meanly civil war. Relative calm exists in most diabolism of which are without exam- lose, the last best hope of Earth. Other of the beleaguered nation’s provinces, ple in civilized warfare, and which we means may succeed; this could not fail. and if one dares to look, there are the denounce, and which the civilized The way is plain, peaceful, generous, agonizingly slow but significant signs world will denounce as an uneffaceable just, a way which, if followed, the of incremental progress in the estab- disgrace to the American people.’’ world will forever applaud, and God lishment of order. This progression will So much for the prognostications of must forever bless.’’ be expedited by the administration’s the ‘‘Peace Democrat’’ controlled Illi- My friends, history harkens your new plan, which finally incorporates nois legislature’s 1863 resolution. honorable hearts to reconsider sup- the two fundamental principles of Iraqi Thankfully, by the grace of God and porting this immoral resolution. If one or any reconstruction plan, one, a lib- the sanguine sacrifice of the American believes all human beings are equally eral democratic society evolves upward people, it was this Illinois legislature, God’s children, whether they be free or from its traditional roots of order, not not our African American brothers and yearning to breathe free, one cannot, from a centralized bureaucratic gov- sisters and our Nation’s great emanci- after a cruel sip of hope, condemn 20 ernment downward; and, two, a na- pator, who are to be denounced by the million of God’s equally beloved chil- tion’s transformational evolution into civilized world for all eternity. dren to a saturnalia of slaughter. If one a liberal democracy must contempora- What of our legislative body? Now supports our troops, one cannot deride neously provide transactional benefits resurrects the specter of our own judg- their cause as injurious to our country. to its citizens. These fundamental prin- ment, which hovers above and shadows If one seeks our victory in the war on ciples will be implemented through us as we seek to ensure we are not for- terror, one cannot advocate a retreat critical initiatives, such as provincial ever weighed in the balance and found and defeat in the face of our enemy. My friends, through the fog of war, reconstruction teams, an accord on oil wonting. It is as it should be, as it our fiery trial illumes and creeps ever revenue allocations, and a national rec- must be, for notwithstanding its non- nearer along the trail. Rather than onciliation process, amongst others. binding nature, even after this resolu- But to earn the support of terrorized tion’s disposition, our duty demands curse the darkness and dread the Iraqis, security must first be estab- we make moral decisions affecting our echoes of history’s verdict, let us ac- lished so they may commence securing Nation’s victory or defeat, and our fel- quit ourselves with lasting honor by the blessings of liberty. This is why the low citizens’ lives or deaths. Is this not leading our searching Nation through these trying, transformational times troop reinforcement is required and why, even while bearing malice to- and into a transcendent, triumphal to- why the twin pillars of troop reinforce- wards none of them, in defending his morrow. Let us earn the esteem of the ment and grass-roots reconstruction own war plan, our own maligned Presi- latest and later generations of all free can achieve a joint American and Iraqi dent warned his opponents history is a people by reaffirming our revolu- victory over the enemies of liberty. harsh mistress: The ineluctable fact of our victory is ‘‘Is it doubted, then, that the plan I tionary Republic cherishes the self-evi- it must be won with the help of Iraqis, propose, if adopted, would shorten the dent truth that all human beings yearn to breathe free. Let us, in our Nation’s which is disconcerting to many of this war and thus lessen its expenditure of finest traditions and truest character, resolution’s supporters who believe the money and of blood? Is it doubted that remove the Iraqi people’s bonds of op- Iraqis are unwilling to fight for their it would restore the national authority pression and replace them with bonds freedom and are incapable of perpet- and national prosperity and perpetuate of brotherhood amongst our free, sov- uating once it is secured. This argu- both indefinitely? Is it doubted that we ereign, and secure peoples. ment often intersects with the charge here, Congress and Executive, can se- Let us, in the face of terror, march our mission in Iraq has been untenably cure its adoption? Will not the good always in the ranks of honor and cou- shifted from effectuating a regime people respond to a united and earnest rageously and selflessly secure the change to erecting a model democracy; appeal from us? Can we, can they, by Iraqi people’s blessings of liberty and, and for the above reasons, they think any other means, so certainly or so in so doing, secure our own blessings of this is impossible. This deplorable ar- speedily, assure these vital objects? We liberty for unnamed generations of gument is antithetical to the self-evi- can succeed only by concert. It is not American children. dent truths written into our own Dec- ‘Can any of us imagine better?’ but Mr. Speaker, fully cognizant of my laration of Independence, though, ‘Can we all do better?’ Objection what- moral duty to our troops, my constitu- sadly, it is not without precedent. Once soever is possible. Still the question re- ents, my country, and my Creator, I more, let us reference another resolu- curs ‘Can we do better?’ The dogmas of cannot in good conscience support this tion, this one opposing a military mis- the quiet past are inadequate to the resolution, which is injurious to the sion creeping toward a decidedly dif- stormy present. The occasion is piled cause of our Nation’s victory and in ferent goal: high with difficulty and we must rise consequence is patiently immoral. ‘‘Resolved: that the emancipation to the occasion. As our case is new, so Therefore, I urge this resolution’s re- proclamation of the President of the we must think anew, act anew. We jection and pray God graces, guards, United States is as unwarranted in must disenthrall ourselves and then we and guides the steps of all who bear the military as in civil law; a gigantic shall save our country. burden of our decisions made on behalf usurpation, at once converting the war, ‘‘Fellow citizens, we cannot escape of the majestic American people. professedly commenced by the admin- history. We of this Congress and this Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of istration for the vindication of the au- administration will be remembered in my time. thority of the Constitution, into a cru- spite of ourselves. No personal signifi- Mr. MEEKS of New York. Mr. Speak- sade for the sudden, unconditional and cance or insignificance can spare one er, let me just say that from my under- violent liberation of 3 million Negro or another of us. The fiery trial standing, we are a separate but equal

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00150 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4249 branch of government. The Executive that his new strategy to escalate the Mr. VAN HOLLEN. I thank my col- does its thing; we do ours. And part of war in Iraq ‘‘will change America’s league from New York. our responsibility is to debate, inves- course in Iraq and help us succeed in Mr. Speaker, next month we will tigate and evaluate what the President the fight against terror.’’ mark the fourth anniversary of the says and not simply rubber-stamp what Since those remarks made just days President’s decision to launch a war of he says. So we are doing our job and ago, more than 120 troops are dead, and choice against Iraq. Many of us came what the American people elect us to yet once again we are being asked to to the floor of this House in the weeks do stay the course in Iraq. before the invasion to urge the Presi- Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to now My colleagues across the aisle want dent to take a different course. The yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman to characterize this troop increase, the White House ignored those appeals for from Illinois, the chief deputy whip, fourth escalation, as a new direction. restraint. The President’s mantra was, the Honorable JAN SCHAKOWSKY. But the American people know better. and these are his words, ‘‘Bring it on.’’ Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I They recognize ‘‘stay the course’’ when For almost 4 years after the invasion, thank the gentleman for yielding. they see it, and they are saying no. the President had a rubber-stamp Con- Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of my And the administration continues the gress right here that never seriously constituents in Illinois to say, as charade that if you don’t support this questioned his misguided policies in strongly as possible for myself and for war and this escalation, then you don’t Iraq. It was the ‘‘see no problems, hear them, that we reject President Bush’s support the troops. no problems, conduct no oversight’’ decision to deploy more than 20,000 ad- Shame on them. It is they who have Congress. ditional United States combat troops failed to serve the troops who have When the President stood below the to Iraq. served us so well. From day one our banner ‘‘Mission Accomplished’’ aboard Tragically, the President and his ad- troops were sent into the war theater the USS Abraham Lincoln in May 2003, ministration are dealing with an Iraq without the proper equipment to maxi- the rubber-stamp Congress believed the that exists only in their imagination. mize their safety. Families have bake slogan, rather than the facts on the Bob Herbert said it well in Monday’s sales to buy their loved ones better ground. When Vice President CHENEY de- New York Times: ‘‘We need to stop pre- vests and helmets. Just last month the clared that the insurgency was in ‘‘its tending that there is something sane Pentagon’s Inspector General found final throes’’ back in May 2005, the Re- about continued U.S. involvement in that the Defense Department hasn’t publican Congress accepted that ver- this ruinous war. We keep sending been able to properly equip the troops it already has with enough guns and dict without question. troops into the combat zone, and they When the President unveiled his so- keep sinking ever deeper into the an- ammunition to ‘‘effectively complete their missions.’’ That is a quote. Sol- called ‘‘Plan For Victory’’ at the Naval cient Middle East sand. To keep send- diers are short body armor, armored Academy in November 2005, the old ing young people off to die in a war vehicles, and communication equip- Congress dutifully parroted the talking that everybody knows is pointless is ment. Imagine this war is costing $12 points sent down from the other end of criminal.’’ million every hour, 24/7 for 4 years, Pennsylvania Avenue. Each time that the Bush administra- The days of the rubber-stamp Con- tion has proclaimed that we must stay nearly half a trillion dollars, and our soldiers don’t have enough body armor, gress are now over. This Congress will the course because the war has just no longer serve as the mouthpiece for reached a turning point, that turn has ammunition, communications equip- ment? the White House. This Congress is fi- led to a dead end. nally standing up to do its job as a sep- May 2003, President Bush declared b 1100 arate and coequal branch of govern- ‘‘Mission Accomplished.’’ By the end of If our troops aren’t the priority, who ment. 2003, 486 of our troops were dead and is? Halliburton, Blackwater, other cor- Mr. Speaker, the message from the 2,408 were wounded. And yet we stayed porate chums of the President? Don’t last election was clear. The American the course in Iraq. lecture us about caring for the troops. people have an uncanny ability to cut In June 2004, President Bush said, The Executive Director of Iraq and through the slogans and get to the ‘‘We’re handing over authority to a Afghanistan Veterans of America re- heart of the matter. They understood sovereign Iraqi Government . . . a cently said of our returning soldiers clearly that more of the same in Iraq turning point will come in less than 2 and marines, ‘‘And when they come was not working. And the American weeks.’’ home, there aren’t nearly enough tran- people understand what both General By the end of 2004, 1,334 of our troops sitional care services, job placement, Casey and General Abizaid have told were killed and 10,408 were wounded. transitional housing. It is just not us: that the escalation of more troops And yet we stayed the course in Iraq. there.’’ Twelve million dollars an hour in Iraq is not the answer; that it will In June 2005, Vice President CHENEY to wage this war, and our veterans are make matters worse, not better. said, ‘‘I think they are in the last returning home without the proper Increasing the number of American throes, if you will, of the insurgency.’’ care they need? troops in Iraq will put off the day when And in December 2005, President Bush Our support for the troops compels us the Iraqis, the Shia, the Sunnis and the said ‘‘ . . . the year 2005 will be re- to oppose this war and this escalation. Kurds, must make the difficult com- corded as a turning point in the history Of the terrible options the President promises necessary to achieve political of Iraq, the history of the Middle East, has left us after 4 years, the absolute and national reconciliation. Putting and the history of freedom.’’ worst is to continue to send our young more American forces in the middle of By the end of 2005, 2,180 of our troops men and women in uniform to die in a bloody sectarian civil war will only were killed and 16,354 were wounded. the meat grinder that is Iraq and to lead to further violence and more And yet we stayed the course in Iraq. put them in the cross-hairs of a civil American and more Iraqi casualties. It In May 2006, President Bush called war. is time for the Iraqis to assume more the formation of a new Iraqi Govern- Speaker PELOSI has said that our responsibility, not less. ment ‘‘a turning point.’’ By the end of goal is to end this war. We can begin The Bush administration has been 2006, 3,001 of our troops were killed and right here, right now, by passing this wrong about this war from the begin- 22,736 were wounded. And yet we stayed resolution. ning and it is wrong with respect to its the course in Iraq. Mr. MEEKS of New York. Mr. Speak- proposed course of action now. The rec- And just last month, Vice President er, it is my pleasure to yield 5 minutes ommendations of the bipartisan, inde- CHENEY proclaimed, ‘‘Well, I think if to the honorable gentleman from pendent Baker-Hamilton Commission you look at what’s transpired in Iraq Maryland (Mr. VAN HOLLEN), the mover provide for the responsible redeploy- . . . we have, in fact, made enormous and shaker on the Ways and Means ment of our forces and represents the progress.’’ And President Bush told us Committee. best way forward in Iraq.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00151 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4250 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 And to those who would suggest that when public opinion has turned against being sought out with the help of Iraqis having this debate will undermine our their position. And I admire that. and killed far away from our shores. troops, I say shame on you. Chairman Frankly, I have watched speakers That is important, and that is some- of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General who have changed their position, who thing we should acknowledge. Peter Pace put that canard to rest just were first for the war and now are op- I have also supported the war because last week when he said, ‘‘There is no posed to it. It is easy to deride people I feared the consequences of defeat in doubt in my mind that the dialogue in that position. But, quite frankly, I Iraq. And, believe me, there are con- here in Washington strengthens our de- have watched them, and they are an- sequences to losing the war. These are mocracy. Period.’’ guished in their opinions and their con- real. Our men and women fighting in Iraq clusions; they are sensitive, obviously, If we are not successful in Iraq, we understand the strength and vibrancy to the easy and cheap criticism of op- will have an emboldened enemy. Not of this democracy, and they understand portunism. And I particularly admire just the terrorists that we deal with, that it is our duty in this Congress to those, frankly, in my own party who they are bad enough, but also the exercise our best judgment for Amer- have broken with their President and states that use terrorism as a tool of ica’s national security. What has their party over a position that they diplomacy. States like Iran, states like harmed our national security is not the believe in deeply. I don’t agree with Syria, will draw comfort. debate in Iraq, but the lack of serious them, but I admire them. We will have demoralized friends in oversight over the Bush administra- What I don’t admire is the Demo- the region and around the world that tion’s decisions and conduct. cratic leadership that has brought us a wonder whether or not they can really What emboldens our enemies is not resolution which is divisive without count on us once we make a commit- the exercise of our democracy, but mis- being decisive. It orders no action. I ment. We will see the death of an infant de- guided policies that have weakened our have spoken on that at length before, mocracy, never a good thing for the national security. and I am not going to go into it now. I Our national security is weakened lovers of freedom. want to instead focus on the issues at We will see a sectarian bloodbath in when our credibility around the world stake. Iraq that will result in the death of is undermined by false claims regard- Like all of those elected in 2002, 2004, tens of thousands, if not hundreds of ing weapons of mass destruction. Our 2006, I was not part of the initial deci- thousands, of Iraqis. national security is weakened when the sion to go to war, and, frankly, I often And we will see a destabilized region chaos in Iraq allows Iran to greatly ex- think how fortunate I was to have been in which the United States has vital in- pand its influence in the region. Our spared that responsibility. But, of terests and to which our own security national security is weakened when course, none of us on this floor ever is intimately tied. America’s diminished standing in the truly escapes responsibility. I acknowledge that things have not world has eroded our ability to influ- My attitude toward this conflict re- gone in Iraq as I, certainly, and I think ence the actions of others. Our na- flects that of my district and, frankly, everybody, regardless of their position tional security is weakened because we that of my father, who was a career on the issue, would have hoped. There have diverted our attention away from noncommissioned officer in the United is no question that we underestimated completing the mission against the ar- States Army. I recall once when he was what was required, not to defeat Sad- chitects of 9/11, against Osama bin talking about war, he summed it up dam, frankly, that was done bril- Laden and al Qaeda and the terrorist pretty simply: When you are in it, win liantly, but to secure Iraq. network that continues to operate it. We have underestimated the persist- along the Afghan-Pakistan border. That is what I have tried to do with ence of and the difficulty the outside We must change course. We must my vote, my voice, my energy, since I players would create for us. We under- strengthen our national security posi- have been elected to represent my dis- estimated how anxious people inside tion, not compound the errors we have trict. I have done so because, frankly, Iraq would be to settle old scores in- already made. That is what this resolu- in some areas I have seen progress. Re- stead of to look ahead. And we have tion is all about. We hope the President moving Saddam Hussein from power underestimated the impact of the di- will join us in that effort. Let’s chart a was a good thing and I am proud that vided loyalties of Iraqis themselves, new direction now together. that was accomplished, and it would where so often we see sect against sect, Mr. MCCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield not have been accomplished without ethnicity against ethnicity, tribe such time as he may consume to the the valor and the professionalism of against tribe. gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. COLE). American men and women in arms. But these difficulties and mistakes, Mr. COLE of Oklahoma. I thank the I am pleased to have seen a Constitu- regrettable as they are, do not change gentleman from Michigan. tion formed in Iraq that is the envy of the consequences of losing in Iraq, for Mr. Speaker, I have listened to the the Arab world. the region, for Iraqis, and, most impor- debate over the last 2 days, really doz- I am proud to have seen three elec- tantly, for ourselves. ens and dozens of speeches, and, frank- tions take place, all of which had in- At this critical point, the President ly, speeches of exceptionally high qual- creasingly high participation and had, has offered a plan to avert defeat, and, ity on both sides of the issue. I have frankly, higher percentages than vote if the Iraqis are up to the task, to turn listened particularly to the speakers in our own elections. the tide. It has an American military who were here in 2002 when the momen- I was hopeful when I saw a coalition component, and that is what this reso- tous decision to go to war was actually government formed that had Kurds, lution deals with. made. Those who were opposed, I have that had Sunnis, that had Shia, that But contrary to what I have heard on admired because in their opposition in had other elements in the Iraqi popu- the floor, it is not a major escalation October of 2002 they were taking an un- lation. in forces. It is not an effort to allow popular position, but clearly one that I have been impressed with Iraqi the Iraqis to avoid the fighting. Nor is they believed in, and I think they de- forces that do stand and fight. And it an effort to win militarily. It is an serve our respect for that, even if I let’s make no mistake about it: Most of effort to buy the time needed to create don’t agree with that particular point the fighting and dying militarily is an environment in Iraq that will allow of view. being done by Iraqis and they deserve Iraqis to succeed politically. It will Second, I have watched those who our respect for that. allow them to begin to push toward the voted in favor of that tough decision, And, frankly, I think like all Ameri- reconciliation process and review the and I have watched as they have stuck cans, I was enormously relieved when I de-Baathification program. It will to that decision because they believe see actors like the late al-Zarqawi, allow them to share power with one an- the stakes are so important for the people who would kill Americans any- other. It will allow provisional elec- United States. They have done so even where, anytime, who are not from Iraq, tions to take place. It will allow oil

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00152 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4251 revenue to be distributed more equi- terests, and for our troops and their As the father of one marine whose tably. It will allow Iraqi units the time families who never leave our prayers. son has been deployed for the second to train, stand up and continue to fight It is a measure of how desperate mat- time to Iraq wrote to me, ‘‘You forget and fight more professionally and pro- ters have become in Iraq that the Con- what it is like to actually sleep ficiently than they have. gress considers this resolution of dis- through the night without waking up The U.S. force is indispensable in approval. Today, we find ourselves em- to the horrible thought that you might achieving these measures, but it will broiled in a war that is not winnable, a not ever see your son again.’’ not be and it is not intended to be deci- religious war that is inconsistent with Mr. Speaker, we all know our troops sive. What will win or lose in Iraq ulti- our original mission there, a war the will do anything their country asks of mately are Iraqi politicians: Can they American people no longer support. them, but let us not ask them to esca- put their differences aside? Iraqi sol- And with 3,100 American lives lost, late an unwinnable war. diers: Can they fight for their country sectarian violence threatening to spill Today, virtually everyone agrees we instead of against one another? And over into the entire Middle East, and need a new strategy, everyone, that is, the Iraqi people: Can they put aside the no prospect for a stable, constitutional except for the President who continues differences and demand better leader- democracy in Iraq in sight, today we to pursue an objective the consensus ship than they have received thus far consider this war for not what we wish judgment of our Nation’s intelligence from their own people. it were but for what it has so clearly agencies says has no chance of success. Some will say this is a hopeless task, and tragically become, a mistake of Indeed, in proposing an escalation of but our military leaders and our troops historic proportions. the current strategy, the President re- in the field don’t tell us that. General As such, I will support this resolution jects conclusions drawn by the Na- Petraeus, a man whom all sides ac- opposing the escalation of this conflict. tional Intelligence Estimate, the bipar- And with this debate, the Congress knowledge is not only professional, ca- tisan Iraq Study Group, his own gen- takes up its constitutional responsibil- pable, but is dedicated and a great pa- erals and, perhaps most importantly, ities with a sense of urgency and ac- triot, tells us he thinks this is an the American people. In so doing, he countability that the public so des- achievable mission if he has the forces sends what could be as many as 170,000 perately seeks from us. For too long he needs to succeed. The average sol- troops into a civil war that is being the Congress has asked too few ques- diers that I talked to from my district waged along sectarian fault lines that tions and been all too willing to put and other units also tell me they be- have existed for more than 1,300 years. politics and ideology before our Na- lieve this is doable. But they want us Such a policy will not only make tion’s security. matters worse, in my view and that of in Congress and in this country to have To be sure, matters of war are the the Iraq Study Group. It will also post- the political resolve to match their most serious that I will deliberate over pone Iraqis taking responsibility and personal courage. in the United States Congress. Indeed, postpone diplomatic efforts that we so History teaches us that freedom is a such a vote was my first in the Con- urgently need to reach a political set- powerful force. We should trust it. And gress in 1991. But with this moment, tlement in Iraq and avoid an all-out it also teaches us sometimes it needs Congress now has the opportunity to civil war that spills into the entire outside help. All of us as Americans are take the country into a new phase of Middle East. justly proud of the American Revolu- this war. To me, nothing matters more Mr. Speaker, I am not willing to tion. We often forget it took a French than getting this right. fleet, French army and Dutch money Four years ago, I voted against au- stand here in the well of the House of to finally finish the job. thorizing the President to go to war be- Representatives and not move to Mr. Speaker, because I believe the cause, as I said on this House floor, I change our policy in Iraq. There are consequences of losing in Iraq are hor- believed taking unilateral action too many lives at stake, our security rible for Iraqis, for Americans, and for against Iraq would ‘‘weaken our moral at stake. I support the conclusions and the cause of liberty and our friends authority, our military effectiveness recommendations of the bipartisan around the world; because I think that and our ability to keep events under Iraq Study Group, but I have crossed we, the Iraqis and the Americans to- control afterwards.’’ the Rubicon on this war. I support gether, can still win; because I believe Today, 1 month into the new Con- phased redeployment over the next that defeat has catastrophic con- gress, and for the first time since the year and will seek every opportunity to sequences for the United States, I urge previous majority rushed to authorize mandate such a change in law. But the rejection of this resolution and this war in October of 2002, every Mem- that begins with stopping this esca- support the cause that our fighting ber of this institution, Democrat or Re- lation men and women are so nobly advancing publican, will face a different choice. Mr. Speaker, I harbor no illusions about the in Iraq. With the situation so clearly out of President’s willingness to hear this message from the Congress. Before long, it may be b 1115 control, Members can trust President Bush one more time as he escalates the necessary to mandate reductions in troop lev- Mr. MEEKS of New York. Mr. Speak- conflict in Iraq, or they can support a els. But the President must understand that er, it is my pleasure to yield 51⁄2 min- change in direction that begins to rede- the public and the Congress do not support utes to the Chair of the Steering Com- ploy our troops out of Iraq, that uses his policies in Iraq—that if we can even hope mittee, the Honorable ROSA DELAURO. our military in the right way, to make to achieve a stable Iraq, a peaceful Middle Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, this our country safer and raise America’s East and a more secure America, our strategy week the Congress finally takes up its standing so that we have both allies must change. That is what this vote of no con- obligation to change course in Iraq. We and moral authority to address our fidence is about. That is our obligation—let us have arrived at a new moment. Few re- threats. honor it. sponsibilities are more solemn for a To be sure, of all the concerns we Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Member of this body than one in which take to the floor with, it is the deterio- Speaker, I will make a statement later, he or she is obligated to register a vote rating welfare of our troops that is but right now I would like to introduce of no confidence in their President in a most alarming. Of course, every Amer- Congressman GEOFF DAVIS from the time of war. ican takes comfort in the heroism and State of Kentucky who was in the U.S. Under different circumstances, I the determination that our soldiers Military Academy at West Point and think most Americans would want to have shown. They have performed mag- served this Nation as an assault heli- give their President the benefit of the nificently, but they have been charged copter flight commander in the 82nd doubt on matters of war, that they with an impossible mission that under- Airborne Division, which is where I would want to trust the President’s mines their incalculable sacrifice and went through jump school, too, and I judgment to do what is right for our has strained our military in countless think he is well qualified to discuss country, for our national security in- ways, from manpower to morale. this issue.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00153 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4252 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 I would like to recognize the gen- are strengthening the security of our commitment to my many friends on tleman for 5 minutes. country and the international commu- active duty and to vote to provide Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speak- nity. them the funding for their mission er, I rise today in support of our troops We have not had a terrorist attack when the time comes. and dedicated civilian professionals, on our soil in over 5 years because of To my former comrades and friends and to my former comrades and friends our vigilance in pursuing the security in the 101st Airborne Division and 82nd now serving, and against the Democrat of our Nation at home and abroad. Suc- Airborne Division, thank you for an- resolution disapproving of reinforcing cess in Iraq is our only option for con- swering the call again and know that I our troops in combat. tinued national security and the pres- stand with you. This week, Congress has spent its ervation of freedom. Mr. MEEKS of New York. Mr. Speak- time debating a futile, nonbinding res- I have had the opportunity to speak er, I think we all owe a great debt of olution when, in reality, we should be to hundreds and hundreds of men and gratitude to the Speaker of this House debating policy initiatives that will women in uniform whose experience and to the Democratic leadership for help our troops in their mission and spans all ranks, all services, and all allowing us the opportunity to have lead to stability. I believe that in fight- units. Consistently, they share an opti- every Member come to the floor of the ing the war in Iraq that there is room mistic and sober message about the im- people’s House to talk about Iraq and for an open and honest debate about portance of continuing the struggle to whether or not they agree with the the best way to advance the compelling defeat Islamic extremists. A resolution President’s escalation. I think that is national security interests of this Na- like this blurs the many successes in what this House is about, and one of tion. Honest debate, respectful dis- the war they have had against the ex- the Members of that leadership who we agreement, and constructive dialogue tremists. do owe that gratitude to is the Vice are components of our great Republic; The messages of our troops do not Chair of the Democratic Caucus, and I and it is important to honor the proc- come without an understanding of the am pleased to yield 51⁄2 minutes to the ess that our institution provides. reality and the resources that we must gentleman from Connecticut, the Hon- Furthermore, this measure seeks to commit to this mission. Fighting the orable JOHN LARSON. debate whether we support an oper- terrorists will require a strong com- Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Thank ational decision that, in reality, should mitment, and the road to victory will you, Mr. MEEKS, and also let me thank be made by the commanders on the be long. Our partners in Iraq have stat- my colleagues across the aisle for the ground, not by politicians in Congress. ed their commitment to the mission, solemnity of the debate that has taken What are we going to be debating next and we must stand behind them. place over these last several days. I week, Mr. Speaker? Which block in At the same time, the Iraqis must think it is so important to the con- Baghdad? Which precinct to target? continue to assume responsibility for stituents that we are sworn to serve, This nonbinding resolution serves no their success as a nation and that our and they deserve to hear the voices purpose other than pacifying the commitment is not open-ended. Suc- that reside within the people’s Cham- Democrats’ political base and lowering cess in countering an insurgency large- ber. morale in our military. At least one ly happens outside of the realm of com- This debate, in so many ways, is an Democrat has likened this type of reso- bat. Security is only one aspect. echo chamber for what Americans al- lution to a child stomping in the cor- We must work on establishing frame- ready know. They have found their ner. works within Iraq that can keep the voice and expressed it in several man- The troops will be doing their job by water running and the electricity on, ners and several forms, most notably in completing the mission that they have which will in turn allow people to go to last November’s election, where they been given, and we in Congress need to work and children to return to school. called for a new direction for this coun- do ours. Our troops who are fighting Returning normal life to Iraqis is im- try, not the staying of the course that abroad do not get to debate the valid- portant, but it should not be the sole it is currently on. ity of their mission. Their enemies are responsibility of our troops who are It is long overdue then that the Con- real, and they are fighting day in and providing security and stability. We gress find its voice as well. Past is pro- day out to protect our country, the need to strengthen the involvement of logue, and we must go back to June of Iraqi people and themselves. the international community in this 2002 when the President enunciated the This resolution does not help make endeavor as we empower and engage Bush doctrine, the doctrine of preemp- progress in Iraq. It does not provide a the Iraqis. tion and unilateralism that has placed new approach in Iraq and does not I strongly believe that if we are to us in this situation that we have today make our Nation or our troops more fully support our troops that we must in Iraq. secure. That is what we need to be listen to what they are saying. And He was warned, most notably by peo- doing, not wasting our time debating a when the troops are saying that they ple like Scowcroft, Eagleberger, Baker, measure that can dishearten and de- are committed to their mission then, I and Colin Powell about the folly of this moralize our citizens faithfully serving believe, we should listen. I remain a effort. It was not KENNEDY or Berg or in theater while encouraging and committed supporter of our troops, and even LARSON or other people that spoke emboldening the adversaries of sta- I thank them for their service. out as eloquently as those former bility. Soon, Congress will vote on the De- members of Bush the Elder’s Cabinet. We have seen the aggression of this partment of Defense’s supplemental I traveled with JACK MURTHA in the faceless and cowardly enemy in the budget; and in it, the Pentagon is re- buildup to the war, and we met with bombing of Pan Am 103 in 1988, in al questing $5.6 billion for troop reinforce- our ambassador in Saudi Arabia, Rob- Qaeda’s attack on the USS Cole in 2000, ment. This will be the real test of com- ert Jordan, who I said to him, Ambas- and the tragic events of September 11. mitment, not this meaningless resolu- sador, you have a gathering storm here This enemy is driven by hate and seeks tion. A ‘‘yes’’ vote on that funding sup- in Saudi Arabia, with all the tensions to do Americans harm. ports the troop reinforcement being de- in the Middle East. And he said, Con- Over the course of time, it has be- bated here today, and a ‘‘no’’ vote will gressman, you are from New England. come evident that we are involved in a delete funding for this important mis- Gathering storm, he said? What we long-term struggle with Islamic extre- sion. This will not only show people have here is the making of a perfect mism to preserve our freedom and the where Congress stands, but give ac- storm. freedom of the world. Every day, our countability to our actions here in men and women in uniform and our ci- Congress with the force of law behind b 1130 vilian professionals risk their lives to it. And if we unilaterally invade and at- protect our freedom. From providing I support our troops and our civilian tack this toothless tiger, Saddam Hus- security to building an economy, we professionals, and I intend to keep my sein, we will unwittingly accomplish

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00154 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4253 what bin Laden failed to do: we will I named after my wife, ‘‘Shirley’s with them. We must stand up with create a united Islamic jihad against Texas Tornado.’’ them. And I will stand up with them in the United States. In 1965, I left for my first tour in Congress, because they stand up for our Professor Gram Ellison wrote that Vietnam, working for General West- freedom every minute of every day. ‘‘this occupation has diverted essential moreland in the headquarters. In 1966 I They are the reason we call America resources from the fight against al returned again. And while flying my the land of the free and the home of the Qaeda, allowed the Taliban to regroup 25th mission, I was shot down, landed brave. And I salute them. on Afghanistan, fostered neglect of the in the middle of a division of North Vi- Now, today I have the distinct privi- Iranian nuclear threat, undermined al- etnamese soldiers. lege of managing time during this de- liances critical to preventing ter- What followed for the next 2,494 days bate. Each person joining me is a shin- rorism, devastated America’s standing can only be described as hell on Earth, ing example of duty, honor, country. with every country in Europe and de- or as my friend and fellow POW, Jere- And I know folks across America will stroyed it in the Muslim world.’’ miah Denton did, blinked the letters of learn a lot from hearing about their Instead of following the wisdom of one word in Morse Code into a movie stories and hearing why they know Scowcroft and Eagleberger and Baker, camera as a desperate plea for help. firsthand freedom is not free. Powell, this administration embraced The letters made up the word ‘‘tor- Mr. MEEKS of New York. Mr. Speak- Ahmed Chalabi with all the hubris and ture.’’ Of my nearly 7 years in cap- er, it is my pleasure to yield 5 minutes arrogance of staying the course. tivity, I spent more than half of that to the Chair of the Homeland Security And so we find our troops today in time in solitary confinement. Subcommittee on Intelligence, Infor- the midst of civil war, in the midst of As you can imagine, the North Viet- mation Sharing, and Terrorism, the sectarian, religious, and tribal con- namese would say and do anything to gentlelady from California, the Honor- flicts that are more about settling old break our will. The physical torture is able JANE HARMAN scores that seek revenge over the cen- not fit for describing as some of it is Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank turies than about creating a democ- too graphic and too gory. There were the Speaker and I thank the gentleman racy. And it is into that caldron that many times that I would pray to God for yielding, and commend our leader- we wish to send more troops, more that I would pass out and slip into un- ship for organizing this very thought- troops that 87 percent of the Iraqi pub- consciousness just to escape the pain if ful and sober 3-day debate on a very se- lic says they want a time line for us to I couldn’t escape the beatings. rious issue. be out of there, and over 50 percent of Yet, what also scarred me for life was Mr. Speaker, as Co-chair of the Blue them think that it is okay to kill the emotional torture that the North Dog National Security Working Group, Americans. Vietnamese broadcast to taunt us and I rise to oppose the surge and to sup- Our troops need leadership that is break our wills. They constantly blared port tough and smart security strate- worthy of their sacrifice. It is impor- anti-American messages from back gies, including those outlined in H. tant that this Congress on both sides of home over the loud speakers. The Res. 97, authored by the Blue Dogs, to the aisle, as it has done, understands enemy knows that any anti-American end war profiteering, put future war the difference between the war and the murmur can be used as a weapon. And costs on budget, and adopt a Truman warriors. the same holds true today. Committee to make those who have en- I conduct hearings back in my dis- The enemy wants our men and gaged in fraud and abuse in Iraq ac- trict; I listen to what my constituents women in uniform to think that their countable for their actions. have to say. And, most earnestly, to Congress doesn’t care about them, that As we conduct this historic debate, those parents, those men and women they are going to cut the funding and however, I am mindful that, eight time who come to these hearings and talk abandon them and their mission. They zones away, crouched in a tank some- about their children in harm’s way: want Congress to cave to the wishes of where in Baghdad, a 19-year-old private Carol Tripp of Bristol said it best, a those who advocate a cut-and-run atti- is doing his best to restore order to a woman with three of her sons and her tude. And we should not allow that to city descending into all-out civil war. husband stationed in Iraq, who hasn’t happen. We owe this soldier, his mates, and shared a holiday dinner with their en- We must learn from our mistakes. We their families so much. They volun- tire family since 2001. cannot leave a job undone like we left teered to put their lives on the line to I define success by being able to look in Korea, like we left in Vietnam, like keep this country safe. into their eyes and tell them that the we left in Somalia. We in this Chamber also want to best path forward is the safe, secure, Osama bin Laden said that ‘‘in Soma- keep this country safe, but we do not and strategic redeployment of our lia, the United States pulled out, trail- share those day-to-day risks. Only a troops so that our Army can regroup ing disappointment, defeat, and failure handful here have relatives in Iraq liv- and restore itself and proceed after the behind it.’’ ing the life of the soldier I described. people who took the towers down in And we didn’t blink an eye when the Mr. Speaker, as we have sadly systematic fashion to go after al Qaeda radicals bombed the Khobar Towers in learned, the intelligence that took us and continue to regroup. Saudi Arabia killing 20 and injuring to war was wrong. Some of the most in- Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. 372; or after the Kenya embassy bomb- accurate claims—that an operational Speaker, I yield myself such time as I ings that killed 213 people and injured relationship existed between al Qaeda may consume. 5,000; or that same day at the Tanzania and Saddam Hussein, that vast WMD You know, it is an honor to be here embassy bombing killing 11 people and stockpiles existed with their locations today joined by Members of Congress injuring 68. On October 12, 2000 the USS pinpointed—were presented by the ad- who have served this Nation nobly both Cole bombing killed 17 and injured 39. ministration as fact, even though the in the Armed Forces and today as And we all know how they tried to Intelligence Community had discred- statesmen and -women in the United bring down the World Trade Towers ited them. That was shameful. States House of Representatives. and didn’t stop until they completed Most intelligence agencies around You know, there are lots of ways peo- the job September 11. the world thought, however, that Sad- ple can serve this country. Dedicating All of these tragedies of terrorism dam Hussein had WMD and the inten- time to the Armed Forces, the greatest happened without a United States re- tion to use it against his people and military in the world, can be some of sponse. U.S. interests. They believed it, and so the most fulfilling time in one’s life. I We can’t waver in our fight for free- did I. But they were wrong, and so was know, because I spent 29 years in the dom. We cannot abandon the bedrock I. United States Air Force; got called up of democracy; they are the brave and The actions taken 4 years ago in Iraq from my ROTC class at SMU and flew selfless men and women of our United created a failed state. We took out its 62 combat missions in Korea in a plane States Armed Forces. We will stand up government and occupied the country,

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During my two visits to Iraq, the tantly, it fails to reiterate that victory To the soldier currently in harm’s question that I encountered from should always be the goal. way, I say, ‘‘You are a hero. You are servicemembers was, What are they We were told this week would provide doing your best to follow orders and to saying back home? They watch C– an opportunity for every Member to go serve your country.’’ But I also say, SPAN, and I know with certainty that on the record, yet the majority has not ‘‘We have given you a mission impos- they are watching us right now. allowed a Republican alternative that sible, and that mission must change.’’ The resolution that we are discussing would protect funding for the troops. We have a moral obligation to leave today is nonbinding and, therefore, How do the American people know Iraq in better shape than we found it, merely symbolic within the Beltway. where their Representatives in Wash- and that will not be achieved by surg- The driving force behind it has more to ington stand on funding for our troops ing 21,500 more troops into Baghdad. do with the situation in Washington when the majority will not allow that The surge will not work, and I oppose than it does the situation in Baghdad. to be? it. Yet, half a world away this resolution The American people are anxious, But abandoning Iraq is not a viable will have demoralizing effects for those but they want progress, not defeat. alternative. We must invest in strate- men and women who we have asked to They want to see their elected officials gies to contain and ultimately reduce go into battle. working together to ensure success on violence there in order to create sta- It is important for the American peo- behalf of our troops. Simply inserting a bility in Iraq and in the region. That ple watching this debate to know that sentence, saying you support the must now be our focus. this plan is currently under way. troops, is not enough when your ac- The Second Brigade of the 82nd Air- The Iraq Study Group made impor- tions say otherwise. The consequences borne Division moved into Baghdad tant recommendations to do this, in- of retreat would be dire. This is under- nearly a month ago. cluding changing the military mission stood by our allies as well as our re- in Iraq; tying future U.S. support to b 1145 gional partners who have spoken up measurable progress on national rec- The Fourth Brigade of the First In- against withdrawal. onciliation; security and governance; fantry Division is deploying this According to the Iraq National Intel- and aggressive diplomatic outreach to month, with three more brigades set to ligence Estimate, it would result in an Iraq’s neighbors—including Syria and arrive soon. That means that we are immediate increase in sectarian vio- Iran. But this administration rejected not here today to discuss whether or lence and genocide and has the poten- them. not the troops will go, we are dis- tial to destabilize the entire region. Two weeks ago, a Saban Center re- cussing what message the troops will For decades, the instability in the Mid- port by Daniel Byman and Ken Pollack hear from us when they get there. dle East has repeatedly resulted in the carefully assessed options to contain Like many of my colleagues, I am deaths of American citizens and the spillover from an Iraqi civil war. concerned about the current situation servicemembers, in places as far apart They include not trying to pick win- in Iraq. Last April, I witnessed the as Beirut and Yemen, New York City, ners between the Sunnis and Shia; pull- election of the Iraqi Prime Minister. and the Pentagon. ing back from population centers; pro- Since that time, the Iraqis have failed A retreat at this point in time could, viding support for Iraq’s neighbors; and to make acceptable progress, stabi- down the road, necessitate our troops laying down ‘‘red lines’’ to Iran. All of lizing their nation, and strengthening returning to an Iraq that is much more these ideas have merit. their democratic institutions. dangerous than the one they left. I Further good ideas come from David Many of us have concerns about the truly believe that the United States Schaeffer, a former U.S. ambassador- plan. Will Prime Minister Maliki live has the most formidable military in at-large for war crimes issues, to put up to the commitments that he made the world, not solely because of our the Iraqi Government on an ‘‘atrocity in November? Does this plan get the technological and tactical advantages, watch’’ and warn its leaders that they most out of the 21 trained and equipped but because our men and women in uni- can be prosecuted for war crimes if eth- Iraqi battalions deployed outside of form fight in the name of a free and nic cleansing occurs. Baghdad? These are reasonable ques- Democratic people. They fight on be- Mr. Speaker, the Bush administra- tions, and ones I believe that are with- half of freedom for all, knowing they tion has made calamitous mistakes in in the scope of Congress to discuss and have the full support and confidence of prosecuting this war. The surge, I fear, resolve. the American people. is yet another one. With this resolu- I appreciate debate, and the Amer- When we take that support away, we tion, Congress starts action to force a ican people appreciate debate. But it is strip our troops of the greatest weapon change in strategy and to bring that important to remember that the Amer- in the fight against tyranny. I ask my soldier in downtown Baghdad and his ican people have sent us here to solve colleagues not to vote for this resolu- comrades home safely—and soon problems. Unfortunately, this resolu- tion, but to once again work together. Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. tion makes no attempt to solve the Mr. MEEKS of New York. Mr. Speak- Speaker, I yield 51⁄2 minutes to the problems in Iraq. er, the American people are indeed Representative from Virginia, THELMA If Congress believes that the Presi- looking at this debate. They want to DRAKE, who represents Norfolk and dent’s plan can be improved on, then know where their Members stand, sim- America’s Navy. Congress has the responsibility to work ply whether they support the troops Mrs. DRAKE. Thank you, Congress- with the Commander in Chief to ensure and their position with the President man JOHNSON, for your service to our that the Iraqis are meeting stringent and his escalation, and we had the op- Nation. benchmarks and are living up to their portunity for every Member to speak Mr. Speaker, the past few years have commitments. This resolution is best out on that. That is what this House is been increasingly difficult ones for the defined by what it lacks. This resolu- all about. We are doing our jobs. It is American people, for our military fam- tion fails to include the proposal for a just the first step in many steps ilies, and, most importantly, for our bipartisan panel tasked with outlining As a result, the American people servicemembers in harm’s way. rigorous benchmarks and making sure also, I am sure, will want to hear the Our troops have done everything that they are met so that our troops may distinguished gentleman from the has been asked of them, and more. return home in victory. State of Pennsylvania, the Honorable

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MIKE DOYLE, who is the vice chair of U.S. troops serving in Iraq. I believe The last two speakers that I have the Telecommunications and Internet that Congress should oppose this esca- heard say that there is no good mili- Subcommittee of the Energy and Com- lation. I don’t believe it has any real tary action left. That is a credible merce Committee. chance of producing a political solu- viewpoint. It is one that is expressed, The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. PAS- tion in the war in Iraq or even curbing and yet I ask my friends why did you TOR). The gentleman from Pennsyl- the violence in Baghdad. not have the courage to simply say, if vania is recognized for 5 minutes. I am not alone in this belief. there are no goodwill alternatives left Mr. DOYLE. Thank you. General Colin Powell, General George for the military, then bring them Mr. Speaker, as someone who has op- Casey, General John Abizaid, General home. That is fair and adequate. posed this misguided version from the Joseph Hoar, General Barry McCaffrey, I have also heard that it is a mis- war on terror from the very beginning, Major General Don Sheppard and Gen- guided conflict. I have also heard that I believe it is way past time for our eral James Conway all question this es- our soldiers’ work is done. If their country to take stock of where we have calation. work is done, please have the courage been, where we are, and where we are Now, many supporters of the Presi- to bring them home. going in Iraq. I think it is important to dent’s Iraq policy ask what those of us I want to speak today on behalf of remember how we got there. who oppose this military escalation our soldiers, the soldiers of today. I President Bush told Congress and the would support instead. This Member of will do it while remembering the sol- American people that Saddam had Congress believes that the United diers of yesterday. Through no fault of weapons of mass destruction and was States should begin an immediate or- my own, I served in the Air Force dur- an imminent threat to the United derly redeployment of our troops out of ing the Vietnam conflict. I say through States; that Saddam had ties to al Iraq with the goal of completing that no fault of my own, because I was not Qaeda and the 9/11 attackers; that the redeployment by the end of the year. a volunteer. I got there because I drew invasion, occupation, and reconstruc- We should lead and enlist the partici- a very low draft number. As time has tion would cost us nothing; that Iraqi pation of all neighboring countries in a proved, it was going to be the only lot- oil revenues would cover all the costs. massive diplomatic surge to help con- tery that I am going to win, but that So where are we today? We know tain the civil war already underway, lottery gave me a free pilot’s certifi- that Saddam had no weapons of mass and that diplomatic surge should in- cate and sent me to Vietnam to fly in destruction and that he posed no immi- clude all the countries in the region, 1971, 1972 and parts of 1973. nent threat to the United States. We including Iran and Syria. The only way I was in Vietnam during the time know Saddam had no operational rela- to bring stability to that region is that Jane Fonda made her trip to the tionship with al Qaeda. Eighty percent through a regional effort. of the Iraqi people want us to leave Our troops have performed with cour- North, giving aid and comfort to the their country. The invasion, occupa- age, compassion, and professionalism. enemy. I was in Vietnam during the tion, and reconstruction of Iraq will They did everything that was asked of time that there were demonstrations in cost us at least half a trillion dollars, them. Their work in Iraq is done. We the streets back home. I was there dur- not to mention the cost in human lives gave the Iraqis their freedom. It is up ing the time that our soldiers were and international goodwill. to them to decide what they will do cursed at and spit on. Today, as I beat More than 3,000 American soldiers with it. around the back dusty roads of New are dead, more than 20,000 American It is time for the Iraqis to take re- Mexico, I encounter those same sol- soldiers are wounded. The burden of sponsibility for their own security. It diers that I encountered back then. For the Iraq war is being borne exclusively is time for Iraqis to decide if Shiites, those soldiers who are my age, who are by our children and grandchildren who Sunnis and Kurds wish to share re- on walkers, life has been difficult. will bear the debt, and the families of sources, share power, and coexist There is a common greeting for sol- our military personnel, who, at best, peacefully as one country. diers of that era. It is welcome home, experience long separations and ter- America cannot force them to do brother, or welcome home, sister, be- rible worry, and, at worst, lose a be- this, no matter how long we stay there. cause they were never thanked for loved family member forever. Only the Iraqi people can decide this. their duty and they were never wel- The invasion and occupation of Iraq Mr. Speaker, it is time. The Amer- comed home with parades with yellow has alienated our allies, has called our ican people have known for quite a ribbons. We were snuck back into the credibility into question around the while it is time, and I believe this week country. world. It has soured Middle Eastern at- that finally the United States Congress I have brought a couple of photos to titudes about the United States and will take the first step to bringing our help us remember, to remember the Western democracy. Finally, the inva- troops home by adopting this resolu- people who were trying to get out of sion of Iraq got us into a long-term tion Saigon, not just Americans, but those bloody occupation of a country with no Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. people who had sided with us. They are significant connection to the war on Speaker, at this time I would like to crawling up the ladder trying to get terror and diverted critical military yield 6 minutes to the gentleman from into the helicopter. The helicopters and intelligence resources from the New Mexico, who was a pilot in the proceeded out to carriers, then the hel- fight against al Qaeda. United States Air Force, serving in the icopters were pushed off the side of the The recently released National Intel- Philippines, received a Distinguished carriers. This is the way we left Viet- ligence Estimate concluded that there Flying Cross and an Air Medal before nam. is little prospect for political reconcili- returning to the United States. I bring this up because I am begin- ation in Iraq at this time. So, what Mr. PEARCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in ning to see the same thing today. My should the United States do? What does opposition to this stay-the-course reso- colleague yesterday spoke of this reso- victory in Iraq mean at this point? lution, because it is, indeed, a stay the lution and mentioned that the resolu- Most of us would see victory as any course. It says, blithely, that we sup- tion was vague, where people of very kind of political settlement that ended port the troops, the troops are in Iraq, different beliefs could believe that it the violence, but the American people they are fighting. We support the fight. represented them. If you support the need to hear the truth, and the truth We do not, on the other hand, support war, you believe that it supports your is, there is no happy ending for Iraq as an escalation, which would be another position. If you are opposed, you will long as our presence allows the Maliki course of action, nor do we present the somehow believe that this is the one government to avoid making the polit- other alternative that says bring them step that is going to stop us. ical compromises necessary for peace home. We can bring them home, in- Yet it really does nothing, the vague in Iraq. crease or stay the course, and so this language, that clever language points Now, the President has proposed a stay-the-course resolution is one that out, this is not a time for cleverness, it significant increase in the numbers of is very curious indeed today. is a time for decision, because I will be

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This esca- off on the gullible. ‘‘Those soldiers should be grateful that lation scheme is an unmitigated dis- The central front on the war on ter- the American public . . . do still offer aster. rorism was largely abandoned by Presi- their support to them, and their re- President Bush seems determined to dent Bush in his ideological rush to in- spect . . . continue to make the same old mis- vade Iraq. Vital resources and expertise ‘‘So we pay the soldiers a decent takes, just make them a little bit big- that were needed to capture Osama bin wage, take care of their families, pro- ger; defying sound military judgement; Laden and the terrorists who caused 9/ vide them with housing and medical defying the Iraq Study Group; defying 11 were cut in Afghanistan when Presi- care and vast social support systems the wishes of our allies and the Iraqis dent Bush ran into Iraq. The real war and ship obscene amenities into the themselves; and, most particularly, on terrorism suffered a major setback war zone for them, we support them in defying the will of the American peo- from which today it has still never re- every possible way, and their attitude ple. covered. That is the only ‘‘cut and run’’ is that we should in addition roll over This President continues to pursue a that now endangers our families. Nor and play dead.’’ go-it-alone strategy in Iraq. Like most does this debate in the people’s House every problem that he has created, and b 1200 embolden the enemies of democracy there are many, he seeks only to pass when we exercise democracy here in Our friends on the other side of the it along to his successor, who we will America. aisle, I do not discount their intent, elect next year—pass along in this case To me, the terrorists seem mighty but I know what they are trying to do. what is no doubt the most colossal for- emboldened with their daily death and They are doing the same thing that eign policy failure in American his- destruction that they wreaked across was done in Vietnam: they are trying tory. the Middle East long before anyone to feed that hungry tiger that lives on The administration’s top budget offi- ever conceived this resolution. Frank- the left, that hates the American way cial told me in a hearing just last week ly, it is the administration that is the of life, that hates the American mili- that ‘‘the best minds in the Pentagon’’ terrorists’ top recruiter. tary, that will do anything to dis- see no need to fund this escalation, As we predicted at the outset, this credit, disrespect, and discount the which has not yet really begun, for war is creating new generations of ter- service of our soldiers. more than another seven months. In rorists who view it as a war against all My friends, you will not be able to truth, our military has been so over- Islam. We cannot kill our enemies fast appease the left with this toothless res- stretched that it cannot sustain a pro- enough with the current policies cre- olution that you are presenting. You longed escalation, even when it un- ating more of them every day. know that your own Members, some of fairly recalls inadequately supplied And now this President is stoking your Members, have called for troops for a second, third, and fourth the flames of war with Iran. Ironically, defunding; but defunding is going to tour of duty. Little wonder that the that is the only country in the world to allow the exit that looks like this, and Secretary of Defense, Mr. Gates, admit- have directly benefited from his at- it is going to allow the mass catas- ted last week that he is already look- tacking Iraq. Widening the war to Iran trophe, the mass killings that are ing for another plan after this esca- with the macho slogan that ‘‘boys go to going to occur, and that is all part of lation falls short. Baghdad, but real men go to Tehran’’ the problem. This week, this House, we say ‘‘stop risks an even wider, even more But before you allow your friends, the increase.’’ And next, we must begin destabling debacle that can eventually who would never vote for me, who dis- the decrease with a phased withdrawal involve our families in a third world respect our soldiers so much, before from Iraq. We should not act precipi- war. you empower them and before you en- tously, but we must move very expedi- Having failed entirely to learn any courage them, I would recommend that tiously to extract our troops from the lessons from Vietnam, this administra- you think carefully about just cleanly crossfire of the warring factions in this tion seems to already have forgotten bringing our soldiers home. civil war quagmire. our experience in Iraq. Some here who If you are going to do nothing in the To our troops, whose courage we profess to be conservative have been resolution, you have an obligation to honor today in this very resolution, we very liberal with billions of misspent do no harm. This resolution does no say to you, those of who you who are taxpayers’ dollars and very liberal with harm. This resolution empowers our out there on the front lines today, we the blood of others in the sand of Iraq. enemy, encourages our enemy, and en- will do everything we can to protect President Bush was absolutely cor- courages people who are going to dis- you; but we will also be working as rect when he personally declared his respect our soldiers. I recommend a hard as we can to bring you home safe- war in Iraq to be a ‘‘catastrophic suc- vote against the resolution. ly to your families sooner rather than cess.’’ He has certainly been successful Mr. MEEKS of New York. Mr. Speak- later. at creating one catastrophe after an- er, I know of no one in this House, There is a better way to show support other in Iraq. whether you be to the left or to the for our troops than just sending more Our Nation is great enough with suf- right, who does not believe in our of them to be killed. There is a better ficient resources and creativity to troops and our soldiers, who does not way than continuing to give this Presi- change course, but each day we delay respect them and honor them. In fact, dent a blank check for war funding. we sink further into a quagmire from I think that by having every Member Unless we move forward to place firm which fewer and fewer choices remain. have the opportunity to speak on this limitations on the appropriations, we We must step back from the abyss floor to talk about their patriotism is will leave this war-making President Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I exactly what is supposed to happen in constrained only by DICK CHENEY’s yield now 5 minutes to a longstanding the people’s House. imagination. member of the Foreign Affairs Com- With that, I am proud to yield 51⁄2 The words of our adversaries in this mittee and presently a member of the minutes to a man who was one of the debate have often been very short, but Ways and Means Committee, the gen- leaders in opposition to giving the their true conflict is not really with us; tlewoman from Nevada (Ms. BERKLEY). President the authority to unilaterally it is with reality. They are in a losing Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, almost go into Iraq, a man who is steady and war with the truth. Iraq has never been 4 years ago our brave men and women

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00158 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4257 in uniform defeated the armed forces of to resources have instead been focused to help our troops or to achieve the a brutal tyrant, and he has been on a civil war in Iraq which threatens goals of America, our allies or the Iraqi brought to justice. to envelop the surrounding nations and people. In the years since Saddam’s fall, our further inflame the region. Congress is spending an entire week troops have won thousands of battles, The effect of this open-ended conflict on a nonbinding resolution that, even taken numerable objectives, built on our military preparedness cannot be if it passes, will not change the course schools and utility systems, and pro- overstated. We have zero active duty or of action in Iraq. Our time could have vided all types of humanitarian relief Reserve brigades in the United States been spent much better debating real in countless villages, towns, and cities that are combat-ready. One quarter of issues, such as how to most effectively ravaged by sectarian violence. But now our troops deployed in Iraq are Na- win the war that terrorists are waging our fighting men and women are thrust tional Guard and Reserves. Our Guard on us. into a civil war that pits religious and units are stretched so thin, only 30 per- Now, personally, I am skeptical that ethnic factions against each other. cent of their essential equipment re- an increase of 20,000 troops will make Lurking amid Iraq’s civilian popu- mains. These units are the ones we de- the difference and that it will stabilize lation, they mercilessly kill their fel- pend on in case of domestic emergency. Baghdad and Iraq. But, for me, the low Iraqis. By further extending our commitment question is, to whom should we listen These fanatical killers plant thou- in Iraq, we are compromising our safe- regarding operational decisions in sands of explosive devices and crouch ty here at home. Iraq? Should we listen to the rec- in thousands of ambush positions to at- In my home State of Nevada, one- ommendations of the U.S. military or tack our troops, who seek to replace third of our Guardsmen have served in to the politicians in Washington? senseless sectarian violence with a Iraq, and with this surge they will face And as an Air Force veteran, I think we should accept the recommendations measure of stability so that the dys- the possibility of further tours and ex- of our military. And in that respect, 2 functional and deceitful Maliki govern- tended time away from their families. weeks ago the General in command of ment can survive. To fight and die in I commend our troops for their brav- ground forces in Baghdad said, and I the middle of an Iraqi civil war fueled ery in carrying out their mission. They quote, ‘‘By bringing more troops in, it by centuries-old religious hatred is not have not let us down; we have let them provides us the opportunity to work why we sent our troops into harm’s down. We cannot ask them to continue with them, to provide more time to de- way. their sacrifice while we wait for the feat this threat, which is both an al Our troops have stepped up for 4 Iraqi Government to step up. Qaeda threat as well as sectarian vio- years. They have paid the price in I remain opposed to a fixed timetable blood. Now is the time for Iraqi au- lence.’’ for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from I have visited in Germany in the thorities to step up. If they are ever to Iraq, and I realize the grave con- medical facilities with our wounded do so, it will be only after they under- sequences we face if our mission fails. troops from Iraq. A member of my fam- stand that it will be their blood, not But that does not mean that I will give ily served a year in a combat zone in the blood of young Americans, that a blank check to the President for a Baghdad, and I am incredibly proud of will be shed to stop the horrific sec- surge when he has not given us a clear our men and women in the military. tarian violence that is tearing Iraq understanding of why such an increase They are talented. They are dedicated. apart. is needed or how it will help us suc- They are professional and they are the Throwing 20,000 additional Americans ceed. best in the world. And we owe them a into the carnage of a Sunni-Shiite civil President Bush has yet to put forth a tremendous debt of gratitude. war can only allow the Iraqi Govern- strategy that outlines where we are Now, even though it is nonbinding, ment to continue to shirk its responsi- going, how we are going to get there, there is, I think, a large omission in bility for the security of its own peo- how long is it going to take, how much this resolution. While it does com- ple, as they continue to use our troops is it going to cost, and at what sac- pliment the actions of our military to eliminate their adversaries rather rifice to the American people. He must men and women, nowhere does it com- than sitting down and negotiating with define the meaning of victory before it mit to continue providing funding for them to share power and oil revenue. is too late. ‘‘Mission accomplished.’’ troops in the field. And at a time when After the election, the President said ‘‘Bring them on.’’ ‘‘Stay the course.’’ some in this town are talking about he heard the concerns of the American And ‘‘we will stand down when the cutting off funding for our troops, I people and he promised a new plan for Iraqis stand up.’’ Our campaign slogan think we should commit to providing victory, but what he has proposed is is not ‘‘thoughtful strategies for vic- full funding for our Armed Forces as merely a continuation of the same tory.’’ long as they are in the field. failed policy. Sending 20,000 more The President has failed to make the Now, there is no guarantee that this American troops to Iraq will do noth- case for sending 20,000 more U.S. troops troop buildup will be successful, or ing to further the cause of victory. It into a civil war with an open-ended that the Iraqis will succeed in finally will only prolong the agony. mission and a bull’s-eye on their back. taking over the security situation in a Our mission in Iraq remains depend- I say yes and thank you to our troops, responsible way. But what we do know ent on a viable Iraqi Government with and I say no to the surge. I ask my col- is, at this point there is not a better both the ability and the will to con- leagues to join me in doing the same plan proposed which has a chance of front the extremists that are tearing for the good of our families, our mili- victory. And we also know that failure that country apart. The Maliki govern- tary and our Nation. in Iraq threatens the security of the ment has demonstrated neither the Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. United States, the security of the Mid- ability nor the will to take the action Speaker, I would like to recognize Mr. dle East, and, in fact, the whole world. necessary to bring an end to this sec- PAUL GILLMOR, who is a United States Early last year I had the privilege of tarian bloodshed. Air Force veteran. And he was a judge leading a delegation to Asia, where we The Members of his government at advocate, so he knows some of the met with the Prime Ministers of India, the highest levels and Maliki’s strong- legal problems involved in this thing. I of Thailand and Singapore. And those est supporters are using their office to would like to yield him 5 minutes. are all countries that are now and have aid the insurgents and are directly in- Mr. GILLMOR. I thank the gen- been under terrorist attack. All of volved in the sectarian violence grip- tleman from Texas, who is a real Amer- them agreed with the need to cooperate ping and destroying Iraq and killing ican hero, for yielding me the time. for security purposes, and with the im- our troops. portance of winning the war against At a time when we should be doing b 1215 terrorism in Iraq because of the con- everything we can to promote diplo- Mr. Speaker, the resolution we are sequences of not winning would have macy in the Middle East, our attention considering does not do a single thing on the rest of the world.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00159 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4258 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 Mr. Speaker, this resolution has two rails built in the system. The process is Mr. CAMP of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, purposes. First, it rejects the only plan too exacting for that to happen. But I want to thank the distinguished gen- which has been suggested by military what I fear, he said, is that one day tleman for yielding, and I want to leaders with a chance of success in someone will come in that office who is thank him also for his distinguished Iraq. Second, it begins this Congress absolutely convinced he is right about service in the United States Congress, down a path which ends with cutting something on which he is absolutely the United States Air Force, seven of off funding for our troops and aban- wrong. And he said this: that if the those as a prisoner of war. doning our foreign policy because of country is frightened enough, if we are Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposi- failed congressional fortitude. I am op- in enough danger, that enough people tion to this nonbinding resolution. And posed to the resolution and opposed to may think that what is rigid is what is I share with my colleagues, our serv- our micromanaging of the war on ter- strong. icemen and women and their families, ror. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Speaker, the wish that this war was over and Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am several of my colleagues on the other won. It is not, and the resolution be- pleased to yield 5 minutes to a member side of the aisle have said that this res- fore us today does nothing to resolve of the Ways and Means Committee, as olution carries no weight, no legal or this conflict, does nothing to reduce well as the Judiciary Committee, the moral force. I will tell you the weight the loss of American life, does nothing distinguished gentleman from Ala- that this carries, my friends. Twenty- to stabilize Iraq and does nothing to bama, ARTUR DAVIS. four hours from now, 65 percent of the advance our security. Mr. DAVIS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, Members of this Chamber will send a I would like to use my time today to approximately 24 hours from now, this signal to the American people that we relate some of the comments that I House will bring this debate to a con- have heard their voices. That is a pow- have received from my constituents in clusion and it will vote. And the vote, erful thing when I think of all the peo- the Fourth District of Michigan. From based on everything we expect, will be ple in this country who sent a clear Big Rapids: ‘‘The Congressmen and an overwhelming one. It will include signal, last November 7, that they were women who are opposed to these plans people from the left of this House, the not heard. should come up with better solutions! right of this House, it will include peo- And I end with this point. A number Don’t penalize our military men and ple from both political parties. It will of my colleagues in this debate, our ad- women by making politics a part of include people who supported this war versaries in this debate have said that their safety and well-being!’’ and who believed in it 5 years ago, and there is a group in Washington. There From my hometown of Midland: ‘‘Please stop playing politics with our it will include those who have ques- is a group of people on the left. Some of lives and the lives of young people who tioned it from its inception. you have said there is a group on the And there is a reason for this con- other side of the aisle who want to are defending our country.’’ From Alma: ‘‘I am sick of the par- sensus, Mr. Speaker. There is broad defund, or who don’t somehow have the tisan politics. We went into Iraq agreement on several things in this strength, the fiber, to support our united, but we have let politics divide House. There is broad agreement that troops. I remind you, my friends, your dis- us. It is time to realize some things are we have been caught in the cross-hairs agreement is not with the Democratic bigger than the political parties!’’ of a civil war between two sets of rad- Caucus. It is not even with the 50 or so Friends, we may often disagree. But ical Islamist fundamentalists, neither in your ranks who will vote for this the facts are, regardless of how it of which shares our values. resolution. It is a disagreement with began, and irrespective of the benefit There is broad agreement in this the 65 percent of this country. It is a of hindsight, we are at war and Iraq is House that the human and material disagreement with the people in my the central battleground. cost of this effort has gone too high, very conservative State of Alabama, 60 Islamic extremists are waging a jihad and there is broad agreement in this percent of whom now think this war is against us, and they are struggling to House that the moral obligation is not wrong and who say to me, Mr. DAVIS, make Iraq a base camp. Our focus must to put 21,000 more soldiers into harm’s why on Earth have we taken sides in a be on winning; and, disturbingly, I see way; but to do the opposite, to begin battle between radical Islamic fun- no mention of winning, succeeding, or the process of pulling our men and damentalists? Why is a blood feud be- victory in this resolution. That in women out of this cauldron that is now tween Shiia and Sunni worth the spill- itself is telling of just how the other Iraq. ing of American blood? side perceives this conflict: not in And there is broad agreement on one They are the ones you are saying are terms of defeating an enemy of Amer- other point, Mr. Speaker. It is this: wrong. They are the ones you are say- ica, but in terms of defeating a polit- that the President of the United States ing lack strength. ical foe. is wrong to say that it doesn’t matter So, Mr. Speaker, I simply end by Our troops deserve better. The Amer- to him what this Congress thinks, or thanking my colleagues who had the ican people demand more from their what this country thinks. good judgment to be right about the fu- leaders. I am reminded, Mr. Speaker, I am tility of this war from the outset, by Again, in the words of one of my con- one of the younger Members of this thanking the colleagues who were stituents from Bannister: ‘‘I hope Con- House, I was in college a little more re- wrong 5 years ago and are right today, gress is tough enough to do what cently than some of my colleagues. and by asking one last thing. works, not just what is politically cor- I had a very esteemed professor back The President of the United States, rect. We need to move carefully and de- in the 1980s named Richard Newstadt who brags that he has watched none of liberately, showing a united front, or who wrote about the American Presi- this debate, if he could only hear just we are again going to be the victims of dency for a number of years. And one one plea from debate, that he listen to some outrageous terrorist attack.’’ night he invited all the freshmen in the some fact, some evidence, because, Mr. Sadly, the new majority does not class to come over and to have a dia- Speaker, this is the problem that we seem to understand what so many logue with him about the future of the face with this President. No set of Americans readily grasp. ‘‘If you sup- Presidency. And a number of us said to facts, no set of truths can tell him that port the troops, you must support the him, Mr. Newstadt, what do you fear he is wrong. Tomorrow this Chamber mission or you send the wrong message about the Presidency of the United will tell him so to the enemy,’’ as it was so aptly put States? And it is interesting what he Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. by a constituent from Ashley. said, and it is relevant today. He said, Speaker, I would like to yield 5 min- From Farwell: ‘‘Congress needs to I don’t fear that someone corrupt will utes to DAVE CAMP, a fellow Member of get behind the President and help, not become President one day. I don’t fear Congress from Michigan, and a fellow hurt, the morale of the soldiers that that someone incompetent will become member of the Ways and Means Com- are fighting. They believe in their mis- President. There are too many guard- mittee, one of the ranking members. sion!’’

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00160 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4259 And I believe in them, which is why I am so proud of the dedication and how much real debate there is, but cer- I cannot and will not support this reso- service of the people of my State in the tainly a lot of speeches. Some of them lution. United States military. We owe them a have been very eloquent. I think of Mr. As I conclude my remarks, I want to commitment equal to their courage. MCHUGH the other night giving one of leave you with two comments. The We owe them the courage to act on our the best speeches I have ever heard on first is from Traverse City: ‘‘We should conviction. the floor of this House. Some of them all pull together and get the job done.’’ With the passage of 4 years and the have been partisan. Some of them have And the second, from an airman from loss of over 3,000 brave Americans and been shrill. Some persuasive; some not. Corunna: ‘‘Thank you for the much countless others who have been perma- We have heard a number of opinions ex- needed support of me and my fellow nently injured, I regret to recall that pressed, and it reminds me a week or so airmen.’’ we were told we needed to invade Iraq ago we had a hearing in the Armed I hope that once we dispose of this because Saddam Hussein possessed ma- Services Committee and we had three nonbinding resolution, our focus turns terials for weapons of mass destruc- experts, Ph.D.s all of them, experts in to supporting our servicemen and tion. None could be found. I regret that the field of international relations and women, making America more secure the President felt compelled to justify military operations. and achieving the victory our military the invasion by claiming a connection One of them, the former Secretary of personnel are putting their lives on the between al Qaeda and Saddam Hussein Defense under President Clinton, and it line for. when the 9/11 Commission found this turns out that at the end of the hear- Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, at was simply not true. ing, each of the three of them had a dif- this time I yield 5 minutes to the Our situation in Iraq has redirected ferent idea about what we ought to do. chairman of the Energy and Water Ap- our Nation from its true mission. The None of them supported what the propriations Subcommittee, the distin- war in Iraq has diverted our attention President had been doing. One of them guished gentleman from Indiana, Rep- from the global war on terror. We need sort of supported what the President resentative PETER VISCLOSKY. to reconstitute our Armed Forces. We was doing. But each of them had dif- Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise also need a strategic redeployment of ferent ideas. They had an opinion, ar- today in support of this resolution and our forces that will give us the ability guably an informed opinion, but an express my profound disapproval of to focus our efforts directly on the opinion nevertheless. President Bush’s decision to increase global terror networks that target in- And on this floor we have heard more our troop levels in Iraq. nocent people around the world. opinions. We have heard people say, I Late last year the President had an I voted against the authorization of don’t agree with this; I think this is a opportunity to create a new strategy. the Iraq invasion in 2003. There was no bad idea; or I think this is a good idea. The voice of the American people was plan or exit strategy then, and there We have heard some people say I have heard at this past election. The voice are clearly no good options now. Yet a better idea; or I am a member of a of the Iraq Study Group gave the Presi- the Iraq Study Group provided a bipar- caucus who has a better idea; or I pro- dent a bipartisan plan to draw down tisan perspective on some changes in pose this; or I think that. And it kind our troops. New leadership at the Pen- strategy. They called for a drawdown of reminds me why it is a very bad idea tagon also could have been a voice of of troops and for intensive diplomatic to conduct a war by committee. But I change of strategy. But President Bush efforts to resolve the sectarian vio- fully acknowledge that people are al- did not listen to any of these voices. He lence there. We need to listen to their lowed to have opinions and certainly decided to escalate our troop levels in recommendations. every Member of this body can have an Iraq. No time frame, no measurable Mr. Speaker, it is not too late to opinion. benchmarks, no end. change our strategy, and the first step I remember the principal author of Mr. Speaker, if President Bush choos- along the new way is to prevent the this resolution before us, the distin- es an erroneous path, then it is our President’s escalation of this war. It is guished chairman of the Armed Serv- constitutional responsibility to show time to obligate the Iraqi Government ices Committee, stood up on the other the way. to assume the full burden and con- side of the aisle here on the first day of I have the deepest respect and grati- sequences of governing their country. this debate and he said, ‘‘Everybody is tude for our women and men in uni- We need to listen to the majority of entitled to their own opinions but not form. I honor their commitment, their the American people. We need to listen to their own facts.’’ So I would just courage and their sacrifice. to reasoned voices such as the Iraq like to take a little bit of my remain- Study Group. The time to pursue a new ing time here to talk about some of the b 1230 course is now. I support our troops, and claims and some of the facts that have Our troops have done everything we that is why I support this resolution. been brought forward in this debate. have asked them to do. They over- Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. One of the proponents said the new whelmed the old Iraqi Government and Speaker, I would like to yield 51⁄2 min- plan ‘‘ignores the recommendations of captured Saddam Hussein. They pro- utes to the great Congressman from the military commanders on the vided security while Iraq formed its the State of Minnesota, an ex-Marine, ground.’’ How many times have we provisional government, approved a JOHN KLINE. heard that in these two days? Well, constitution, and elected a permanent Mr. KLINE of Minnesota. Mr. Speak- what is the truth? General Petraeus, government. er, I thank the gentleman for yielding. the new commander of the multi- Twelve individuals from the First I will overlook the ‘‘ex-Marine’’ slight. national force in Iraq, confirmed by the Congressional District of Indiana have Never an ex-Marine; always a Marine. Senate with no dissenting votes, said: already given their lives and made the It is a tremendous honor for me ‘‘If we are to carry out the multi- supreme sacrifice for our Nation. These today to even be on the same floor as national force-Iraq mission in accord- brave men and women will always be this great American here. We heard ance with the new strategy, the addi- remembered: Sergeant Jeanette Win- earlier today the hardship of some of tional forces that have been directed to ters; Specialist Gregory Sanders; Ser- our servicemen and -women missing a move to Iraq will be essential . . . ’’ He geant Duane Rios; Specialist Roy holiday with their families, and I know said that last month. Buckley; Private First Class John in my 25 years in the Marines I missed General Odierno, a new U.S. com- Amos, II; Private Luis Perez; Private a number of those. But there is nobody mander, Corps commander, says: ‘‘This First Class Nathan Stahl; Corporal who has missed more holidays with his is about Iraqis taking charge of their Bryan Wilson; Private First Class Ste- family than this great American next own security. In order for them to do ven Sirko; Specialist Nicholas Idalski; to me. that, we have to buy them time to con- Specialist Adam Harting; and Staff We have heard a lot of speeches dur- tinue to train and for the government Sergeant Jonathan Rojas. ing this so-called debate. I am not sure to become more legitimate to the eyes

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00161 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4260 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 of the Iraqi people. They are doing that to stay in Iraq for another 6 months be- of Africa, and elsewhere around the world in by moving forward. By bringing more cause our troops are spread so thin. He defense of the national security of the United troops in, it provides us the oppor- hasn’t been home since October of 2005. States. These individuals, and their families tunity to work with them, to provide These are the words that she wrote to who support them from home, are to be com- more time, and defeat this threat, me: ‘‘Mr. Gordon, we need to help other mended for their dedication to our country. which is both al Qaeda threat as well countries, but there are already 3,000 I represent the island of Guam. Sons and as sectarian violence.’’ families in America whose lives will daughters of Guam, and those from our neigh- Even General Casey last month said never be the same. I want, need, and boring islands in the Commonwealth of the he thought we needed more troops. would love to see my husband again.’’ Northern Mariana Islands, Micronesia, Palau, Another claim has been by one of our Mr. Speaker, this lady supports the and the Marshalls, serve proudly in the United colleagues: ‘‘Prime Minister al-Maliki troops. I support the troops in Iraq, and States Armed Forces. These individuals serve has indicated in virtually every way he I believe everyone in this Chamber sup- at a critical point in our country’s history and can that he too opposes the surge.’’ ports our troops. They perform their we are grateful for their dedication to their And yet on January 13, Prime Minister missions with bravery and honor, and I mission and their commitment to ensuring our Maliki said: ‘‘The strategic plan an- commend them for the job they are freedom. nounced by U.S. President George W. doing. But I am unconvinced that de- I have been able to visit on eight occasions Bush represents the common vision ploying more troops and spending more with our servicemembers deployed in Iraq, Af- and mutual understanding between the money is the right strategy. And I am ghanistan, and the Horn of Africa to see first Iraqi Government and the U.S. Admin- not the only one. General Colin Powell hand their living conditions, learn about their istration’’? said in December: ‘‘I am not persuaded missions, and gain a better understanding of I have more examples here, but one that another surge of troops into Bagh- the challenges that confront them. All of us on that we have heard over and over and dad for purposes of suppressing this Guam are immensely proud of our men and over again in various forms was stated civil war will work.’’ women from Guam who serve our Nation. I by one of our colleagues yesterday say- General George Casey, the former have heard their stories and have been hum- ing: ‘‘Our President, again, is ignoring commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, said bled by their struggles, their heartbreaking . . . members of the bipartisan Iraq last month: ‘‘It’s always been my view loss, and their inspiring instances of achieve- Study Group who opposed this esca- that a heavy and sustained American ment. I have come away from each of these lation.’’ military presence was not going to visits with profound gratitude for their sac- This is the book. I commend it to solve the problem in Iraq . . . ’’ rifices and their professionalism. Serving in defense of the United States every American. In December it was reported that the does not come without heartache and sac- I would like to quote now from my Joint Chiefs of Staff unanimously dis- rifice. Eighteen servicemembers from Guam dear, dear long-time friend and hunting agreed with the concept of troop esca- and our neighboring islands in the Pacific, partner, the former Secretary of State, lation. Saipan, Pohnpei, and Palau, are among the James A. Baker III, who said on Janu- General Colin Powell, General George more than 3,000 reported by the Department ary 30 of this year: ‘‘This is the lan- Casey, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, of Defense to have made the ultimate sacrifice guage and all of the language of the re- these are men who support the troops. in the Global War on Terror. Our island com- port with respect to a surge: ‘We could, Yet these American generals, the Iraqi munities united to mourn the passing of each however, support a short-term rede- Study Group, and the Iraqi Prime Min- one of our sons and daughters, as we mourn ployment or surge of American combat ister have all opposed this troop surge. the loss of all servicemembers. We will con- We have had four other surges since forces to stabilize Baghdad or to speed tinue to provide support to grieving families we first went to Iraq. None produced a up the training and equipping mission who suffer the burden of these losses. Every if the U.S. commander in Iraq deter- lasting change on the ground. In Octo- American owes a debt of gratitude—albeit an mines that such steps would be effec- ber more combat troops were sent into un-payable one—to our fallen and injured tive.’ The only two conditions are Baghdad to fight the growing violence servicemembers and their families. ‘short term’ and ‘the commander in there. Unfortunately, the sectarian vi- The year 2007 also will be witness to more Iraq determines it would be effective.’ ’’ olence has only grown worse. Many tours of duty in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Horn Both of these conditions have been have endured great sacrifices in the 4 of Africa for our active duty, Guard and Re- met. years this war has been waged. More serve servicemen and women. For some it will There have been many claims of fact than 3,000 Americans have lost their be their second, third, and fourth tours of duty which I have some counterarguments lives; 23,000 more have been wounded. in those theaters of operations. This is a lot to with. We have spent more than $350 billion ask even of the world’s finest fighting men and I would just say to all of my col- with many billions more to go. We women. They serve proudly and their morale leagues that I would concur with have been in Iraq longer than we were remains high and their fighting spirits remain Chairman SKELTON that we are entitled involved in World War II. And there is strong. God bless their families and friends to our own opinion. We can certainly no end in sight. who remain behind supportive and proud of express it. But we are not, in fact, enti- For 1,300 years Sunnis have been their loved ones. tled to our own facts. So let’s stick to fighting Shias. Now is the time for the We owe our servicemembers and their fami- the facts. Iraqis to take more responsibility for lies our best efforts toward helping our Armed Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I securing the peace in their own nation. Forces achieve an expeditious and honorable yield at this time 5 minutes to the dis- No one has offered any evidence that completion to Operation Iraqi Freedom. This tinguished chairman of the Science 20,000 more American troops would should be a primary goal for all of us. But the Committee, Representative BART GOR- change the direction of a 4-year-old situation in Iraq will not yield a solution easily. DON of Tennessee. war or 1,300 years of history. Nevertheless, the President, in consultation Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. I thank Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is with this Congress, must endeavor to find one. my friend for yielding. now my pleasure to yield for the pur- And it is for this reason that I introduced H.R. Mr. Speaker, as I have watched this pose of making a unanimous-consent 744, the Iraq Policy Revitalization and Con- healthy debate over the last 2 days, I request to the distinguished Congress- gressional Oversight Enhancement Act. H.R. keep thinking about an e-mail that I woman from the U.S. territory of 744 also would aim to revitalize U.S.-Iraq pol- received from a lady in Springfield, Guam, MADELEINE BORDALLO. icy; would require the President to provide to Tennessee. You would never accuse Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise Congress a plan that addresses the whole of this woman of not supporting the in support of H. Con. Res. 63. the challenge in Iraq; would improve congres- troops because her husband was a sol- I rise today to acknowledge and honor the sional oversight of Operation Iraqi Freedom dier serving in Iraq. He was a month service and sacrifice made by military and ci- and events in Iraq; would seek to increase the from returning home to his wife and vilian personnel who have served and who are commitment made by the international com- his two daughters, but he was ordered serving today in Iraq, Afghanistan, on the Horn munity to the stability and security of Iraq; and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00162 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4261 would ultimately, help bring our troops home as only they are trained to do and have troops. He hadn’t heard about it, but his only in an honorable, expeditious manner without hope that the announced troop buildup comment to me was: ‘‘We can use them!’’ sacrificing their mission. will be the final key that is needed by Please support the President and the Troops. The Iraq Study Group, co-chaired by former the Iraqis to build a secure, united Maybe our last, best chance to win this thing. Secretary of State James Baker and former country.’’ Winning is the imperative. Semper Fi! Congressman Lee Hamilton, concluded that b 1245 We have to let our generals be generals many of the challenges in Iraq are of an inter- and wage this war as only they are trained to national nature, and they become more so— We have to hope that it is not too do, and have hope that the announced troop not less so—as each day passes. As a result, late for the U.S. to make a difference buildup will be the final 3 key that’s needed by it is becoming increasingly important to view in Iraq.’’ the Iraqis to build a secure and united country. United States policy toward Iraq as a part of Another: ‘‘We need to send the mes- We have to have hope that it’s not too late and not isolated from United States policy to- sage to our troops that America wants for the U.S. to make a difference in Iraq. ward the region as a whole. It also is becom- them to succeed in Iraq by giving the We need to send the message to our troops ing increasingly important for countries in the buildup a chance to succeed.’’ that America wants them to succeed in Iraq by region and the international community to be- Still another: ‘‘My fellow Guardsmen giving the buildup a chance to succeed. come more fully engaged in the effort to sta- are ready. We will do whatever is asked The main effort is really the political rec- bilize Iraq. The Iraq Study Group rec- of us. Please ensure that the resources, onciliation and the security of the population is ommended that we support efforts to promote funds and equipment continue to flow. the key precondition to that. The language and a multilateral agreement between the United Supporting the troops means giving us some action from the Iraqi government and States, Coalition countries, regional states, the means to do our job.’’ Army leaders have been good in the past sev- and multilateral organizations. A multilateral And another: ‘‘We also need to stay eral weeks. The next several months will be agreement will help bring renewed focus to in Iraq and put forth the necessary will critical—probably decisive—and I believe there and enhanced international cooperation to- and resources that will allow our strat- is reason to be realistically hopeful. ward resolving Iraq’s problems. A multilateral egy to succeed.’’ I believe that what we are doing in Iraq and agreement will help reaffirm the existence of a And another: ‘‘Moreover, our troops Afghanistan supports the NSS. What I have united front against elements that seek to de- need more open rules of engagement to heard in the debate is that we no longer have stabilize Iraq, and thus bring added pressure do their job effectively.’’ a security interest in Iraq. What part of out to bear on those actors. Lastly, a multilateral Another e-mail: ‘‘Elections have con- NSS is to support moderate Muslim govern- agreement would provide for the formation of sequences, and for our recent election ments? Another part of the NSS addresses a forum in which current and future regional the consequences have been a major humanitarian rights, to include rights of security, political, and economic issues regard- setback in the war on terror and a women. ing Iraq’s continued development can be dis- greater threat to terrorist attack at My fellow Guardsmen are ready. We will do cussed and addressed. The establishment and home.’’ whatever is asked of us. Please, ensure that maintenance of conciliatory relations between Still another: ‘‘Like Vietnam, our en- the resources, funds and equipment, continue Iraq, its neighbors, regional states and the emies view us as not having the stom- to flow. Supporting the troops means giving us international community is essential to stabi- ach to fight a protracted war. If we the means to do our jobs. lizing Iraq internally. withdraw, however, the credibility of We have not had a failed Iraq policy—we As the debate today on H. Con. Res. 63 the U.S., our military, and our assur- have just had overly optimistic expectations of continues, I take this opportunity to call atten- ances would be lost for years, probably how fast the Iraqis would be able to establish tion to H.R. 744 and the various other legisla- decades.’’ a stable government and a unified country that tive proposals that have been brought forth by Another: ‘‘The overwhelming re- functions in a manner to our satisfaction. Iron- members of this body to help us bring Oper- sponse among officers is we must stay ically, we want the Iraqis to pursue a unity ation Iraqi Freedom to a conclusion. In the and finish what we have started. Many government and national reconciliation, but we weeks ahead I hope that this body will seri- of these officers have built strong rela- don’t do that ourselves. The partisanship that ously consider these measures. It is very dif- tionships with local Iraqi and Afghan we are seeing here in the U.S. is no different ficult to consider the merits of the President’s citizens who want to raise their family that the partisanship that we are seeing in decision to deploy additional troops to Iraq at in peace.’’ Iraq. this time without having received from the Ad- Another: ‘‘We do in fact have many We also need to stay in Iraq and put forth ministration a comprehensive plan that clearly more Iraqi Army and National Police the necessary will and resources that will communicates to the Congress and the Amer- units moving into Baghdad and many allow our strategy to succeed. Imagine a ican people exactly what is necessary to com- are effectively partnering with U.S. Super Bowl football team quitting the game in plete the mission of Operation Iraqi Freedom. units.’’ Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. the third quarter simply because they were be- Another: ‘‘They did pass their budget Speaker, at this time I would like to hind. The premise is so absurd it is inconceiv- for 2007 last week,’’ sooner than the yield 3 minutes to Representative JOHN able so too would be our quitting a war to pro- U.S. Congress, incidentally, ‘‘and have SHIMKUS from Illinois. He is an ex- tect our way of life simply because battlefield Army Academy graduate and served in made some progress with other legisla- conditions are not going perfectly. the United States Army and still is in tion, which indicates they can work Moreover, our troops need more open rules the Reserves. some political compromises.’’ of engagement to do their job effectively. This Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, these I will end with this: ‘‘I would hope is war, and they are soldiers, not police offi- are real e-mails from veterans, active that your colleagues would be able to cers. The U.S. and Iraqi governments must duty members, and National Guard and continue to support what we are doing, expect civilian casualties and collateral dam- Reservists: because it honestly does have a reason- age. It’s unavoidable. The irony in this matter ‘‘John, my son, a Marine gunny ser- able chance at success.’’ is that most Iraqi people would welcome the geant embedded with the Iraqi Army These are real communications with increase security. around Rimadi, called a few weeks ago. real soldiers, Active Duty, in Iraq, Na- Elections have consequences. And for our I asked him if he knew about the Presi- tional Guardsmen, reservists, and vet- recent election, the consequences have been dent’s plan for more troops. He hadn’t erans throughout our country who say a major set back in the war on terror and a heard about it, but his only comment there is no substitute for victory. We greater threat to terrorist attack at home. to me was ‘We can use them.’ Please have to win this campaign. It is in our Like Vietnam, our enemies view us as not support the President and the troops. national security interest to support having the stomach to fight a protracted war. It may be our last, best chance to win moderate Arab states. If we withdraw, however, the credibility of the this thing. Winning is the imperative. John, my son, a Marine Gunny Sgt. U.S., our military, and our assurances would Semper Fi.’’ imbedded with the Iraqi army around Rimadi, be lost for years, probably decades. And another: ‘‘We have to let our called a few weeks ago. I asked him if he The Iraqis are watching all of this, and they generals be generals and wage this war knew about the President’s plan for more can see which way the wind is blowing. They

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00163 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4262 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 know if we leave either the Sunni insurgency other legislation, which indicates they can Newsweek columnist Anna Quindlen or the Iranians would likely come in, and their work some political compromises. put it this way: ‘‘There is no better newly gained freedoms would be lost. This re- Everyone is forced to telescope political, way to support those fighting in Iraq ality shapes the thoughts and actions of all economic, and security reforms that would than to guarantee that no more of Iraqi officials, from Prime Minister al-Maliki, normally take 7–10 years into 7–10 months. them die in the service of political mis- down to the police officers on the street. So the question that you are debating is calculation.’’ Many Americans are in denial about the whether or not $100 billions (less than 0.8% Mr. Speaker, the American people threat from radical Islam. Unfortunately, it may GDP) and tragically, probably 700–900 U.S. are way ahead of the politicians in take another 9/11 before they wake up. God soldiers’ lives is worth a 50% chance of pre- Washington. Citizens of all political help us if one of our cities gets nuked when venting a national security crisis that will set persuasions are sick and tired of the that happens. back U.S. policy for decades. political spin and political posturing. The overwhelming response among officers If you are the parent or spouse of one of Our focus should not be about saving is that we must stay and finish what we start- those soldiers who may die, it is GD probably face. Instead, it should be about saving ed. Many of these officers have built strong re- not worth it. But if you are a national leader, lives. lationships with local Iraqi and Afghan citizens I would hope that your colleagues would be The people of this country have been who want to raise their families in peace. They able to continue to support what we are doing misled, they have been deceived, and feel we have given our word as a country that because it honestly does have a reasonable they have been lied to. Increasingly, we will stand by them. I agree with this senti- chance of success. people do not trust their government Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am ment. to tell the truth on the war. Mr. Speak- pleased to yield 5 minutes to the dis- Lincoln/Sherman figured out that to truly de- er, I don’t trust my government to tell tinguished gentleman from Massachu- feat the south, he had to march to Savannah me the truth about this war. setts (Mr. MCGOVERN), the vice chair- to convince the locals that it was not worth There is no military victory to be man of the Rules Committee. continued conflict. WWII had similar actions had. The only hope is a political solu- Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I tion. for resolution like Hiroshima. While these were thank my colleague from New York for The Iraqi Government and the Iraqi waged against conventional forces, Congress yielding. must understand that the current conflict is Mr. Speaker, I oppose the escalation people have the power and the ability more than between insurgents and U.S./Coali- of U.S. forces in Iraq and I strongly op- to move in a different direction, a di- tion forces. pose this war. We had no basis or jus- rection that seeks to calm sectarian vi- If we do not have the will to do this hard tification or right to invade Iraq. It olence and heal sectarian divides, re- work, we need to get out now. We cannot was a mistake. There are no easy an- spect the rights of all citizens and up- continue to try to get the job done with the swers or solutions before us. No matter hold the rule of law that applies to ev- minimum force. If anything we should send what option we pursue, there is no eryone equally. But they have to more than we think we need. Our focus on nice, neat, happy ending. Sometimes choose that path themselves. Regret- being liberators has caused us to misjudge you can’t fix mistakes. tably, I have little confidence that the what is needed. You cannot liberate until you Hopefully we can make this awful current Iraqi Government will make have gained control. We never got there and situation less awful. This war should such a choice. I hope I am wrong. must do so now. never have happened. That is not just Mr. Speaker, it is essential to change Speaking of which, my two cents. The most my opinion, it is the opinion of many the dynamic inside Iraq, and to do that basic job of government is to protect its citi- of the top military leaders in our coun- it is essential that we dramatically zens. If the Surge is properly designed to do try. The war has diminished our stand- change our policy. That means we that, then it is a good idea. I say give it a ing in the world. It has been used as a must end the U.S. occupation and chance, even though it should have been that recruiting tool by the very terrorists begin an all-out diplomatic effort to way to begin with. From my experiences in we say we want to defeat. It has cost us promote reconciliation and an end to Desert Storm ’91, I firmly believe that most hundreds of billions of dollars. And, the violence. That means we should people, Middles Easterners included, just want most significantly, we have sacrificed begin the immediate, safe and orderly to protect their family, practice their religion, the precious lives of so many of our withdrawal of our troops from Iraq. and have an opportunity to prosper. brave servicemen and women, and That means we should provide protec- We have to be able to go after all the killers thousands more have returned home tion and political asylum to those in regardless of who or where they are. The Iraqi severely wounded. Iraq who have assisted us and who may follow-on forces then have to maintain the Now, I have listened as many of my be in danger because of it. That also peace, not bring in their individual hatreds to colleagues have come to the floor and means that the United States must the power vacuum. Helping them secure their said we must follow our leader and be demonstrate the maturity and the borders from fighters through Jordan and quiet. Some have even suggested that common sense to talk to political lead- Syria and equipment from Iran is also critical those of us who support this resolution ers and to countries we don’t like, in- (Navy and Air Force tasks with limited ground and want this war to end are doing a cluding Syria and Iran. support?). Getting the ‘‘Rule of Law’’ estab- disservice to our troops. None of this will be pleasant, none of lished will eventually replace the need for Mr. Speaker, for 4 long years, Con- this will be easy and there are no guar- ‘‘Self Protection’’ (Militias). gress has done absolutely nothing in antees that it will work. But I am sure The biggest hurdle is at home. If the media the face of mistake after mistake after of one thing: What we are doing now is continues its selective reporting (failures only), mistake in Iraq. None of us in this failing. What we are doing now is not then even if its an unqualified success on the Chamber have to wake up tomorrow in healing the divisions in Iraq and is not ground, it will be perceived as a loss at home Baghdad or Fallujah or Tikrit. None of serving the best national security in- due to its depiction on TV and Press reports. us have to wake up each morning and terests of the United States. Our own Tying Iraqis to a yardstick measuring success go on patrol in Anbar Province. None intelligence agencies have reported to or failure seems to be a good idea. of us in this Chamber are in harm’s us that this war is creating more ter- Press the Senate not to pass the latest Res- way. But we are all responsible, all of rorists. olution limiting support—it is just a grand us, just like the President, for assign- No one in this House enjoys this dis- standing event for presidential hopefuls. ing tens of thousands of our bravest cussion. Some, I know, wish that some- We do in fact have many more Iraqi Army young men and women for being ref- how this issue would go away. But, Mr. and National Police units moving into Baghdad erees in a sectarian civil war. Speaker, it won’t. So no matter how and many are effectively partnering with U.S. If we truly want to protect our uncomfortable this debate is for some units. troops, if we truly are concerned with of my colleagues, it is long overdue. They did pass their budget for 2007 last their safety and well-being, then bring The message that Congress will hope- week (sooner than the U.S. Congress, inci- them home and reunite them with fully send tomorrow by passing this dentally) and have made some progress with their families. resolution is one that the American

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00164 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4263 people want us to send and one that the enemies that we are weak and unable lems. It has always been my view that President needs to hear. to complete a difficult task. It will a heavy and sustained American mili- President Lyndon Johnson once re- send a message to our allies that we tary presence was not going to solve marked, ‘‘It is easy to get into a war, are undependable. It will send a mes- the problems in Iraq in the long run.’’ but hard as hell to get out of one.’’ The sage to the families and loved ones of Additionally, General John P. choices before us in the next weeks and our fallen soldiers and marines, to our Abizaid, the former commander of U.S. months will not be easy. Indeed, it will brave men and women who have been Central Command in the Middle East, be difficult, even painful, to extricate disabled and to the troops in the field, has said that he did not believe that ourselves from this war. But it is the that their sacrifice is in vain because adding more American troops right right thing to do. their mission is not worth our commit- now is the solution to the problem, and I urge my colleagues to support this ment. These messages will be destruc- also advocated transferring responsi- resolution which strongly supports our tive, and I urge my colleagues not to bility to the Iraqis. troops and opposes this escalation go down this road. General Abizaid said, ‘‘I met with Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. If America does abandon Iraq, which every divisional commander, General Speaker, I just would like to correct many of my colleagues across the aisle Casey, the Corps Commander, General something. We are not occupying Iraq. want to be the ultimate outcome, de- Dempsey. We all talked together. And I We are helping the Iraqi government, struction will spread across the entire said, in your professional opinion, if we who has complete control over there Middle East and will be more likely to were to bring in more American troops trying to win this battle. come to our own shores. now, does it add considerably to our Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to our I know that the struggle against ter- ability to achieve success in Iraq? And new representative from Colorado (Mr. rorism is difficult, but we cannot give they all said no. And the reason is be- LAMBORN). up. Yes, we must learn as we go, and, cause we want the Iraqis to do more. It Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I thank yes, we must adapt to changing cir- is easy for the Iraqis to rely upon us to the gentleman for yielding. cumstances. But we must not think do this work. I believe that more Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to that retreat will bring relief. We and American forces prevent the Iraqis this resolution. There are many flaws the entire world will pay a terrible from doing more, from taking more re- in this resolution. One of the most seri- price if we go down that road. This res- sponsibility for their own future.’’ ous is that while it gives lip-service to olution is the first step down that road. During the course of the war, I vis- a desire to support and protect the I urge the defeat of this resolution. ited Iraq twice, in 2003 and 2005. While troops, it turns around and disapproves Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am I was there, the main goal, other than of the plan that is best calculated by pleased to yield 5 minutes to the gen- achieving victory, was developing Iraq’s infrastructure. Yet after 4 years the commanders on the ground to bring tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. HOL- and hundreds of billions of dollars, we order to Baghdad. DEN), the vice chairman of the Agri- This surge is the best way, in the culture Committee and the chairman have not had much success in improv- opinion of the commanders, to clamp of the Subcommittee on Conservation, ing infrastructure and still face serious down on the insurgency, to protect our Credit, Energy and Research. problems. Oil production is one-half of troops and ultimately to lead to vic- Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the prewar level, while conditions of tory. I don’t see how you can claim to the gentleman for yielding. basic services, such as water, power protect and support the troops while Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support and sewage, are below that. In Bagh- taking away the best option for vic- of House Concurrent Resolution 63. I dad, electricity levels are at an all- tory. also rise in strong support of the brave time low. And while we have spent bil- That brings up another serious flaw men and women who have served or are lions of dollars on these problems, $9 in this resolution: It has no positive al- serving in Iraq and around the world. billion is lost and unaccounted for. ternative. The resolution seems to say I represent thousands of men and b 1300 that we should go on as before, which I women on Active Duty and in the Na- That is why I also rise today in sup- thought my colleagues across the aisle tional Guard and in the Reserves. I port of the Blue Dog resolution which said was unacceptable. have visited our wounded and injured provides cost accountability for Oper- Yet another serious flaw is that troops at both Walter Reed and ation Iraqi Freedom. This resolution Members of Congress, who are many Landstuhl Regional Center in Ger- will directly address the infrastructure thousands of miles away from the bat- many. My commitment to our brave and security failures in Iraq. More spe- tlefield, are substituting their judg- men and women is unwavering. How- cifically, the resolution requires the ment for that of the commanders in ever, I disagree with deploying more Department of Defense Inspector Gen- the field. This is foolish and arrogant. than 20,000 more U.S. combat troops to eral and the Special Inspector General This gives rise to a constitutional con- Iraq. for Iraqi Reconstruction to report to flict as well. The Constitution gives The President has consistently said Congress every 90 days with: the President the power of Commander that the size of the force would be de- One, a detailed accounting of how in Chief. President Bush, who was re- termined by military leaders on the military and reconstruction funds in elected by a vote of the entire Amer- ground. Yet the two previous leading Iraq have been spent; ican people just 2 years ago, has the commanders on the ground do not sup- Two, a detailed accounting of the duty and authority to conduct the war port the addition of more troops. Gen- types and terms of contracts awarded in Iraq. eral George Casey, the former com- on behalf of the United States; Congress has the power to declare mander of the Multinational Force in Three, a description of efforts to ob- war and to fund or to not fund war, but Iraq and current chief of staff of the tain support and assistance from other does not have the power to conduct a Army, advocated transferring security countries toward the rehabilitation of war. This constitutional division of duties to Iraqi soldiers. Iraq; and, finally, powers is vital, because, among other General Casey said, ‘‘The longer we Four, an assessment of what addi- things, a clear chain of command is and the U.S. forces continue to bear tional funding is needed to complete better calculated to lead to victory the main burden of Iraq’s security, it military operations and reconstruction with the least possible loss of life. War lengthens the time that the Govern- efforts in Iraq, including a plan for the by committee, on the other hand, does ment of Iraq has to make the hard de- security of Iraq. not best serve the interests of our cisions about reconciliation and deal- Mr. Speaker, our troops have done country or our troops. ing with the militias.’’ He goes on to their job and performed with great Because this resolution is so deeply say, ‘‘And the other thing is that they courage and honor. The solution in flawed, it will send bad messages if it is continue to blame us for all of Iraq’s Iraq can no longer be resolved mili- passed. It will send a message to our problems, which at face are their prob- tarily. We must win both politically

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00165 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4264 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 and diplomatically. We must ask Iraq’s grave. I know a lot has changed since I ican military already stretched to the six neighbors to use influence that is visited nearly a year ago. Al Qaeda breaking point. consistent with our own objectives, and operatives, Sunni death squads and Mr. Speaker, in October 2002, I voted we must convince them that stability Shia militias, propped up by the reck- in favor of the legislation to allow in the region is in their best interests. less dictatorship of Iran, have fueled President Bush to defend the national In closing, I want to offer my utmost violence and threatened the hopes and security of our country against the gratitude and appreciation for our dreams of the Iraqi people. stated threats posed by Saddam Hus- troops. Our thoughts are with these So Congress is once again at a cross- sein. In large part, I based my decision brave men and women and also with roads. The reality of the circumstances on the information I learned in several their families as we pray for them to in Iraq require a winning strategy. The classified briefings with high-level ad- return safely. information provided by our reformed ministration officials about the capa- Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. intelligence community sends a clear bilities of the Iraqis to deliver weapons Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gen- warning in the National Intelligence of mass destruction to the United tlewoman from Washington (Mrs. Estimate on Iraq: ‘‘Unless efforts to re- States. MCMORRIS RODGERS). verse these conditions show measur- These officials pointed to an immi- Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. able progress, the situation will con- nent threat posed by Saddam Hussein Speaker, this afternoon we continue tinue to deteriorate.’’ The solution and his potential use of unmanned aer- here on the House floor another chap- cannot be in leaving things as they are. ial vehicles to deliver weapons of mass ter in the long and healthy debate on The NIE continues: ‘‘Coalition capa- destruction to our shores. Of course, we promoting freedom and democracy bilities remain an essential stabilizing now know that these weapons, as well around the world, while maintaining element in Iraq.’’ as the Bush administration’s claims re- the security of our country, of our cit- There are three courses of action: garding Saddam’s ties to al Qaeda, ies, of our homes and our families. leave things as they are; we know this were fictional. The consequences of our The resolution before us today appro- is not sufficient. Draw down Armed action, however, are quite real. priately begins with the reaffirmation Forces in Iraq; this will only lead to To date, the Iraq war has come at a of our vigorous, unwavering commit- deadly indiscriminate violence, costing terrible cost to the United States. ment to the brave men and women now the lives of hundreds of thousands of More than 3,100 servicemembers have been killed and greater than 23,400 have serving our country in uniform. We innocent people. Or respond by giving been wounded. My home State of Penn- pledge to give them every tool they our commanders in Iraq the resources sylvania has lost 149 soldiers and over need to fulfill their assigned missions and the mission options needed for suc- 1,000 have been wounded. Moreover, the while providing the maximum protec- cess. United States has spent almost $380 tion possible. Additionally, we pledge All of us here support our men and billion to date, with hundreds of bil- their families every means of support women in uniform. We must continue lions of dollars more requested by the when their loved ones are overseas and to empower them to defeat the enemies Bush administration. when they return home. of freedom in Iraq. The war in Iraq has also diverted My district in eastern Washington is Congress is now in the midst of mak- much-needed resources away from the proud home to Fairchild Air Force ing a decision that will contribute to fighting the war on terrorism and Base that houses the 92nd Air Refuel- the future security of our great coun- eradicating al Qaeda. The focus on Iraq ing Wing. These men and women have try or begin the process of chipping and away from the real threat of al been an important part of fighting the away at the core of this resolve. Sup- Qaeda has resulted in an increasing global war on terror. Our community, porting our troops by not supporting number of deadly attacks launched by like every community around the the war is not an option. Victory is the Taliban and al Qaeda forces in and country, supports our men and women only real choice. The consequences of around Afghanistan. in uniform. Together, we have cele- failure are unacceptable. On Tuesday, The Washington Post re- brated victory; and, together, we have Abandoning Iraq would embolden the ported that NATO’s top commander, mourned losses. militants. It would create a humani- General John Craddock, does not have We unanimously stand by our troops tarian crisis impacting millions. Insta- enough forces for the anticipated because, almost 5 years ago, this Con- bility in the Middle East will create spring offensive by the Taliban. The gress asked them to step forward to more violence and leave the U.S. vul- general warned that ‘‘failure to send protect our country and win the fight nerable to future attacks. reinforcements was weakening the mis- against terrorism. I urge my colleagues to oppose this sion and jeopardizing the lives of sol- On October 10, 2002, before many of us resolution. diers fighting’’ in Afghanistan. were here, including myself, 296 Mem- Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I More than 135,000 troops are cur- bers of this body, including 81 Demo- yield 5 minutes to the chairman of the rently serving in Iraq. Many have com- crats, passed a bipartisan bill author- Financial Services Subcommittee on pleted their second or even their third izing the use of military force in Iraq. Capital Markets, Insurance and Gov- tour of duty. Multiple tours of duty for The next day, 77 Members of the Sen- ernment-Sponsored Enterprises, the the National Guard and Reserve mem- ate approved a motion authorizing the distinguished gentleman from Pennsyl- bers have created hardships for many same use of force. vania (Mr. KANJORSKI). families in my district and throughout What Congress realized then was the Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise the United States. Currently, these importance to the security of our own today to join the overwhelming major- brave American forces are caught in country of a free and stable Iraq and a ity of American people, the Congress the middle of a religious dispute that peaceful and secure Middle East. Five and many top U.S. military com- began in the 7th century between rival years ago, Congress was at a crossroads manders to voice my opposition to Muslim factions. These underlying sec- and made a very difficult decision. President Bush’s ill-conceived plan to tarian hostilities have come to the fore Today, young girls in Iraq can now at- send more American troops into the in Iraq and have grown into a full- tend school, democratic elections have middle of an ongoing civil war in Iraq. blown civil war. been held, a fledgling government is in The President’s plan, which has been Bringing stability to Iraq cannot be place, and Saddam Hussein, a murderer attempted before on four separate oc- achieved through an escalation of our of over 300,000 Iraqis, is no longer a casions and failed, is simultaneously military involvement in that country. threat to his own people or to our na- too little and too much. 21,500 troops is Rather, Shiites and Sunnis must decide tional security. In Iraq, we have ac- too little to make a difference in a city for themselves to forge a political solu- knowledged victories and successes. of 6 million who are unwilling to see tion to this crisis in which the inter- In the past year, we all recognize the beyond their sectarian differences, and ests of all Iraqis are represented. Nev- condition in Iraq has grown more too much burden to place on an Amer- ertheless, President Bush is ignoring

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00166 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4265 the advice of his top generals, the bi- thing to do is submit it. That is a true Secretary of State James Baker and by partisan Iraq Study Group, the major- test of leadership, to submit solutions, Lee Hamilton, who for years, with dis- ity of Congress, and, most of all, the solutions; and in order to effect tinction, chaired the Foreign Relations American people by announcing his in- change, you have to put forward ideas Committee in this House. I commend tention to send an additional 21,500 for that change. Congressman WOLF for his foresight American troops into harm’s way to I ask the American people to imagine and for the public service that he pro- continue pursuing a flawed policy. what it would be like if their Rep- vided to our Nation when he originated Mr. Speaker, I oppose this escalation resentatives used this time to hammer the formation of the Baker-Hamilton of our troop presence in Iraq. The time out ideas and positive solutions. That Commission. That commission was bi- for more troops was 4 years ago when is the American ingenuity that we partisan. It was composed of our most General Shinseki presciently warned of should focus on as a Congress. This is experienced foreign policy experts, the need for hundreds of thousands of the American way. spanning administrations of both Re- military personnel to stabilize post- The Democrats say this debate is to publican and Democratic Presidencies. war Iraq. But the President, the Vice send a message to the President. Well, Its recommendations were unani- President, and the former Secretary of I will tell you, I think he has heard you mously presented by the members of Defense believed they could fight this loud and clear. the Commission. They embody the col- war on the cheap, with too few troops, But let me give you a message from lective wisdom of these highly experi- too little armor, and too little help. the battlefield from a friend of mine in enced Americans for the best course They were wrong, and now it is too Iraq. He says the argument over what that our Nation can take for a new and late. got us to this point is a diversion. The more promising direction in Iraq. Mr. Speaker, from my perspective, problem set is the present. The terror- At the core of their proposals was a the resolution before us today has been ists and would-be terrorists that have bold recommendation: that the United long overdue. The American people flowed into Iraq will not stand at the States begin a dialogue with Iraq’s have called on this Congress to express border and wave us good-bye and good neighboring countries about a way to their disapproval of this war of choice luck. They understand our politics, our achieve regional stability and, most in Iraq and this President’s prosecution systems, and our weaknesses. particularly, stability in Iraq. of it. To that end, I will support this Iran, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia all b 1315 resolution and urge my colleagues to have influence with the various war- do the same. They believe that it is a war of en- ring factions in Iraq. Iran and Syria in Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. durance, and that we have shown his- particular have a strong interest in a Speaker, I yield 31⁄2 minutes to my torically and repeatedly that we don’t more normal relationship with the friend and colleague, the gentleman have the national will for prolonged en- United States. All of these countries from North Carolina (Mr. MCHENRY). gagement. have a long-term interest in a stable Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Speaker, na- Unfortunately the political grand- Iraq. The Baker-Hamilton Commis- tional security should be the highest standing has endorsed their belief and sion’s direction for a U.S.-led negotia- priority of the U.S. Congress. I talk to ensures the terrorists’ continued tion among these nations is the only my constituents in western North bloody engagement until November real option we have left in order to Carolina a lot about the situation in 2008. achieve under United States guidance a Iraq. We understand the challenges. I The bottom line, we need reinforce- peaceful Iraq. President Bush has re- think the American people understand ments to set the conditions for success, jected this recommendation. He has the challenges of this war. But we also and we need political support for the acted, in my view, very unwisely. know the consequences of quitting are endurance to continue this fight. That More United States troops are not too dire and too dangerous. is from my friend in the battlefield. the answer. Blind faith in the Iraqi We know that leaving an unstable And I say to my colleagues, the Prime Minister with his ties to the Iraq endangers Israel, other Western American people need better than this. Shia militia leader, al-Sadr, is not the democracies, as well as our own na- We need a plan of action for results and answer. A military solution standing tional interests and our constituents success in Iraq. alone is not the answer. The only path here in the United States. And I say, ‘‘Madam Speaker, you to success lies in diplomacy and ac- The President put forward a plan have made your points. Now where is cepting the wise counsel of the Baker- that he and his generals believe will your plan?’’ Hamilton Commission. lead to a safe, secure, and stabilized Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I Finally, the administration decided Iraq. Let me repeat that: he put for- yield 5 minutes to the chairman of the to try real diplomacy in North Korea, ward a plan, a plan of action and a plan Energy and Commerce Subcommittee and it is working. It is also the only for success. on Energy and Air Quality, the distin- hope we have for stability in Iraq. The Democrats, in response, put for- guished gentleman from Virginia, RICK Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. ward a nonbinding resolution. Now, BOUCHER. Speaker, at this time we would like to this is Washington-speak for legisla- Mr. BOUCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in allow 3 minutes to the gentleman from tion that does not have the force of support of the resolution, and I hope Florida, TOM FEENEY. law. Now, the disturbing thing is not that its adoption by the House will Mr. FEENEY. Mr. Speaker, first I that it is a nonbinding resolution; but send yet another powerful message want to thank the genuine American the message that this legislative tool that a change in the direction of our hero from Texas, Mr. JOHNSON, for sends, it sends not only to our Amer- Iraq policy is required. leading us this afternoon. ican people, not only to the troops in Sending an additional 21,000 troops I supported the use of military force the field, but our allies around the into Baghdad only serves to put more to remove Saddam Hussein’s regime world, and it also emboldens our en- American forces in harm’s way. The because it was in America’s interests. emies. troop increase will not bring long-term Afterwards, it should have been up to This resolution says that this time stability, it will not halt the sectarian the Iraqi people, and not Americans, to the Democrats are not prepared to strife which has plunged Iraq into a determine their fate and how they gov- offer a new direction, a plan or a solu- civil war, it will do nothing to speed ern themselves. President Bush has tion for the challenges we face in Iraq. the day when U.S. forces can hand over stated: The survival of our liberty de- I offer this bit of wisdom to the Demo- the mission to the Iraqis and come pends on its expansion throughout the crats: you must be the change you home. But there is a better way. world and America must actively con- want to see. Our Virginia colleague FRANK WOLF struct those institutions. Which, to If the Democrats are serious about originated the formation of the com- me, seems like a Wilsonian view of developing a new plan, then the right mission that was chaired by former America’s role in the world.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00167 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4266 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 In 2000, Candidate Bush rejected na- regime relied on Soviet-style deception and Accordingly, I support using American mili- tion-building. A view held by the defiance. tary might to defend our interests as needed Founding Fathers who believed the ex- In the face of such opaqueness, why are we including preemptive strikes to those who ceptional calling of the American peo- surprised that the intelligence agencies of the would do us harm. ple was not to shape the world in our United States and its Allies veered to a worst- But we strayed from this tradition by under- image, but to be a light that lightens case scenario? After all, the perceived ‘‘mis- taking a mission to hold Iraq together, build a the world. I prefer Candidate Bush’s po- sile gap’’ that fueled the arms race between nation based on Western liberal democracy, sition. the United States and the Soviet Union and then spread that way of life throughout Having said that, I cannot support stemmed from Soviet deception about its ac- the Middle East. This Administration labels this Representative SKELTON’s resolution. tual nuclear weapon capabilities. The fault lies effort ‘‘transformational democracy.’’ But it Nothing better illustrates America’s with those who deceive and not those search- really is what Walter McDougall calls ‘‘Global democratic institutions than this body ing for the truth. Meliorism,’’ that assumes: having a full and open debate about The perceived threat extended beyond the The American model is universally valid, this topic. Middle East and raised the specter of arming that morality enjoins the United States to I hope the Commander in Chief will terrorists dedicated to harming the United help others emulate it, and that the success recognize the desires and concerns of States and the West. To those who scoff at of the American experiment itself ultimately the American people as expressed this notion, I remind them about the dangers depends on other nations escaping from dearth and oppression. today through their elected Represent- posed by ‘‘loose nukes’’ and how the West atives. But America has only one, and works everyday to counter this threat. Nothing is further from the conservative tra- not 535 commanders in chief. We can- Furthermore, this brutal regime repeatedly dition. Conservatives understand that free so- not micromanage the conduct of a war. attacked its neighbors—threatening the sta- cieties and peoples take centuries to evolve. Representative SKELTON’s resolution bility of America’s allies and interests in this America traces its roots back to the Magna sends horribly mixed signals to our region. Carta. If you want to illustrate the short- troops who must solely focus on car- So with some sturdy allies, America took ac- comings of social engineering and the illusive rying out their assigned and dangerous tion. The Hussein regime was toppled. Others goal of remaking foreign societies, take these took notice. Libya surrendered its weapons of mission. 792 years of hard earned experience and im- Once a decision has been made and mass destruction capabilities to the U.S. in- pose it on a nation cobbled together by the mission assigned, this body should sup- cluding materials related to its nuclear weap- British after the collapse of the Ottoman Em- port the troops and their one and only ons program and ballistic missile capabilities. pire and on a people who identify more with Today’s U.S. military is the finest in world Commander in Chief, as Representative a tribal than a national identity. history. Conservatives take a realistic assessment of JOHNSON’s resolution, had it been America can defeat any contemporary human nature—including as George Will has heard, would have been done. enemy by itself. But, we cannot win the peace Critics of tactics who resort to a con- noted ‘‘the limits of power to subdue an unruly alone. We need help—not just from loyal world.’’ This sobriety contrasts with the ideal- gressional resolution tell our service- friends like the British, Poles, and Australians. men and women and their families, in- istic dream of engineering the world—a dream To win a peace, we need less reliable allies with roots in Woodrow Wilson’s visions for a tentionally or not, that their mission like France, Germany, and Spain to help. And is futile. When we undermine hope, we post-World War I world. As George we need support, or at least not hostile oppo- Clemenceau remarked after Wilson’s 1917 undermine resolve, and we reduce the sition, from former adversaries we are trying to likelihood of success. Peace Without Victory speech: befriend, like Russia and China. In this case, Never before has any political assembly As Senator LIEBERMAN has stated, a we have had too little help to win the peace. resolution would, in quotes, ‘‘give the heard so fine a sermon on what human And instead of focusing on establishing a beings might be capable of accomplishing if enemy some encouragement, some free and stable Iraq, America strayed from the only they weren’t human. clear expression that the American wisdom of its Founding Fathers who warned President Bush has stated that the survival people are divided.’’ Or, as Army Ser- us of the hazards of trying to shape the world of our liberty depends on its expansion geant Daniel Dobson expressed, ‘‘There in our image. As John Quincy Adams noted in throughout the world and America must ac- is no honor in retreat, and there is no his 1821 Fourth of July Speech: tively construct those institutions. In 2000, honor in what the Democrats have pro- ‘‘America does not go abroad in search of Candidate Bush rejected nation building. I pre- posed.’’ monsters to destroy.’’ To do so would involve fer Candidate Bush. Instead, the responsible thing for this the United States ‘‘beyond the power of extri- It is up to the Iraqi people—and not us—to Democratic-led Congress would have cation, in all wars of interest and intrigue, of determine their fate and how they govern been to propose a new way forward, individual avarice, envy, and ambition.... themselves. That is why in 2003 I proposed new tactics, new strategies, not just in She might become the dictatress of the world. that the Administration loan and not grant $20 Iraq but in the entire war on terror. She would be no longer the ruler of her own billion for Iraqi infrastructure. We weren’t re- Speaker Rayburn, a Democratic Speak- spirit.’’ building things we destroyed during the war. er, once famously remarked, ‘‘Any The Founding Fathers believed that the ex- Rather, we were attempting to build an infra- jackass can kick down a barn, but it ceptional calling of the American people was structure degraded and neglected by the Hus- takes a carpenter to build one.’’ There not to shape the world in our image but to be sein regime. I wanted the Iraqi people from oil are no carpenters at work with this a light to lighten the world. Our exercise and proceeds—and not Americans—to build, fund, resolution. preservation of liberty served as an example and protect their assets. As T.E. Lawrence God bless our troops. God bless their to other peoples. In today’s world, we can see noted in an earlier era: Commander in Chief. God bless Amer- how our culture and international trade influ- Do not try to do too much with your own ica. ence other peoples. But a critical difference hands. Better the Arabs do it tolerably that Shortly after I entered Congress in 2003, exists between being an example and trying to you do it perfectly: It is their war, and you America used military force to remove the impose a set of beliefs. are to help them, not to win it for them. Ac- Saddam Hussein regime. I supported that ac- The historian Walter McDougall describes tually, also under the very odd conditions of tion because it was in America’s interest. this original tradition as follows: Arabia, your practical work will not be as The Hussein regime repeatedly defied the . . . the leaders . . . did not interpret good, perhaps, as you think it is. terms that ended the 1991 Gulf War—the [American] Exceptionalism to mean that Having said that, I cannot support Rep- transparent and verifiable dismantlement of U.S. diplomacy ought to be pacifist, rigidly resentative SKELTON’s resolution. Nothing bet- the capability to produce weapons of mass de- scrupulous, or devoted to the export of do- ter illustrates America’s democratic institutions mestic ideals. Rather, they saw foreign pol- struction. Previously, that regime had used icy as an instrument for the preservation than for this body to have a full and open de- such weapons and wielded the potential of and expansion of American freedom, and bate about this war. We are a strong and out- such weapons against its enemies. Rather warned that crusades would belie our ideals, spoken people. This Chamber has witnessed than resorting to openness to demonstrate violate our true interests, and sully our free- similar debates at crucial times in our past. I good faith compliance with its promises, the dom. hope the Commander in Chief will recognize

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00168 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4267 the desires and concerns of the American dential homilies. But let us not forget and Reserve unprepared and under- people as expressed through their elected rep- that the terrorists of 9/11 did not origi- equipped to respond to challenges over- resentatives. nate in Iraq, they came from Afghani- seas or at home. It is strategically un- But America has only one and not 535 stan. And, with only one exception, sound to concentrate so much of our Commanders in Chief. We cannot micro- every Member of this body, Democrat intelligence resources in one nation. It manage the conduct of a war. Representative and Republican alike, voted to pros- is unsustainable for our economy to SKELTON’s resolution cannot bring good. Rath- ecute the war against the terrorists in keep pouring billions of dollars every er, it sends horribly mixed signals to our Afghanistan, bring al Qaeda to justice, week into this ill-conceived plan, and troops who must solely focus on carrying out and topple the Taliban. to pile debt upon our children with no their assigned and dangerous mission. Once a We were united then, along with vir- strategy for paying it back. It is a decision has been made and a mission as- tually the entire world, and the fight breach of trust to not fund the needs of signed, this body should support the troops was right. Iraq, however, is different. our veterans when they return home. and their one Commander in Chief as Rep- The focus on Iraq has distracted and And it is immoral to leave our soldiers resentative SAM JOHNSON’s resolution would. detracted from the mission in Afghani- dying and bleeding in the midst of a We should deny the enemy encouragement stan and the real battle against terror- centuries-old religious conflict that is and provide resolve to our servicemen and ists. The President and the rest of the not of our making and is not of our women. administration took this Nation into power or responsibility to resolve. Critics of tactics who resort to a Congres- an unnecessary and ill-conceived war In written comments, I describe what sional Resolution tell our servicemen and based on false threats and with a deep- I believe is a better course. Some of our women and their families—intentionally or ly flawed plan. friends have said there are no plans. I not—that their mission is futile. When we un- Before this war, I and many of our have offered a plan, and I urge you to dermine hope, we undermine resolve and re- other colleagues asked the administra- look at it. duce the likelihood of success. As Senator tion some fundamental questions: How But before I conclude, I must also re- LIEBERMAN has stated: such a resolution would many troops will this take? How many spond to those who suggest that if we ‘‘give the enemy some encouragement, some lives will be sacrificed? How long will don’t give unquestioning support to clear expression that the American people are we be there? What will it cost finan- this administration regardless of what divided.’’ Or as Army Sergeant Daniel Dobson cially? How will we pay for it? And how they ask for, regardless of history, and expressed: will this impact our security profile regardless of the evidence on the Most service members would tell you the elsewhere in the world? ground, that we are empowering the same thing: There is no honor in retreat . . . The fact is, this administration has terrorists or undermining our troops. I and there is no honor in what the Democrats never answered any of those questions believe the evidence suggests, from have proposed. It stings me to the core to fully or honestly. Never. Either they think that Americans would rather sell their this war, that while there may be dif- honor than fight for a cause. Those of us who know the answers and refuse to say ferences of opinion about policy, this fight for [peace] know all too well that peace them, which is duplicitous; or, they do Congress and the American people have has a very bloody price tag. not know the answers, which is incom- and will continue to support our Instead, the responsible thing for this Demo- petent. Sadly, it appears a little of troops. It is a sign of strength of our cratic Congress would be to propose a new both is operating. very form of government, which is, way forward, new tactics, and new strate- I voted against this war from the after all, what we are hoping to pro- gies—not just in Iraq but in the war on terror. outset, and believe to this day it was mote in Iraq and elsewhere in the Speaker Sam Rayburn famously remarked: the right vote. But once we were com- world that we should have this debate. ‘‘Any jackass can kick a barn down, but it mitted and engaged, I, along with most Our allies and adversaries understand takes a carpenter to build one.’’ No carpenters of my colleagues, voted to continue to that if we turn the course of a failed are at work with this resolution. support our troops, to try to achieve policy and the President has not been God bless our troops. God bless their Com- success in our mission, and do our best honest with us, that is not cutting and mander in Chief. And God bless America. to help the Iraqis rebuild their coun- running; that is wisdom, it is courage, Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I try. We fervently hoped and continue and it is honesty. That is what this res- yield 51⁄2 minutes to the distinguished to hope the mission would succeed; but olution is about. That is what we owe chairman of the Science and Tech- now, several years later, more than the soldiers who have already given nology Committee, and Science Edu- 3,000 lives later, U.S. lives alone, and their lives, and that is what we owe the cation, the gentleman from Wash- nearly $1 trillion later, as we consider families and that is what we owe the ington, Representative BRIAN BAIRD. the President’s latest proposal, we future of this Nation. Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, every Mem- must ask again, ‘‘Mr. President, how Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. ber of this Congress, every Member is many lives? How long will we be there? Speaker, I would like to yield now to absolutely committed to the security How much will this cost? And how will the chairman of our Republican Study of our families, our communities, and you pay for it? And what does it do to Committee, Mr. JEB HENSARLING from this Nation. And every Member is abso- the rest of our security position?’’ Texas, 51⁄2 minutes. lutely committed to supporting our We still have no answers to those Mr. HENSARLING. First, I want to troops and our veterans. questions. And lacking such answers, thank my dear friend, and a genuine The real question today is not wheth- which are fundamental to the security American hero, for yielding time to me er we are committed to security or of this country and the safety of our today. whether or not we support the troops; troops, I must vote ‘‘yes’’ on this reso- Mr. Speaker, speaker after speaker the real question is how we believe lution and ‘‘no’’ on expansion. on the other side of the aisle have come that security is best achieved. On that, My colleagues, it is irresponsible to to the floor to speak against the past there is legitimate disagreement which allow a Commander in Chief who has decision to go into Iraq. They criticize is, or should be, what this debate is not been honest or accurate from the past lapses of intelligence, they criti- about. To have this debate is not only outset to continue sacrificing the lives, cize past actions, they criticize past a right but a responsibility of the the bodies, and the families of our setbacks. They want to live in the past. elected Representatives in a Republic troops in a mission that lacks a clear Regardless of whose war this was in such as ours. Indeed, it is to defend end point or a successful strategy. It is the past, today it is an American war. that very right that our young men dangerous to permit a Commander in And the Democratic majority must de- and women are serving not only in Iraq Chief to jeopardize our Nation’s secu- cide do they support the mission, or do but around the world. rity by letting our military equipment, they not support the mission? None of us here today need to be re- readiness, and troop morale continue Now, certainly we are all dis- minded about the threat of terrorism to decline, and it is shortsighted and appointed that we have not achieved from floor speeches or from Presi- unwise to leave our National Guard the success that we would have desired

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00169 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4268 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 by now. And I myself do not know if We must soberly reflect on the chal- But there are no differences when it the new strategy will prove successful. lenge that we face. Listen to al- comes to all we share about the valor I think it can be successful. I hope it Zawahiri, who is number two in com- our soldiers have displayed in service will be successful. And I know it is a mand. ‘‘Al Qaeda has the right to kill to our country. I have seen it person- strategy that has been recommended 4 million Americans, 2 million of them ally in the four trips I have been to by the Iraqi Study Group and our new children.’’ Iraq. I have seen soldiers in full battle battlefield commander. Listen to Hassan Abbassi, Revolu- gear, in 133 degree heat, doing their ab- So until such a time as somebody tionary Guard’s intelligence adviser to solute best to perform their mission. I comes to me with a more compelling the Iranian President. ‘‘We have a have seen North Dakota National strategy, or until somebody convinces strategy drawn up for the destruction Guard soldiers charged with training me that somehow my Nation and my of Anglo-Saxon civilization.’’ up Iraqi soldiers through an impos- family will be more secure by our pre- Listen to Iraqi Ayatollah Ahmad sible, absolute, language barrier. mature withdrawal from Iraq and sub- Husseini. ‘‘Even if this means using bi- I have seen other soldiers just back sequent implosion, I feel I must sup- ological, chemical and bacterial weap- from the life-threatening business of port this new strategy. I will support ons, we will conquer the world.’’ finding and detonating these explosive This is the enemy we face, and we this new strategy. Defeat is not an op- devices, saving American lives while face him foremost in Iraq. If we leave tion. keeping essential roads open. Like Iraq before subduing him, he will fol- What are the options, Mr. Speaker? most of you, I have mourned and low us to America. Make no doubt Clearly, many. Many, if not most, of prayed with shattered families whose about it, the consequences in Iraq are my Democrat colleagues want to cut sons and daughters have lost their lives off funding for our troops and withdraw immense. Don’t take my word for it. Read the report of the Iraq Study in selfless service to our country and from Iraq. This is well known. And I re- Group. Read the National Intelligence all we care about. spect their views when they are heart- Estimate. Read the work of the Middle So I cannot get Tori Johnson’s fer- felt. But since Democrats control a ma- East scholars at the American Enter- vent request out of my mind, take care jority in both houses of Congress, why prise Institute, Heritage Foundation, of our soldiers over there. Honestly, are we voting on a nonbinding with- Brookings Institute. there is nothing I care more about as a drawal resolution? If we do not pursue success, Iraq will Member of this House. b 1330 become what Afghanistan once was. It So, how do we respond? We take care That is why this is a sad day. Some- will be a breeding ground, a safe haven of our soldiers over there by making where over in Baghdad right now is a for the recruitment, training, financing certain they have the equipment they marine sergeant who is tired, he is res- and sanctuary of radical Islamists bent need as they undertake this most dif- olute, he has dirt on his face. But you upon attacking our Nation and our ficult and dangerous mission. We take know what? He volunteered, he loves families. We cannot wish it away, we care of our soldiers over there by mak- America, he loves his freedom. He has cannot hope it away, we cannot dream ing certain their deployments are only a picture in his wallet. His parents are it away. There will be no greater event for acceptable periods and at accept- praying for him. He is thinking about to empower radical Islam than our de- able intervals, with enough time at his wife. feat in Iraq. home in between to heal, to rest and to Mr. Speaker, it doesn’t have to be Who, who in this body, what Member train. But beyond these things, we take this way. We are Americans. We can can go to that marine and say, you care of our soldiers over there when we meet this threat. We can work to- know what? I don’t believe in your mis- as a Congress make certain the mission gether. Vote against this resolution. sion. I don’t believe you can succeed. I they have been sent to perform has a Support our troops. Protect our Nation don’t believe you can win, and I am reasonable chance of success. and our children from this threat. In a war where so many tragic mis- going to oppose reinforcements. Guess Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am what? I have the power to bring you takes have been made, this Congress glad to see so many people on the other must not sit quietly by while addi- home, but I am just not willing to do side of the aisle have discovered the re- it. Because if I do it now everyone will tional plans are cooked up in Wash- port of the Iraq Study Group. ington, whose only certainty is to ac- know it, and I have to take responsi- It is now my pleasure to yield 51⁄2 celerate the loss of American lives, bility, and I am just not willing to do minutes to a senior member of the compound the already severe strain on that. Ways and Means and Agriculture Com- our military capability and accelerate Mr. Speaker, if you believe in some- mittees, the gentleman from North Da- the burn rack of taxpayer dollars spent thing, stand up for it. Where is the kota (Mr. POMEROY). in Iraq. courage? Where is the conviction in a Mr. POMEROY. Mr. Speaker, yester- nonbinding resolution? day morning I had an experience I will For these reasons, this resolution is a Mr. Speaker, we all know that fight- never forget. In the snow, in the slush very important opening statement for ing this war is costly. Like many Mem- and the ice, I joined the family of this Congress to make in Iraq in 97 bers of this body, I have met with the Major Alan Johnson as his body was words. It states our support for our sol- mothers of the fallen soldiers. Their laid to rest at Arlington Cemetery. He diers, while opposing the President’s burden and sacrifice is profound. But I had lost his life in an IED explosion in plan to escalate the number of troops never, never, never want to meet with Iraq just 2 weeks before. we send into the middle of the Shia- the mothers whose children may perish On behalf of the people of North Da- Sunni violence taking place in Bagh- in the next 9/11 if we accept defeat in kota, I expressed to the extent I could dad. Iraq. our profound condolences for the fam- On one of my trips to Iraq, a soldier Iraq must be seen in the larger con- ily’s loss. The major’s grieving widow said to me, ‘‘We can stand up an Iraqi text of the war with radical Islam, and stared into my eyes and said, ‘‘Do what Army, but we cannot create a country whether we like it or not, the battle you can for our troops over there.’’ for this army to defend.’’ This simple lines are drawn in Iraq. Don’t take my This is not just a plea and a prayer of truth goes right to the heart of the word for it, listen to what the jihadists the families of our soldiers, it is the de- issue and exposes the flaw of the Presi- have to say. Listen to Osama bin mand of the American people. I believe dent’s plan. Laden, ‘‘The epicenter of these wars is each and every one of us here shares an Without the commitment between Baghdad. Success in Baghdad will be intense commitment to our soldiers the warring parties in Iraq to stop the success for the United States. Failure that comes right from the bottom of killing and create a political agree- in Iraq is the failure of the United our heart. This debate is revealing a ment upon which a national govern- States. Their defeat in Iraq will mean sharp difference between us in how to ment can exist, 20,000 more U.S. sol- defeat in all their wars.’’ proceed in Iraq. diers are not likely to bring about a

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00170 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4269 lasting peace. Our soldiers are dis- troops when we insist that their orders says: ‘‘We have drunk blood in the past, and ciplined and determined. They have su- are faulty? We cannot praise the gen- we find no blood sweeter than that of the perbly performed everything that has eral out of one side of our mouth while Christians. Know that offense is the best form been asked of them. mocking him out of the other. of defense, and be careful not to lay down However, the United States alone We have heard it said that this reso- your weapons before the war is over.’’ While cannot create a democracy in Iraq. lution calls for a new direction in Iraq. we quibble over words here on the floor of the Only the Iraqi people can achieve that. But I defy those who say this, to say House of Representatives, our enemies speak A broad group of experts, including what that new direction is. It is cer- with frightening clarity of conviction. Can there the bipartisan Iraq Study Group, tainly not apparent in this resolution. be any doubt that this resolution solidifies the former Secretary of State Colin Pow- This resolution is only an empty oppo- resolve of the jihadists he leads and inspires? ell, the former senior military com- sition to the Commander in Chief’s In stark contrast are the words of one of my mander in the region, General John plan to deploy the Armed Forces as the constituents, Ron Griffin, who 45 months ago Abizaid, have all rejected the strategy generals on the field see fit. lost his son, Kyle, an Airborne Infantryman of escalating U.S. troop numbers as a This two-sentence resolution, sense serving in Iraq. ‘‘We never felt lost or alone for means of bringing the factions of Iraq of Congress, is not a new plan for vic- we were literally carried through our sorrow by together. tory. In fact, it is not even a new plan the resolute, soothing and comforting hands of The bottom line is that this troop es- for bringing the troops home now, but countless human beings whom I only hope calation will increase the terrible cost to leave them in the field with under- can truly understand how they made life worth of this endeavor, more lives lost, more manpower. It is little more than a gift living. . . . What I see [now] is a people pum- young men and women maimed forever, to our enemies who have been pa- meled into acquiescence. The loss of these more tens of billions spent, all without tiently awaiting the American wondrous warriors is of itself a weight that is improving our prospects for an accept- naysayers to erode the American con- almost unbearable to struggle under, but when able outcome. fidence in our mission. accompanied by the din of negativity it be- Under these circumstances, I will Our enemies do not lack morale, and comes to most people a burden.’’ vote to oppose this escalation of we fuel their exuberance with this Can there be any doubt that this resolution troops. It is part of what I believe we drive for success every time they hear does nothing more than add to the din of neg- must do. Under these circumstances, I us speculate on withdrawal. Our en- ativity of which Mr. Griffin speaks? will oppose this escalation of troops. It emies are fighting us, against us and I have faith that we can stand strong. I op- is part of what I believe we must do to our servicemen and our allies, with the pose this empty resolution to stay the course. support our soldiers over there and the belief that each headline brings them I stand up for an America that is just and free American interests they have put their closer to victory. and a friend to those who seek liberty and lives on the line to defend. Our brave men and women in uniform peace. Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. are up to the task. But they need our b 1345 Speaker, at this time I would like to support, not empty proposals that Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I now yield 41⁄2 minutes to Mr. GARRETT from doubt their ability to secure the peace. yield 5 minutes to the Chair of the Nat- New Jersey. Millions of peaceful Iraqis are strug- ural Resources Subcommittee on Water Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. gling to rebuild their Nation after the and Power, the distinguished gentle- Speaker, the authors of this resolution cruel reign of Saddam. They want an lady from California, Representative say that we should provide our troops opportunity to build a better future for GRACE NAPOLITANO. with all the resources they need, their children, and they ask for our Mrs. NAPOLITANO. I thank the gen- whether it be armor, bullets and help to secure that peace. tleman for yielding. Humvees. That is, all the resources Will we now stand aside while al Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in they need, except two; and I would Qaeda and Iran support factions that total opposition to the President’s argue they are the two most critically would enslave them once again? You plan, a plan that escalates the number important ones: manpower and the sup- know, it was Franklin Delano Roo- of our young men and women, Amer- port of our national leaders. sevelt who knew the repercussions of ican troops, being sent to Iraq. But This Democratic resolution can be failing to support those nations that what are we talking about? What are summed up in three simple words, to are struggling for liberty, when he the words in this resolution? It says, ‘‘stay the course.’’ The irony here is in- said, and I quote: ‘‘Enduring peace can- Resolved by the House of Representa- escapable. Just months ago the very not be bought at the cost of other peo- tives that, one, Congress and the Amer- same supporters of this resolution de- ple’s freedom.’’ ican people will continue to support rided the Pentagon and the White FDR also declared that we are com- and protect the members of the United House for proposing to stay the course, mitted to full support of all those reso- States Armed Forces who are serving but today they bring exactly that same lute people everywhere who are resist- or who have served bravely and honor- strategy to life in their resolution. ing aggression and are thereby keeping ably in Iraq; and, secondly, Congress This resolution doesn’t propose a new war away from our hemisphere. We disapproves of the decision of President course of action. It doesn’t have the cannot have peace in Iraq by handing George W. Bush announced on January courage of its author’s rhetoric, con- over those who have worked to build a 10, 2007, to deploy more than 20,000 ad- victions, to change the course of the Nation based on freedom and justice ditional United States combat troops war. It simply states that this Congress and peace, turn it over to those violent to Iraq. That is what we speak to. will not support the new approach pro- brethren who seek only destruction of I did not vote for the war resolution, posed by our new commander and the those principles. Make no mistake and I do not believe that sending more Iraq Study Group. about it: If we stay the course, as this young Americans to Iraq and putting General Petraeus, the chief architect resolution would have us do, it will not their lives at risk will change the situ- of this new plan, was confirmed unani- be long before this war returns to our ation. Since the beginning of the Iraq mously by the Senate, and yet many in shores conflict, our valiant men and women in that body and this body are adamantly I would like to end with the words of two in- uniform have not received the adequate opposed to this very strategy he now dividuals. The paths they have traveled to now training nor the proper life-protection seeks to implement. So it begs the and the paths they desire to take in the future equipment required to ensure their question: If the general is the right could not be any more different. But, they are safety. I visited one of the armories man for the job, then why is his plan equally strong in the passion they bring to where 2 years after the Iraq war had now not appropriate? their beliefs. And, their words should be in- started. They were still making the They claim to support the troops but structive to us in this debate. doors for the Humvees to protect them seek to undercut their new leader’s First are the words of Abu Omar al- from those bombs that were killing and strategy. How can we support the Baghdadi, the leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq. He maiming our men and women.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00171 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4270 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 The President’s proposal to put more community to ensure other countries’ the Shias and the Shias start fighting troops in harm’s way, into the middle commitments to Iraq’s security situa- the Sunnis. And so, yes, they have of a civil war, whether you like it or tion, the training of Iraqi troops and sparked a whole lot of unrest, particu- not, it may be local, but it is a civil police, and, of course, financial sup- larly in Baghdad. It is not a civil war war, where neither side backs our con- port. Escalation is certainly not the yet. But do we think that the terrorists tinued occupation, further endangers answer and I cannot and will not sup- aren’t going to do the same thing in our troops. port such a policy. other countries where you have the one My constituents are not in favor of I certainly want to say thank you to leadership with a majority of people in the escalation by a margin of 50 to 1. our brave men and women in uniform the other tribe. We have had phone calls, e-mails, mes- for your bravery and your service. Our So I don’t think it is much of an es- sages. They want our young men and prayers are with you and your families cape to say, oh, well, this is a civil war. women back. They do not want to esca- Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. What it is, it is a war against terror- late it any more. Families have suf- Speaker, at this point I would like to ists. Regardless of how you want to fered enough already. There is no jus- yield 5 minutes to Mr. TODD AKIN from speculate what might happen if we tification for causing more pain and Missouri. leave all of a sudden, at least I would adding to the suffering of the mothers Mr. AKIN. Mr. Speaker, we rise today respect the Democrats more if you and of the fathers and of the husbands to discuss this resolution that is in two would just simply say, we need to cut and the wives and the sons and the parts before us. The first part says that and run, or we need to stay where we daughters and other loved ones. We we support our troops. The second part are. But don’t just leave a blank piece speak of the soldiers who have lost says that we are not going to send of paper and say we support and don’t their lives in Iraq in this war. We speak them reinforcements. This seems to be support. It doesn’t make any sense. All not of the thousands of injured and the kind of a curious proposition, almost a it does is help the enemy. suffering they and their families are nonsensical proposition. How do you It seems to me that we need to as being put through. The consequences of say you support and then say, but we Americans one more time as we have in the war in Iraq extend far beyond the don’t want to send them any rein- the past take a good, serious gut awful tally of the 3,100 killed and the forcing troops? Certainly we say that check. I have a chance to speak to 23,000 wounded. we want to give them body armor, we American audiences everywhere and The Nation’s economic consequences want to give them up-armored Hum- lots of little kids and I always ask the of the escalation are profound. Point vees, we want to send them tanks; but same question. I ask the question, If one: every portion of our budget has the most important thing that you you were to take America that you been cut and continues to be cut except need sometimes as troops is some other love and condense it down as to what for defense spending. The worst budget troops to support you. So we are say- do you really believe about this coun- cuts are taking funding away from our ing, oh, we want support, but we don’t try, what is the heart and core of America? The answer that I almost al- veterans, the very men and women who want to support you. ways get is the word ‘‘freedom.’’ put their lives on the line in Iraq and Picture Davy Crockett at the Alamo. But freedom needs a little bit more He has his back to the wall. Santa Ana in other wars. We regularly receive let- definition. The Tiananmen Square Chi- has got thousands of troops. So he gets ters and phone calls, e-mails, from con- nese students wanted freedom and they his BlackBerry out. He checks with stituents who ask me to fund vital, greased the tank treads with their bod- Congress. Congress says, Hey, Davy, we successful, necessary programs for ies. But they didn’t get freedom. Just really support you but we’re not going their communities; but we cannot sup- because you want freedom doesn’t to send you any troops. That doesn’t port our communities with the funds mean you can have it. they truly need as they are instead make a whole lot of sense to me. So what is the heart of what we be- being diverted to a war we did not Now, as I said, this resolution has lieve as Americans? Well, I will tell seek. Vital social services, critical to two parts. It says, We support you but you. The first time we went to war we the well-being of the people of my dis- we’re not really going to send any stated that and we had quite an argu- trict and certainly of all other dis- troops over. ment and discussion about it. And it tricts, are again being cut. The third part is what concerns me was put in the Declaration of Independ- Other consequences of the war are the most. As Congressmen, we have the ence: We hold these truths to be self- the social consequences. These soldiers responsibility to listen, to pay atten- evident that all men are endowed by fortunate enough to return home alive tion. If somebody has a better idea, their Creator with certain inalienable and in good physical health suffer long- that is just fine. Send your better idea rights, that among these is life, liberty term mental health problems, Mr. forward. We are ready to be taught or and the pursuit of happiness. And the Speaker, as a direct consequence of to learn. If there is a better way to ap- job of government is to protect those their deployment, not one, not two, but proach Iraq and the situation there, basic, fundamental, God-given rights. possibly three and more deployments good. But this proposal has no positive That is what they believed and they in Iraq. suggestion whatsoever. It just says we had to decide: Are we going to fight the Yet our services to them and their support and we don’t support. All that British or not? Those are the things families not only are sadly lacking and does is to encourage our enemies. And that I taught to my children. underfunded; they are being cut. We without any positive recommendation, This is a picture of the Marine Club have not enough money to be able to this can only be viewed as something with my 9-year-old son standing here, deal with the devastation in the minds which strengthens our opponents’ saluting the flag as it is going up. We of not only these men and women but hands. They say, Goody, we’ve got the taught him that there are some things their families to be able to deal with Americans all confused. They’re saying in this world that are worth dying for the consequences when they return support and don’t support at the same and that one of those things is the fact home and try to regain a normal life. time, with no positive recommenda- that God gives us basic inalienable Families are being torn apart more tions whatsoever. rights. That little Marine Club kid has so by this war than any other war. Now, I have heard people say that grown up. There are suicides. There is divorce. this is a civil war. It is not really a There he is in Fallujah in 2005. That There is homelessness now. Their chil- civil war yet. If we pull all the troops is the cache of terrorist weapons that dren are forced to grow up without out immediately, it will turn into a they found in Fallujah. He has grown their father or their mother. Parents civil war, no doubt about that. But up. He understands the risk to his life. are losing children. No mother should what we do have is, we do know this, He almost died in Fallujah. He be- have to bury a son or a daughter. that the terrorists have been involved lieves, as I do, that there are some I urge the President to work with in setting one group of people against things in this world that are worth de- Iraq’s neighbors and the international another. They blow up a holy place of fending. This is not a war about a civil

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00172 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4271 war. This is head to head with terror- been far worse than we have been told, made it clear in November that they do ists. our administration more bloody and in- not support the administration’s cur- And is it surprising that we find our- efficient than any that public knows. rent strategy. It is time that Congress selves fighting terrorists? Terrorists We are, today, not far from a disaster.’’ act to bring U.S. policy in line with re- believe, we blow up innocent people to Now, the parallels are uncanny, and ality. make a political statement. We believe you are wondering who may have said I opposed the initial resolution au- that the right to life comes from God, that. The quote was 86 years ago, and it thorizing the President to invade Iraq, that it is an inalienable right. The ter- was a communication from T.E. Law- because I felt that the administration rorists terrorize people to compel you rence, better known as Lawrence of had failed to exhaust diplomatic rem- to take your liberty away and we be- Arabia, in August of 1920, from Bagh- edies and allow the U.N. weapons in- lieve that liberty is a gift that comes dad. spectors to finish their job. Since the from God. We are going head to head Continuing. ‘‘The situation in Iraq is invasion, however, I have supported with people that have always been the grave and deteriorating. In addition, funding the war effort to ensure that enemies of America, and I am con- there is significant underreporting of our troops on the ground have the cerned that if we do not stand up and violence in Iraq. The standard for re- equipment and support that they need- show that we not only think that it is cording attacks acts as a filter to keep ed. But increasing troop levels and fail- a nice idea in our Declaration but it is events out of reports and databases.’’ ing to question the President’s policy a conviction that we will defend with More Lawrence of Arabia? More 1920? is a disservice to our courageous men our lives, that we will be fighting the No. 2006, the Iraq Study Group report. and women in uniform. We cannot keep terrorists here. Let me continue. 1992, General Colin asking them to put their lives on the Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I Powell. ‘‘The Gulf War was a limited line every day for objectives that have yield 5 minutes to the chairman of the objective war. If it had not been, we become increasingly unclear. Small Business Subcommittee on Reg- would be ruling Baghdad today, at The President declared ‘‘mission ac- ulation, Health Care and Trade, the unpardonable expense in terms of complished’’ in May 2003, and in a sense distinguished gentleman from Texas, money, lives lost, and regional rela- he was right. Saddam Hussein and Iraqi weapons of mass destruction are no CHARLIE GONZALEZ. tionships.’’ Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, I Now, a year earlier there was an ob- longer a threat to our nation. The Iraqi would like to establish a ground rule servation, ‘‘Once you got Baghdad, it’s people have held free elections and for all my colleagues, and that is, re- not clear what you do with it. It’s not drafted a constitution. The violence we see in Iraq today is based in sectarian gardless of how you vote on this resolu- clear what kind of government you conflict—it has become a civil war. The tion, no one will question your patriot- would put in place of the one that is outcome depends not on the American ism. If we can just start with that there now, Saddam Hussein. Is it going will to stay in the fight, but on the will benchmark, I think we will have a to be a Shia regime, a Sunni regime, or of the Iraqi people to forge their own higher degree of debate and in good a Kurdish regime? Or one that tilts to- wards the Baathists, or one that tilts future. We cannot do it for them. faith. Troop surges in the past have not towards the Islamic fundamentalists? Mr. Speaker, this resolution is about worked. No number of American troops How much credibility is that govern- duty and responsibility, the duty and in Iraq can fix what is essentially a po- ment going to have if it is set up by the responsibility that Congress owes to litical problem. The only surge I sup- United States military when it is our men and women in uniform. Our port is a surge of diplomacy. It is time there? How long does the United States first duty is to make wise and educated to bring our brave young men and military have to stay to protect the choices in identifying a threat, the ne- women home from Iraq. Their job there people that sign on for that govern- cessity of action and the legitimacy of is done, and their skills and dedication ment? And what happens to it once you the goal before committing or con- can be better used on the real fronts of tinuing to commit more of our troops leave?’’ That was 1991, spoken by then- the war on terrorism, both domestic to the war. Secretary of Defense and current Vice and abroad. When considering this resolution, President of the United States, Dick Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam which reflects that an escalation of the Cheney. Speaker, at this time I would like to We remain a good and great Nation, war is unwarranted and is not in the yield 31⁄2 minutes to my colleague from best interests of our Nation and our but we have done all the good in Iraq Michigan, TIM WALBERG. troops, each of us must ask one funda- that we are going to do. An escalation Mr. WALBERG. Madam Speaker, mental question: Is escalating and con- only delays the day that the Iraqis as- throughout our Nation’s rich history, tinuing the war in Iraq worth fighting sume the responsibility of setting aside we have reached moments where we ar- and dying for? Because that, in the their sectarian differences and embrace rive at what President Ronald Reagan final analysis, is what we decide. We the promise of democracy that we have described as a time for choosing. Today seek an answer to this question, but we delivered to them. We cannot do this is such a day. must be ever mindful that the courage for them, whether we send in 20,000 or This week, the House is asking our- and bravery of our troops is never ques- 200,000 more troops. And we cannot ig- selves a simple question: Will we tioned. Our soldiers’ valor and commit- nore the lessons of history, the views of choose to go forward with the resolve ment are not diminished by the errors military experts and the will of the and determination needed to win the in judgment made by their civilian American people. war on terror by supporting our brave leaders. The question is whether the It is time for our troops to start com- troops, or will we retreat and wait for mission in Iraq is worth their sacrifice. ing home. And it is time for the Iraqis the fight to return to American soil? As we move forward with this decision, to start building a home. Vote ‘‘yes’’ It was Winston Churchill who once we must recognize the lessons of his- on this resolution. said, ‘‘Never believe any war will be tory, or we are doomed to repeat its Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, for the smooth or easy or that anyone who em- grave mistakes. purpose of unanimous consent, I recog- barks on a strange voyage can measure nize the gentleman from Arizona. the tides and hurricanes he will en- b 1400 Mr. PASTOR. Madam Speaker, I rise counter.’’ For example, ‘‘The public has been in support of the resolution. With this in mind, I acknowledge led into a trap from which it will be Madam Speaker, I am proud that that the war in Iraq is not going as hard to escape with dignity and honor. under our Speaker’s leadership, Con- well as we all had hoped or wanted. They have been tricked into it by a gress today is voicing the will of the Mistakes have been made. Thousands steady withholding of information. The American people in opposition to the of precious lives have been lost, and Baghdad communiques are belated, in- Administration’s deployment of more there are likely more tough times to sincere, and incomplete. Things have U.S. military personnel to Iraq. Voters come.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00173 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4272 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 My wife and I pray for the men and what is needed in Iraq is a political so- There will be a further debate in women in uniform and grieve for every lution and not a military one, and that coming weeks on the funding on how to loss of life and injuries inflicted on additional troops are not rec- best protect our troops while these heroes who proudly serve our Na- ommended. transitioning to Iraqi control in Iraq, tion. I, as much as anyone else speak- I have had a chance to travel to Iraq and we will have more opportunity to ing today, want this war to be over. five times now, and based on my own do that. But this resolution essentially tells observations in places like Fallujah Lastly, I would like to address the these soldiers to give up because the and Tikrit and Al Qaim out on the Syr- argument that the continuing war in cause they have nobly served is no ian border, I firmly believe that it is Iraq is necessary for fighting the global longer worth the courage and vigor the Iraqi people who must ultimately war on terrorism. As I have said before, necessary, and protecting the Amer- decide whether they are committed to I have been to Iraq five times now. One ican people and keeping terrorists off building a better life for their children of the questions that I have repeatedly American soil are no longer national through democracy, or whether they asked our people on the ground is, How priorities. are more committed to an all-or-noth- much of this fight in Iraq is part of the As Americans we are reluctant war- ing sectarian conflict between Sunni global war on terror? How much of it is riors, but throughout history, when our and Shia. involving foreign fighters in al Qaeda? troops have been in harm’s way, Amer- Madam Speaker, I believe that pack- Unanimously, they have recommended ica has supported them and made cer- ing more troops into the narrow streets that it is about 10 percent of the fight tain our troops have the necessary re- of Baghdad would be a disaster. As our in Iraq. sources to accomplish their mission. daily briefings indicate, the dominant So 90 percent of our cost, 90 percent In a cynical way, this resolution says conflict now on the ground in Iraq is no of our sacrifice, is in a matter that has America has already lost and the lead- longer Coalition forces against al nothing to do with the global war on ers of our country no longer believe our Qaeda and supporters of the Baathist terror. In fact, the Defense Department troops can achieve victory. It tells regime. As the daily body counts of now says that the Mahdi Army, the other nations that we are unreliable as tortured and executed Iraqis indicate, main Shia militia, has replaced al an ally, and they can no longer count the prevailing conflict on the ground in Qaeda as the most dangerous force in on us in times of distress. Iraq now is a brutal civil war between the increasing violence there. My son proudly served in the Army. the Sunni and Shia militias, with our If we are truly committed to the And during this time of service, I got troops in the middle. global war on terror, I might point out to know many of his peers in uniform. In fact, in a recent hearing here in we have a situation in southeast Af- I am not prepared to say to these men Washington, it was entitled, ‘‘Iraq: ghanistan and in Waziristan, where the and women, nor to the young man fall- What Will it Take to Achieve National Taliban, who actually did support al en in battle, that I will go to right Reconciliation?’’ Qaeda and who actually did involve after this speech at Walter Reed Hos- Basically, as this hearing pointed themselves in the attacks on Sep- pital, that I support you but I don’t out, the key mission that we have tember 11, are building support. support the mission you serve, and the given to our troops is to somehow now While we spend $350 billion in Iraq, blood you shed on the battlefield was reconcile the differences between Pakistan has meanwhile allowed a safe in vain. Sunni and Shia in Iraq. Just to be clear haven to be established for the Taliban. I am not prepared to call for a pre- on this, Madam Speaker, the Sunni and If we are indeed committed to pro- cipitous withdrawal from Iraq that will Shia have been in frequent conflict tecting America and the global war on leave the Nation ripe for terrorism and since the year 632 A.D., following the terror, I would suggest that there are ultimately bring the war on terror death of the prophet Mohammed. That smarter and better ways to do that. back to American soil. is what we have asked our troops to do, Yes, the American people are waiting My neighbors in south central Michi- in essence, to convince the Iraqis now for this Congress to take a stand. It is gan and across the country deserve to to stop killing each other and to em- time to step up. I ask my colleagues to be protected from enemies of freedom. brace democracy instead. support this resolution. It is the first And they ought to have a Congress The President has now asked our step in eventually bringing the troops that doesn’t shirk its responsibilities brave sons and daughters to take up a home safely to soldiers and sailors and airmen sent police action or essentially a civil af- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE into harm’s way to ensure this war is fairs action, going door to door in The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. fought off American soil. Baghdad. The mission in Iraq has BALDWIN). The Chair must remind all So we come to this time of choosing changed. Members that it is not in order to en- today. Are we willing to abandon our I have to wonder, how many votes gage in personalities toward the Presi- troops as they implement the new would the President and Vice President dent or the Vice President strategy based on quantifiable goals have gotten initially if they had been Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam and measurable results? I hope not. honest and said, We want to send our Speaker, at this time I would like to I challenge my colleagues to honor sons and/or daughters to Iraq in order yield 4 minutes to Mrs. SHELLEY MOORE America’s brave men and women serv- to reconcile the differences between CAPITO of West Virginia. ing in the name of freedom and oppose the Sunni and the Shia who have been Mrs. CAPITO. I would like to thank this resolution of retreat. fighting for almost 1,400 years. Not the gentleman from Texas for yielding Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I now many, I think. But that is where we me time. yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from now find ourselves and our troops. Madam Speaker, I rise today real- Massachusetts, a member of the Finan- While the mission in Iraq has changed, izing the seriousness of this resolution cial Services, Oversight and Govern- the President is staying the course. and the importance of the debate on ment Reform Committees, and chair of What’s more, he has decided to push the war in Iraq. the House Task Force on Anti-Ter- even harder in the wrong direction. As we continue this debate, I hope rorism Funding, Mr. LYNCH. Now is the time that the American that all of us remember we have seri- Mr. LYNCH. I thank the gentleman people have fairly asked, What will ous disagreements about what this res- for yielding. Congress do? Many of my colleagues olution says or intends to do, but that Madam Speaker, I rise in support of believe that this resolution doesn’t go we cannot and should not besmirch one House Concurrent Resolution 63, which far enough; and in honesty, I tend to another’s opinions and the right to opposes the President’s plan to esca- agree with that assessment. But I do that opinion and belief. late the war in Iraq. I do so because I believe that this resolution presents a I would also like to say how proud I am in total agreement with Generals solid and meaningful step in the right am to be an American, to realize the Casey and Abizaid, who have said that direction. bounty of our Nation, to appreciate the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00174 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4273 strength of our forefathers, and to of law, to be used as a baseline or a that the war in Iraq is going badly and stand in awe of our democracy. first step towards cutting funding for getting worse. I attach great signifi- As the daughter of a World War II our troops. cance to the National Intelligence Es- Purple Heart veteran, I have a great I will assertively maintain my sup- timate. The overall security situation understanding of the sacrifices that port for the troops in my words and my in Iraq has deteriorated, as they have have been made in the past to allow us vote, and I will continue to analyze said, with 2006 being one of the dead- to live freely. I understand and fullly how I can best help achieve success in liest years to date. The war has in- appreciate the men and women who Iraq so that we may begin to bring our creased Islamic radicalism around the have so bravely put themselves on the men and women home. world and has helped to destabilize the frontline to protect our country. In that spirit I plan to vote against entire Middle East. By any objective I have thought a great deal about this resolution. standard, Iraq has descended into what I want to say today and how I Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I now something worse than a civil war, as want to say it. When the President an- yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from noted by the Iraq Study Group, and our nounced his plan for a troop surge last Massachusetts (Mr. NEAL), a classmate American troops are caught in the mid- month, I expressed my disagreement. of mine and distinguished member of dle. And let us call it for what it is: a And as we debate this resolution today, the Ways and Means Committee. civil war. Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Madam I still harbor those grave concerns. Yet President Bush, nearly 3 years Speaker, I thank Mr. ENGEL for yield- While I have voiced a disagreement after declaring an end to major combat ing. operations in Iraq, is sending another over tactics on how to achieve success Last Saturday in my hometown of in Iraq, the fact remains that I have 20,000 American troops into battle. And Springfield, Massachusetts, I spent the Vice President CHENEY, in the face of not backed away from my belief that day welcoming back 150 brave Amer- success in Iraq is vital, and that leav- insurmountable evidence, continues to ican soldiers from the 181st Engineer declare that Iraq is a success. ing Iraq prematurely would be disas- Battalion of the National Guard who trous for our Nation’s security and the As we debate this resolution today, it just completed a year-long deployment is clear that support for the war is at a stability of the Middle East. in Iraq. Their mission was to provide And let me stress that I will never tipping point. Our intelligence commu- security for their fellow service- nity, speaking collectively in the re- back away from my commitment to members and to protect military facili- cent NIE, they believe that the future the men and women who serve in our ties. This group included members who of Iraq is grim. And, most signifi- military, and I will not support any- possessed the Bronze Star, the Combat cantly, our distinguished military com- thing that I believe endangers their Action Badge, and the Purple Heart. manders believe it is time for a new di- safety while they serve in harm’s way Every Member of this House and Sen- rection. General Powell, General Zinni, to protect our country. ate has participated in ceremonies General Batiste, General Gregory New- So I rise today in opposition to this similar to this across the country. We bold, and others have all expressed con- resolution. My opposition lies not in might have our differences about the cern about the future of Iraq. These are what this resolution says, but what it war, but we find common ground in our individuals who were involved in the intends to do; and that is, to lay the steadfast support for these soldiers planning and execution of the war; and, foundation to begin cutting funding for both in Iraq, on their way to Iraq, and obviously, they do not like what they our troops as they fight the radical around the world. And that is one of see. jihadists who want to destroy our Na- the reasons I intend to vote in favor of Even former director of the National tion. My fear is not based on wild as- this bipartisan resolution today. Security Agency under President sumptions or partisan politics, but There is a reason that the framers of Reagan, retired Lieutenant General what leaders are already saying they our constitutional system chose in Ar- William Odom, acknowledged on Sun- are planning to do. ticle I to establish that Congress is the day that ‘‘the President’s policy in Iraq The passage of this resolution has first branch of the government, to is based on illusions, not realities.’’ been called a baseline. And the Speaker oversee the Executive. One of the rea- I do not believe that public opinion of the House has called it a first step. sons that we are here today is because alone should shape public policy, but And then she added that approval of the majority at the time never asked a no one should underestimate the intel- this resolution will set the stage for question of the Administration. Every- ligence of the American people. They additional Iraq legislation which is set thing the Administration said, the Re- are convinced that ‘‘stay the course,’’ to come before the House. publican majority at that time in Con- as President Bush has suggested, has b 1415 gress went along with. not succeeded. I am mindful of the thousands of sol- Every Member of Congress wants our Leaders have been tight lipped about diers who have died, more than 3,200. I soldiers to succeed in Iraq. No elected the pending legislation. But we have am mindful of the 21,000 today who representative in this institution learned that what they want to do is have been wounded. I am mindful of would ever seek to undermine our serv- set the stage for legislation that will those who continue to serve our coun- icemen and women. But the facts are fence off and limit funding by tying the try bravely and honorably, and that clear. The war in Iraq is the most im- hands of our commanders on the the burden of this war has fallen on portant issue facing America today, ground, by presenting benchmarks that these troops and their families. There and our constituents are entitled to will be written so that certainly those has been very little sacrifice asked of know where their representatives stand funds cannot be spent. To be sure, such the American people. on the way forward. That is why this actions would restrict funds and tie the But those who have sacrificed de- debate, finally, is so important. Just as hands of our commanders in Iraq. I serve a frank and honest debate about the debate in 2002 led us into the war cannot and will not support any effort President Bush’s policy. This is the de- with Iraq, perhaps this conversation to systematically disassemble our bate we should have had 4 years ago. with the American people that we are greater effort, to defend our liberties You cannot edit history. We know having today will begin the process of and our way of life, and to provide our today there were no weapons of mass bringing our troops back home. enemies with a breath of hope that we destruction. There was no enriched More than 4 years ago, I came to the have lost our will. uranium from Niger. There was no con- floor of the House with deep reserva- Let me be very clear to my constitu- nection to al Qaeda. We were not wel- tions about granting President Bush ents and the men and women in uni- comed as liberators in war. And 31⁄2 unlimited powers to authorize this in- form. I will never vote to cut funding years later, the mission has not been vasion of a sovereign country. It is the for our troops, nor will I allow my vote accomplished. best vote of opposition that I have of- on a symbolic resolution, one that has Madam Speaker, like the vast major- fered in my 19 years in this House of the force of politics and not the force ity of the American people, I agree Representatives

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00175 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4274 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam tice that we are not going to tolerate generals. He hasn’t listened to the Speaker, at this time I would like to it. American people. And he hasn’t lis- yield 41⁄2 minutes to the gentleman And if you remember, it was amazing tened to the Iraqi people. He has micro- from Ohio, Mr. JIM JORDAN. how quickly Moammar Kadafi in Libya managed this failure. Mr. JORDAN of Ohio. Madam Speak- found the Lord and saw the light and Four and a half years ago, Madam er, I thank the gentleman for yielding, how quickly he was willing to say, I am Speaker, on this floor I stood in this and I thank him for his amazing serv- going to work now with the United Chamber, along with 295 of my col- ice to our country. States. He understood that when Amer- leagues, to support the resolution au- Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition ica says something, we mean it. If we thorizing the President to attack Iraq. to this resolution. There have been just do what this Democratic resolu- I regret that vote deeply. And I told many good arguments made as to why tions puts us on the path to do, I am my constituents in my district 11⁄2 this resolution is not in the best inter- afraid of the message it sends to the years ago that I made a mistake. Down est of our military, not in the best in- Kadafis around the world and what the street they make no mistakes. terest of our country. But I want to that can mean for the future safety of They are infallible. focus on one point, and that is just how Americans and for our military. I did so because the premise on which real and how serious the threat of ter- This is a great country. We have been we authorized this war was false, the rorism is, because that is what this able to overcome whatever challenges military plan for victory has been struggle in Iraq is really about. And I have presented themselves to us weak, and more than 5 years later, this am just going to read the list of ter- throughout our history. And it is im- war has made our Nation less safe. rorist attacks against Americans, and portant that we have the same resolve We stand ready to vote on a different we have heard this list before, but I as we approach this challenge. resolution that could take a significant think it is important to refocus on I am just a freshman Member of the step towards remedying the historic this: Congress; and just a few weeks ago it mistake we made in October of 2002. In 1979, 66 American hostages were was put on display about what is so The troop escalation advocated by taken in Iran. In 1983, 241 Marines were great about America, as we said, in President Bush will only widen our in- killed in Beirut. In 1988, 189 Americans this Chamber during the State of the volvement in this conflict and put were killed in the PanAm bombing. In Union address. And during that speech, more brave American troops in the 1993 in the first World Trade Center the President pointed up to the gallery, middle of a vicious civil war. Voting in bombing, we lost six Americans. In and he highlighted some great Ameri- favor of the President’s escalation plan 1996, 19 servicemembers were killed in cans, some American heroes. And the is an historic error, and I stress the the Khobar Towers bombing. In 2000, 17 one that stuck out in my mind, and historic nature of this debate because I American sailors lost their lives in the many of you may remember this, was am a firm believer that history is tell- USS Cole. And, of course, in 2001, that Wesley Autrey, the subway man. And I ing of the future. date we all remember, 9/11, 2,973 Ameri- thought it was so amazing to see what The history of this war shows that cans lost their lives in the World Trade this man had done and how that con- this President cannot form the right Center bombing, in the Pentagon, and trasts with the actions of the terror- policy for victory. He should have sent in Pennsylvania. ists. Wesley Autrey in the subway, additional troops in 2003 when the gen- When you think about the actions of willing to jump in front of a train on erals asked him to do that, when it was these terrorists and how real and dan- the track to save a complete stranger possible to restore order in Baghdad, gerous they are, I am reminded of last simply because he was a fellow human instead of now in 2007 when violence summer when the Pope made a state- being. Contrast that action with the reigns supreme. ment in a speech about the radical ele- action of the terrorist who will jump The history of Iraq shows it has been ment, small but radical element, with- into that same subway, blow himself wracked by sectarian and ethnic divi- in the Islamic faith and the violence up to kill as many innocent people as sion long before it was even a state, a associated with that element. And the he can. fact conveniently ignored by this reaction to the Pope’s statement about What is great about this country is President and his supporters on their violence among this radical, but small, the respect we place on human life, the march to Baghdad. element, the reaction to his statement preciousness and sacredness that Remember, Iran and Syria and others about violence was violence. It was the Americans have for human life. That is are possibly fighting a proxy war by destruction of churches, the destruc- the difference between us and the ter- supplying insurgents against an un- tion of buildings. It was the taking of rorists. That is why it is so important popular foreign occupier, the same role a life of an innocent nun in Italy. That to confront these folks wherever they that we played in helping the Afghans is what we are up against. choose to fight us. Right now that to fight the Soviets 20 years ago; and This Democratic resolution puts us place is Iraq. That is why this resolu- we know how that conflict turned out. on a path towards leaving Iraq before tion is bad. In history I see the lessons, Madam victory is attained. It puts us on a path Ladies and gentlemen, we should not Speaker. As I speak today, in 280 B.C. that will cut funds to our brave men pass a resolution in which politicians when King Pyrrhus of Greece defeated and women already in battle. It puts us second guess our military leaders in the Romans during the Pyrrhic War, on a path that is wrong for America. the field. We should not pass a resolu- his army suffered irreplaceable casual- And, most importantly, I think, it puts tion that will embolden our enemy. ties in battle. And when he was con- us on the wrong path that will most as- And, most importantly, we should not gratulated on his victory, he replied: suredly embolden the very people who waver in our commitment to protect ‘‘Another such victory like that over are responsible for the terrorist acts I human life and to confront the evil the Romans and we are undone.’’ just listed. that is among us. We have heard the word ‘‘success’’ If you remember, shortly after 9/11 I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote on the resolution and we have heard the word ‘‘victory’’ the President gave a series of speeches Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I now so many times that they are now as where he outlined a policy. He said if yield 5 minutes to my sister’s Con- pyrrhic, empty, fleeting, hollow. you are a country that harbors terror- gressman, a gentleman who worked ists, if you are a country that provides hard to become a member of the Ways b 1430 financing to terrorists, if you are a and Means Committee, the gentleman The lesson is clear. The President’s country that trains terrorists, if you from New Jersey (Mr. PASCRELL). escalation plan offers an illusion, when are a country that is producing weap- Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, the only the real hope is that it offers a ons that are going to harm vast num- Wall Street Journal accused us of try- Pyrrhic victory at best. bers of people, if you are doing those ing to micromanage this war. Well, Our Armed Forces have been used, things, we are going to put you on no- this President has not listened to the abused, refused and accused. They have

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00176 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4275 been overstretched. They were ill- tinuing enmity until everyone believes on local roads, patrolling neighbor- equipped from the very beginning. in Allah. We will not meet the enemy hoods and moving about by helicopter. Don’t tell us we don’t support the halfway, and there will be no room for What is their mission today? What is troops, when you did not give what dialogue with them. the strategic objective of the esca- they deserved in the field of battle. Our Or how about this, and I am para- lation proposed by the President? military readiness to fight the ongoing phrasing: Resolved, from Osama bin President Bush’s plan to deploy 20,000 war on terror is now in serious doubt Ladens deputy, who said that the plan additional U.S. combat troops to Iraq because of this war. Don’t question our is to extend the jihad wave; to expel is not a new strategy, and nothing I patriotism. Don’t question our support the Americans from Iraq and extend have seen or heard has convinced me or the American people’s. Listen. the jihad wave to secular countries that this escalation will make a posi- By the way, Madam Speaker, have we neighboring Iraq, clash with Israel and tive difference in Iraq or hasten the asked the Iraqis what they feel? Well, establish an Islamic authority. safe return of U.S. troops. In fact, Gen- 80 percent of them want us out. Don’t Is there anyone among us who doubts eral Abizaid said that ‘‘more American they count? Can’t we ask and listen to the resolve and clarity with which our forces prevent the Iraqis from taking at least the very people whose country opponents are speaking? I don’t. responsibility for their own future.’’ we occupy, this sovereign nation? This I think what is lacking today in our Four previous troop surges between is unbelievable. It is illusionary at conversation is the consequences of December 2003 and October 2006 have best. And what will we say to these failure. The previous speaker used the not made a dent in the level of violence Iraqi people? I want to hear the answer words ‘‘victory’’ and ‘‘success.’’ He had nor in the number of U.S. casualties. from the other side. What is your an- a very low view of them, and I under- We have spent nearly $500 billion in swer for them when they say, Don’t stand his characterization of those Iraq and Afghanistan, and yet stay here, and certainly don’t escalate. words. He said we have heard those inexplicably our troops still do not I ask the loyal opposition to our reso- words before. That is what the gen- have the protection they need. lution to tell the American people how tleman from New Jersey said. Throughout this war, many in Congress much do the intentions of the Iraqi But, do you know what? We will hear have addressed the lack of equipment people really matter to you? the word ‘‘failure’’ when it is used in and protection for our troops. Now, The epicenter of our fight against the context of this challenge that is be- military leaders are saying there are terror is on the border of Afghanistan fore us. not enough armor kits and vehicles to and Pakistan. Many of us have been There is no question that there has protect these additional five brigades there. Many of us have gone there. You been great difficulty that has gone be- the President plans to send to Iraq. It have forgotten that part of the world, fore us in this fight. There is no ques- is unacceptable to send more soldiers which many did not even know on Sep- tion that there have been great mis- to Iraq, but it is unconscionable to tember 11, 2001, where Afghanistan was takes that have been made, and I am send them without proper armaments in the first place. wholeheartedly in favor of us acting as or an explanation from the administra- The clear message we send to the a coequal branch of government and tion about how our troops will be pro- Iraqi people and the American people is calling for benchmarks and demarca- tected. that we will bring freedom to Iraq, tion and holding the administration ac- Madam Speaker, 3,132 Americans in even if it takes the blood of every Iraqi countable for its decisions. uniform have died and 23,417 have been and the lives of more American sol- But if we fail in this, if we pull out, wounded since the start of the war in diers. That is not good enough. That is if we retreat, if we yield, what will hap- Iraq. I visited our wounded soldiers at not acceptable. pen? Is there anybody really who Walter Reed, Bethesda Naval Hospital, You have heard the statistics from thinks that Iran, for example, will be and, most recently, at Landstuhl Mili- speaker after speaker. Previous esca- less provocative? Is there anybody who tary Hospital in Germany during my lations in this war have not worked. thinks that al-Qaeda will be less pro- visit to Iraq with the Speaker. Why will this one work? Our ill-fated vocative? I stood at the bedside of a 23-year old presence in Iraq is being used as a prop- If we fail, extremism in this world, severely wounded soldier, a soldier who aganda tool for the enemy, al-Qaeda, will it be ascendant or will it be de- was holding the hand of his 21-year old and other terrorists worldwide. In the years since 9/11, more terror- scendant? brother, currently serving in Iraq, and Madam Speaker, I close with a sim- ists have been created through this the hand of his father, who had also ple question, and that is, we need to President’s policies than were captured served in the Armed Forces, a soldier ask, What is it about this resolution or killed. There weren’t any terrorists who will likely never come home. that will do one of two things? Does in Iraq in 2003, but there are now. These families are making the ulti- I urge my colleagues to support this this encourage our troops, or does this mate sacrifice for our family. I am resolution. discourage our enemies? I would sug- humbled by their commitment, their Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam gest that this resolution, while it is se- professionalism and dedication. We Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to Mr. rious, oh, it is very serious, it is not have a responsibility to our Armed PETER ROSKAM from Illinois. substantive. This is the ultimate ex- Forces, our citizens, and the constitu- Mr. ROSKAM. I thank the gentleman pression of legislative passive aggres- ents who have elected us to bring them for yielding. sion. It offers no substantive alter- home as quickly and safely as possible. Madam Speaker, we are here to de- native. I am convinced that the thorough bate a House Concurrent Resolution, Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition, analysis and conclusions of the bipar- and the root verb of ‘‘resolution’’ is and ask my colleagues to do the same. tisan Iraq Study Group are correct. resolute. I just want to challenge the Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I yield Iraqi leaders must take responsibility House today to consider the resolution 5 minutes to my dear friend in the ad- for the country’s security and govern- of our enemies. I would like to read joining district, the gentlewoman from ment and we must engage the inter- three quotes to you. New York (Mrs. LOWEY), the Chair of national community to work towards Resolved, by Osama bin Laden. The the Foreign Operations Subcommittee stability in the region. There is no whole world is watching this war, and of the House Appropriations Com- military solution to the crisis in Iraq, the two adversaries, the Islamic nation mittee. and we cannot send more brave men on the one hand and the United States Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, a vio- and women to police a civil war. and its allies on the other. It is either lent civil war is raging in Iraq, with As I have said many times before, victory and glory or misery and humil- atrocities against innocent civilians there are no good solutions to the iation. mounting every day. Our troops, our quagmire in Iraq. This war was ill-con- Or how about this? Resolved, in the brave troops, are caught in the cross- ceived, poorly planned and incom- al-Qaeda charter: There will be con- fire, dying and being maimed driving petently executed. The best military

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00177 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4276 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 minds must now focus their efforts on George W. Bush and our military. That The President is now talking about a the safe and responsible redeployment is why Libya’s Mu’ammar Qadhafi 3 surge of sending 21,500 more troops to of our troops rather than on this esca- years ago surrendered his nuclear ma- Iraq. When we first went into Iraq, I lation. I cannot support sending more terials to the U.S. That is why am a big believer if you are going to do of our brave men and women in uni- Moqtada al-Sadr, Iraq’s most powerful something, you do it right or you do form on a last-ditch, misguided mis- militia leader, just made a beeline for not do it at all. We were told by Gen- sion. Iran; not for a sunny vacation from eral Shinseki that there were not We best support our troops, my col- long, tiresome days of planning suicide enough troops in Iraq, not enough leagues, and our national interests, by bombings, but because he feared for his troops at that time several years ago adopting this resolution, and by ex- life. to be able to protect the borders, to pressing clearly on behalf of the Amer- b 1445 protect insurgents from coming in, to ican people our firm determination to protect people that would do us ill change course in Iraq. But America’s enemies view Congress from coming in. Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam quite differently. They see us as di- And his statements were dismissed. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gen- vided, irresolute, unwilling to face hon- Not only were his statements dis- tleman from Idaho, Bill Sali. estly their concerted plan for our de- missed, but then he was dismissed; and Mr. SALI. Madam Speaker, before I struction. Hence, this nonbinding reso- now here it is 3 or 4 years later, we are begin, I would first like to thank you lution. being told that the solution is to send for reminding the body of the need for In light of this reality, I would ask more troops again. It is obvious to me decorum in our remarks my friends across the aisle, what is that this is too little too late. Madam Speaker, several points. First your binding plan for defeating Amer- The war in Iraq has morphed into a is, it is stunning to me that this body ica’s enemies? America, our allies and civil war. It is obvious to anybody who will consume over 36 hours of floor de- our enemies are still waiting for your looks at the situation that the Shia bate on a nonbinding resolution. This binding plan. and the Sunni are fighting each other, should be on the consent calendar. Irre- More than 3,000 Americans have died and our brave men and women are spective of one’s position on the war in upholding the hope of defeating Amer- caught right in the middle of it. Eighty Iraq, all taxpayers are right to be in- ica’s real enemies and bringing free- percent of the people of Iraq on both censed at such waste in this Congress. dom to Iraq. We must not allow their sides do not want us there, and more This legislation will not have the ef- deaths to become a pretext for the and more our people are becoming sit- fect of law, will neither inspire nor im- abandonment of that hope of victory or ting ducks. pede military action in Iraq or else- abandoning the Iraqi people. But rath- I grieve for the more than 3,200 brave where, will not encourage our troops er, they must serve as the inspiration Americans who have died and the on the ground nor foster victory over of a renewed commitment to hope of countless thousands more who have America’s enemies that practice terror. victory and security for Iraq. We owe been injured; but it is one thing, It will have one effect: poking the to their heroism and sacrifice nothing Madam Speaker, to die in fighting for President of the United States in the less than one thing, victory over Amer- the freedom of your country, defending eye, diminishing his credibility among ica’s enemies in Iraq. your country. It is quite another to die the international community and erod- America is the last best hope of man in a senseless civil war that more and ing his ability to lead here at home. It on Earth. A victory in Iraq is our last more we see we cannot control nor will also have the very genuine result best hope of defeat of America’s most probably should we attempt to any- of undermining and demoralizing our dangerous enemies and also the free- more. soldiers that are now in harm’s way. dom and security in the Middle East. From the minute we came into Iraq, Second, equally stunning is the ap- We must not fail. unfortunately, not only did we have no parent preoccupation with demeaning Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I yield troops, there was mistake after mis- President Bush while ignoring those myself 51⁄2 minutes. take. We fired the Ba’ath Party people. who are our real enemies. Our enemies Madam Speaker, I am going to come So we had people who were angry at us are not in the White House or the De- here and speak from the heart. I do not to begin with. We have not been able to fense Department. They are not people want to read a speech because I think give the Iraqis what we said we would like David Petraeus or his staff. They it is important to speak from the give them. They find that their way of are not the vast majority of Muslims heart. I am not here to point fingers. I life is worse now than ever before. We throughout the world, who, like us, am not here to chastise anyone. I am were not greeted as liberators, but we want simply to live peaceful and secure not here to talk about what might were greeted as occupiers. lives. have been. And when we look at what we sup- America’s enemies are radical I support our soldiers. I support the posedly are there to protect, we look at Islamists, less than 1 percent of all war against terror, but I rise in support the leader of Iraq, Mr. Maliki. He is Muslims, whose faith requires that a of this resolution which is Congress’ re- propped up by the al-Sadr brigade, vi- pure Islamic state be established and sponsibility. We have to look, Madam ciously anti-American, viciously kill- that violence is the instrument by Speaker, at the current situation in ing Iraqis. He cannot go after them. which to establish it. Their faith re- Iraq as it is, not as we might wish it to They are the base of his support, and quires terrorist acts against the West be, but as it is. we are to believe that somehow he is a and all Muslims who stand in the way Several years ago, I voted to give the great patriot and is fighting for democ- of that agenda. That is why Osama bin President the authority to go to war in racy in Iraq. Laden can say that he and his followers Iraq based on what we were told then. We talk about al Qaeda. Al Qaeda is are ‘‘in love with death.’’ Indiscrimi- I must say that I regret that vote. certainly a threat. I am a New Yorker. nate slaughter is, for these sick people, I regret it not only because no weap- I will never ever forget September 11, merely a tool in their arsenal of moral ons of mass destruction were found or 2001. And we have to go after al Qaeda barbarity. that there was no connection between and we have to fight terrorism, but I That is why his second-in-command al Qaeda and Iraq at that time, even believe that the war in Iraq has now has declared that Iraq and Afghanistan though we were told there was. There become a distraction against the war are ‘‘the two most crucial fields’’ in was obviously faulty intelligence. We on terror. their war. That is why al Qaeda in Iraq will never quite know if we were misled So by staying in Iraq, are we fighting has declared an Islamic state in Iraq’s or if our intelligence was bad. But one the war on terror, or are we making it Anbar Province. thing is very, very clear to me, that more difficult? A troop surge will not Third, how do America’s enemies this war has been mishandled from the work. There are other priorities that view us? For one thing, they fear beginning. we have. Our young people are sitting

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However, as it has been that sending the right message to the Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam explained to me, this action will have administration has the very real con- Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gen- two of a total of five brigades begin to sequence of sending the wrong message tlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. MIL- deploy to Baghdad and the Anbar prov- to the troops who so bravely and pro- LER). ince and then gradually the other three fessionally fight for freedom and lib- Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Madam brigades will be deployed as an assess- erty and democracy. Speaker, I am proud to be yielded time ment can be made on how the first two Vote ‘‘no’’ on this resolution. from a true American hero. are doing. Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I yield If at any time while I am in the Con- I will note that I have read that Gen- 51⁄2 minutes to my fellow New Yorker gress and I am asked to vote to author- eral Schoomaker, Army Chief of Staff, (Mr. BISHOP). ize war, I will ask myself two funda- has said in a closed door hearing that Mr. BISHOP of New York. Madam mental questions, two caveats to such he thought the surge had a 50–50 chance Speaker, I rise in strong support of this action. Number one, what are the of success. resolution which is a clear and concise United States’ vital interests? How are Madam Speaker, our troops have response on behalf of the majority of our vital interests being advanced? done everything that we have asked Americans who share our opposition to Number two, what is the mission and them to do and more, and you cannot the President’s misguided plan to esca- how is the mission being defined? blame America for the Iraqis’ failure to late the presence of U.S. troops in Iraq. I was not in the Congress when the We can all agree upon and indeed stop killing one another in a religious vote to give the President the author- must take this opportunity once again frenzy. ity to go to war in Iraq was taken, but to affirm that our support for the brave I am a product of the Vietnam era. as I remember the debate during that men and women of the United States My husband was an Air Force pilot in vote, it was heavily predicated on the Armed Forces is steadfast and Vietnam. My county has the largest fact that we thought that Saddam Hus- unyielding. sein had weapons of mass destruction, chapter of Vietnam veterans in the en- As this resolution declares, our first and the mission seemed to be prin- tire Nation, and although I have re- priority must continue to be protecting cipally defined as finding WMDs. It is sisted making any analogy from Iraq the brave men and women in uniform clear that he had them at one time be- to Vietnam, I will make this one per- who have served this Nation honorably cause he used them on his own people. sonal observation. and valiantly. The decision to invade From the very beginning of the Iraq However, since we have gone into Iraq is the single most devastating and conflict, we should have allowed our Iraq, whether it is because they have misguided foreign policy decision our troops to go in and use overwhelming transited the country or they were de- Nation has ever made, and the process force; but we were told, no, that we had stroyed, or whatever the reason, we of protecting our Nation from enough. Those that suggested other- have not found them. compounding this tragic error must wise were dismissed, and so they Then the mission was defined as top- begin this week under new leadership micromanaged from the White House, pling the oppressor, the butcher of with a clear vision and a plan that fi- and now I think they are doing the Baghdad, Saddam Hussein. And we nally acknowledges that we can no same with this surge. Our troops can have done so. We let the Iraqi courts longer stay the course in Iraq. exercise their due diligence in a court win, but they are being held back. of law, and he is dead now. Good rid- They are being micromanaged by our b 1500 dance, and hanging was too good for politicians. We are not letting them After nearly 4 years of war, the sac- him. win, and this is the lesson that I rifice of more than 3,100 brave service- Then we defined the mission as pro- learned from Vietnam. men and -women, tens of thousands viding a stable framework that would In Vietnam, we used a graduated re- more injured, and over $600 billion allow the Iraqis to build a democracy sponse. We held back our troops. We spent on the war to date, President because we can all agree that having a did not use overwhelming force, and Bush’s ‘‘mission accomplished’’ dec- democracy in an Arab country in the after many died, we left the field and I laration certainly rings hollow. Middle East would be optimal for the cannot believe in my lifetime that once We must not forget whose war and entire world. They have had their elec- again we are repeating this mistake. misguided strategy failed us, and we tions. They have adopted a Constitu- I support the troops and I support must ask who the President is listen- tion, and they have elected leadership victory. I recognize how incredibly ing to beyond the small circle of advis- that is in place. complex this situation is. I recognize ers who were the architects of this fi- Again, I ask about the United States’ that having our troops leave will prob- asco in the first place. vital interests and how we are defining ably result in a loss of human life that The only strategy this administra- the mission because, Madam Speaker, will be horrifying. I recognize that tion has proposed is to stay the course, the mission needs to be understood. It leaving will probably encourage the augmented by four earlier surges, is important that those of us in Con- neighbors to move in to protect their along with the most recent plan to de- gress can understand it, of course. It is own interests, and I recognize that the ploy the additional 21,500 U.S. troops, important that the American people war on terror will follow us if we leave. likely to escalate further to 40,000 to can understand it. But most impor- Yet, recognizing all of this, since the 60,000 more troops before the year’s tantly, the brave men and women who Iraqis will, for whatever reason, not end. This latest policy is stay the wear the uniform and are in theater stand up to ensure their own freedom, course writ large. risking their lives and their limbs need how can we ask Americans and for how The President’s plan operates under to be able to understand the mission. long to continue to do so for them? Ei- the assumption that somehow, despite President Bush has said that the mis- ther use overwhelming force to win, or all the evidence to the contrary, there sion is to achieve stability in Iraq, to get out and do not continue to ask our is a military path to success if only train the Iraqi forces so that they will troops to fight with one hand behind more forces are on the ground. Not be able to stand up so that we will be their backs. only is this logic flawed, it flies in the able to stand down. He says that the Mistakes have been made, as they al- face of the wisdom of his top generals so-called surge is a necessary thing to ways are in war; but another lesson in the field, such as the former com- do. that I learned from Vietnam is that the mander of the U.S. Central Command,

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We cannot afford to inject in Iraq has become a primary recruit- law. more of America’s best and bravest ment vehicle for violent Islamic ex- When the commentary begins in the into the chaos, particularly without tremists, motivating a global jihadist Middle East, in no way do I want to the armor and training to protect movement and a new generation of po- comfort and encourage the radical them. Shortchanging our heroes in the tential terrorists around the world Muslims who want to destroy our coun- face of a relentless insurgency is un- whose numbers may be increasing fast- try and who want to wipe the so-called worthy of this Nation. If we can’t sup- er than the United States and our al- infidels like myself and many of you ply our troops with what they need, lies can reduce the threat. from the face of the Earth. In no way how can we possibly contemplate an es- Opposition to this surge does not do I want to aid and assist the Islamic calation? mean a lack of support for our troops; jihadists who want the green flag of Without a reduction to the violence rather, it affirms what the American the crescent and star to wave over the against U.S. troops, without stability people made clear last November, that Capitol of the United States and over in the region, and without evidence of our policy in Iraq is not working and the White House of this country. I fear a correlation between the raging vio- that we need a new direction. I will that radical Muslims who want to con- lence and the number of U.S. troops vote for this resolution, and I will con- trol the Middle East and ultimately and the number of trained Iraqi troops, tinue to join with colleagues on both the world would love to see ‘‘In God We now is the time to reduce the U.S. com- sides of the aisle to bring our involve- Trust’’ stricken from our money and bat presence in Iraq, not expand it. ment in this misguided tragedy to an replaced with ‘‘In Mohammed We The Republican mantra has been that end Trust.’’ the Democrats don’t have a plan for The NIE also indicates that, rather than con- I am not sure that reinforcing the ex- Iraq other than cut and run, an asser- tributing to eventual victory in the global isting troops by 20,000 will save us from tion that is simply false. We do have a counter-terrorism struggle, the situation in Iraq the jihadists, and I am not sure it will comprehensive plan for Iraq that in- has diminished America’s position, What addi- prevent chaos in Iraq. I do hope that cludes implementing the recommenda- tional evidence does the President need to these additional forces will stabilize tions of the Iraq Study Group, a re- prove that his policies in Iraq are only making Baghdad and will lead to democracy gional conference to engage Iraq’s matters worse for Iraqis and making the world and a tolerance of divergent views and neighbors diplomatically, and seeking decidedly less safe for America? religions in Iraq. Unfortunately, the political solutions to the escalating And to those who would argue that this res- history of that region does not bode turmoil in the region. But again I olution sends a signal to our enemies that we well for such conclusions. would ask, what evidence is there to are weak and divided, you are wrong. This de- In my view, the United States by re- suggest that this President will listen bate proves why democracy works, unites us, moving Saddam Hussein has provided a to anyone’s plan other than his own? makes us stronger, more resolute, and why great opportunity for Iraq to be a This is simply not an insurgency that these strengths—that our enemies envy and showcase for tolerance and under- needs to be crushed. Confirmed by the seek to overcome—will ensure that we ulti- standing. Perhaps one day Iraq may President’s most recent National Intel- mately prevail over them. want to adopt something like the first ligence Estimate, Iraq is in a state of Opposition to this surge does not mean a amendment of our country. That may civil war, and thus political solutions lack of support for our troops. Rather, it af- only be an optimistic hope. are needed to address the real problem. firms what the American people made clear I hope my fears and the fears of oth- Although al Qaeda remains active in last November—that our policy in Iraq is not ers about chaos and calamity prove Iraq, they have been surpassed by eth- working and we need a new direction. false. If the Shiite and Sunni con- nic violence, the primary source of I will vote for this resolution, and I will con- troversy escalates and the situation conflict and the most immediate tinue to join with colleagues on both sides of worsens, we could be faced with a clam- threat to stability in Iraq. the aisle to bring our involvement in this mis- or to admit thousands and perhaps mil- Proponents of the war claim that guided tragedy to an end. Voicing opposition lions into this country. I call on the those opposed to the surge aren’t sup- to this war, to this President’s policies, and to President and our Secretary of State to porting the troops. I would ask them more of the same is our solemn responsibility, not allow a mass immigration into this how we are supporting our troops while consistent with the objectives of this resolu- country with the dangers and pitfalls keeping them in a country where 70 tion, the hopes of the American people, and that it could bring to our safety and se- percent of Iraqis believe it is accept- the mission of the U.S. Armed Forces. curity. The terrorists would surely able to attack U.S. troops, where 78 Mr. Speaker, I commend the Majority lead- enter into this country in such a way percent believe that our troops provoke ership and the distinguished chairmen of the as the 9/11 terrorists swam around in a more violence than they prevent, Armed Services and International Relations sea of illegal immigration before we where three-quarters of them would Committees for their hard work and making were struck on September 11. feel safer if American forces left Iraq. this debate a priority of this Congress. Let us vote ‘‘no’’ and let us forestall, By staying the course in Iraq, we are Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam if not prevent, calamity. putting our troops in a situation that Speaker, at this time I would like to Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I now has no positive outcome. Aren’t the yield 5 minutes to my friend from Vir- yield 5 minutes to one of our freshmen, lives of our troops more valuable than ginia, VIRGIL GOODE. Representative JASON ALTMIRE of saving political face and trying to Mr. GOODE. Madam Speaker, it is an Pennsylvania, surely a rising star. prove a point? honor to receive time from someone Mr. ALTMIRE. Madam Speaker, in And while it is well known that the who served our Nation in the finest the lead-up to the war in Iraq, the claims of weapons of mass destruction way and who knows firsthand how President offered the American people were based on faulty intelligence and hurtful a resolution such as this can be many reasons why we should enter into there was no connection between Sad- to those in theater. this conflict. We were told unequivo- dam Hussein and al Qaeda, why are we We are in the middle of a 4-day mara- cally that Iraq possessed weapons of committing our troops and resources thon here. While I cannot say that I mass destruction and posed an immi- towards refereeing a civil war in Iraq, agree with all of the actions of the nent threat to the United States. We thereby diverting resources required to President in dealing with Iraq, I will have since learned that pre-war intel- win the global war on terror rather not be supporting H. Con. Res. 63. The ligence was completely inaccurate. than fighting al Qaeda in Afghanistan, eyes of the world are upon this House, We were told that proceeds from tracking down Osama bin Laden, and and there will be commentary from the Iraq’s oil reserves would pay for the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00180 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4279 cost of the war. Instead, the American way, I will never vote to withhold their would have assumed that we had lost people have paid for the cost of the funding. our will to win, and they would have war. So far, $400 billion, with an addi- I support this resolution because we said America can’t cut it. tional supplemental request of $100 bil- have the duty as representatives of the b 1515 lion pending. American people to continue to voice We were told that we would be greet- their opinion that, with his policy of Well, make no mistake, Iraq is just ed as liberators. Nothing could be fur- escalation, the President is heading one battle in our overall war on terror. ther from the truth. More than 3,000 down the wrong path. If this resolution passes, it is sending a American troops have been killed, The best way forward is for the Presi- very clear message of our weakness, more than 23,000 injured, and violence dent to work with Congress, to change and our enemies are watching today. in Iraq continues to escalate. There are course, and adopt a responsible strat- Just listen to the words of Osama bin over 900 weekly attacks on U.S. troops. egy that protects American interests Laden. He said, The whole world is These predictions were in the past, in Iraq, around the region, and at watching this war and the two adver- but they are instructive as we consider home. saries, the Islamic Nation on the one the President’s current predictions on I urge every Member of this House on hand, and the United States and its al- how to achieve success in Iraq. both sides of the aisle to heed the call lies on the other. It is either victory or The American people have expressed for change and vote for this resolution. glory, or it is either misery or humilia- their clear frustration with the con- Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam tion. duct of the war. The bipartisan Iraq Speaker, at this time I would like to We cannot be the Nation of humilia- Study Group offered a comprehensive yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman tion. The terrorists know what is at strategy to successfully move combat from Oklahoma, Mary Fallin. stake, and it is time that we show forces out of Iraq. High-level military Ms. FALLIN. Madam Speaker, I them that we know as well, and that leaders, including General John would like to begin by reviewing a lit- failure is not an option for our Nation. Abizaid, have expressed opposition to tle history. There have been a number We have to ask ourselves, what is at an escalation of troops. But the Presi- of times in American history when risk for the future of our Nation? Will dent continues to ignore public opin- wars didn’t go as we had hoped or our Nation be safer from radical Is- ion, rejects sound advice, and stub- planned. That winter at Valley Forge lamic terrorists if we pull out before bornly adhere to his failed go-it-alone was certainly difficult. During the War the new Iraqi democracy becomes sta- policies. of 1812, the British occupied this very ble and an ally in the war on terror? He says he wants a bipartisanship building, and the Civil War was far Ask yourself, what Islamic terrorist study; but when his results are not to more costly and far longer than we leader has said that if America leaves his liking, he dismisses it. He says he hoped it would be. Iraq that he will be satisfied and the wants to hear from his advisers; but In World War II, the North African terrorists will end their attack? Has when they disagree with them, he dis- campaign was something of a mess. not been said. misses them. He says he wants to hear And the bloody island campaigns of the We must take extraordinary pre- from his generals on the ground; but South Pacific were not something we cautions to protect our Nation from when they tell him what he doesn’t had foreseen. those who would do us harm, and some- want to hear, they are reassigned. In Korea and Vietnam, we brought day our children and our grandchildren The fact is, Madam Speaker, the limited force to bear, and we wound up will look back on this decision this President’s plan to escalate the war in settling for stalemate and ultimately week, and they will reflect on their Iraq is not a new policy, just more of defeat. lives, and the question we have to ask the same failed policy. So some of our wars went well, but ourselves today is will our children live The solution in Iraq requires the more often they look a lot simpler and in a safer America? Iraqis themselves to reach a political cleaner in the history books than they I urge the rejection of this resolu- solution and take responsibility for really were in reality. And if there is tion. their own government. The continued one constant warning that runs Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, before open-ended commitment of U.S. forces throughout our history, it is this: Con- I yield to my next speaker, I am told only deters the Iraqis from making the gress has a vital role to play in helping we are rapidly running out of time, and appropriate political decisions, train- America win its wars. But it can also I will not be able to yield additional ing security forces, and enacting the play a role that is unintended in losing time to anyone beyond the 5 minutes. reforms necessary to achieve stability. them if it says or if it does the wrong I now have the pleasure of calling on The Iraq war resolution before us thing at the wrong time. And that is another new star in this Congress, Rep- today is simple and straight forward. what this resolution says and does, the resentative BRUCE BRALEY of Iowa, for Let me explain what it does and what wrong thing. 5 minutes. it doesn’t do. This is a nonbinding resolution, Mr. BRALEY of Iowa. Madam Speak- First and foremost, this resolution which is nothing more than a political er, I grew up surrounded by heroes. My expresses our continued support for our game. But the war on terror is not a father, Byard Braley, got permission military men and women who are serv- game. We have to consider what our from his mother at the age of 17 to en- ing bravely and honorably. It also ex- enemies will read into this resolution. list in the Marine Corps, and 1 year presses the sense of Congress that we What if Congress during the Valley later found himself landing on Iwo disapprove of the decision made by the Forge winter had passed a resolution Jima, the same day the flags were President to send additional troops to saying it is time to send our troops raised on Mount Suribachi. Thirty Iraq. home, retire General Washington, and thousand marines and Japanese sol- So make no mistake, this resolution go ahead and pay the tax anyway? diers lost their lives in 1 month on an is in support of our troops. Anyone who What if Congress in the spring of 1863 island the same size as my hometown says otherwise is simply wrong. No had looked at the results of Bull Run of Brooklyn, Iowa. Member of this House, Republican or and said, We can’t win this, it’s a civil My father saw one of his best friends Democrat, wants anything less than war. Forget the idealism about freeing vaporized by a shell burst, and we did victory in Iraq and to support our the slaves. not learn that fact until 15 years after troops. What if Congress in 1942 or 1943 had he died. This resolution does not affect the told Franklin Roosevelt to pull out of The same night that my father land- funding levels to carry out the war. North Africa and Italy and to give up ed on Iwo Jima, another marine from And on that point, let me be clear. As those silly ideas of liberating France? my hometown of Brooklyn slept under long as we have troops in the field of What would our enemies have thought those flags as Japanese bombs flew battle and brave Americans in harm’s about America’s lack of will? They overhead. Harold Keller was the real

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When he came home to my home- ignored the recommendations of the Leadership takes strengths and cour- town, he repaired milking equipment study group and chose to escalate the age to succeed in the face of adversity, for area farmers. My uncle Gordon war in Iraq without charting a new although mistakes may be made along Braley served in the merchant marine, course. the way. guarding allied shipping lanes in the To my friends on the other side of Many comments have been made by North Atlantic. the aisle who disagree with the resolu- those who support this resolution, but My Uncle Bert Braley served in the tion we are debating today, by all one that deserves a response is the oft- Army Air Corps, and my Uncle Lyle means vote your conscience. I will be repeated phrase that this is an impos- Nesselroad served in the Navy. My voting my conscience and joining well- sible war to win. What a terrible atti- cousin, Dick Braley, was a Marine known Republicans who agree that the tude for Members of the United States Corps artillery officer at a firebase in escalation is a mistake: Congress to have. Vietnam. People like Senator CHUCK HAGEL of What if George Washington had suc- These ordinary men taught me that my neighboring State of Nebraska, who cumbed to the critics of his day who patriotism is not something you claim called the President’s escalation plan said those things? What if Abraham by putting down others who disagree the most dangerous foreign policy Lincoln, FDR and President Truman with your viewpoints. It is something blunder in this country since Vietnam, had taken that attitude? Where would you earn by the way you live your life, if it is carried out. we be now? We are here today because the respect you have for the institu- People like former Iowa Representa- people who came before us refused to tive Jim Leach, who said that the tions that make the United States a listen to the naysayers and the defeat- President’s policy in Iraq may go down great beacon of liberty, freedom and ists. as the greatest foreign policy blunder justice. The true leaders of this Nation have in U.S. history. When I return to my hometown of always focused on the possible and ac- Well-respected military experts also Waterloo, Iowa, I am still surrounded oppose this escalation, including Gen- complished it. These people remind me by heroes. These heroes belong to the eral Colin Powell, General George of the attitude of the Carter adminis- battalion of the Ironman Battalion of Casey and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. tration in dealing with Iran. the Iowa National Guard. They are ap- The President truly stands alone Let me quote a recent article by proximately 560 fathers, mothers, with a strategy that his own generals, Dinesh D’Souza. ‘‘ . . . they are willing brothers and sisters from Waterloo, key Republicans, and the American to risk the country falling into the Dubuque, Oelwein and everywhere in people oppose. The time is long over- hands of Islamic radicals. Little do the between. due for the people’s House to reassert people waging ’the war against the One of them, Ray Zirkelbach, is miss- its rightful place in our constitutional war’ know that in exchange for a tem- ing his second consecutive year in the system of checks and balances. porary political advantage, they are Iowa House of Representatives, because We have a duty to send a message gravely endangering America’s secu- their latest tour was recently ex- that it is time for real change in Iraq, rity and well-being, ultimately even tended. A flag is draped over his desk change characterized by accountability their own.’’ in the House chamber. and redeployment of our troops. There Let us band together as Americans, These heroes are the reason why I will be no more blank checks. There put aside political differences to show stand here today in opposition to the will be tough questions in oversight, that we understand the need to defend President’s plan to escalate the war in and I will work hard to make sure that freedom for the long and short terms. Iraq. On November 7, 2006, the voters of this happens. I ask everyone to support This is the decisive battle of our gen- this country went to the polls and the resolution eration, and this is a defining moment clearly stated that it is time for a new Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam of our time. direction in Iraq. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the We cannot afford to lose and should Soon after, the bipartisan Iraq Study gentlelady from North Carolina (Ms. vote ‘‘no’’ on this resolution. Group presented President Bush with a FOXX). [From the American Legion Magazine, Feb. desperately needed blueprint for Ms. FOXX. Thank you, a true pa- 2007] change. They recognized that the dete- triot, Mr. JOHNSON. HOW WE LOST IRAN—AND WHY WE CAN’T riorating crisis in Iraq couldn’t be Madam Speaker, I rise today not AFFORD ANOTHER LOSS IN IRAQ solved by military action. Instead, it only in support of the brave men and (By Dinesh D’Souza) required a political solution between women of the American Armed Forces, There are four important Muslim countries warring factions for a stable democ- but also in support of the cause for in the Middle East: Iran, Iraq, Egypt and racy to evolve. which they fight. They heroically give Saudi Arabia. Islamic radicals control Iran, The Iraq Study Group recognized of themselves every day to ensure the and have since the Khomeini revolution a that ‘‘stay the course’’ was a failed safety of our Nation and the freedom quarter century ago. Now they have their strategy, and that three prior troop that we Americans enjoy. sights on Iraq. If they get Iraq, we can be surges had done little to stem the Like my colleagues on both sides of sure they will target Egypt and Saudi Ara- the aisle, I want America’s troops bia. Let’s remember that this is a region growing violence. They knew that the upon which the United States will continue Iraqis would never get serious about home as soon as possible, but dis- to be oil-dependent for the foreseeable fu- standing up for their own country until engaging at this time would invite the ture. If the Islamic radicals succeed, the they were confronted with a timetable terrorists to follow us home. This reso- American way of life will be seriously for redeploying our forces. lution sends the wrong message and threatened. After I was sworn in as a Member of will have grave consequences. It will To understand the high stakes in Iraq, it’s Congress on January 4, I hoped that demoralize our troops and embolden helpful to understand what happened in Iran President Bush would listen to the ad- our enemies. We are combating a glob- a generation ago. How did America ‘‘lose’’ vice of this bipartisan group whose rec- al adversary who sees an enemy in any Iran, and how can we avoid another debacle in Iraq? Islamic radicals have been around ommendations he welcomed. Nation that supports the ideals of free- since the 1920s, but for decades they were I hoped that he would move to fulfill dom. In the interest of democracy, outsiders even in the Muslim countries. One the promise of the Defense Authoriza- global safety and rural peace, victory of their leading theoreticians, Sayyid Qutb, tion Act of 2006, when this Congress in Iraq is absolutely crucial. argued that radical Muslims could not just

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00182 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4281 promulgate theories and have meetings; they Department human-rights officer Patricia that Iran should become a parliamentary de- must seek to realize the Islamic state ‘‘in a Derian pressed Carter to sever America’s mocracy. Those who know the ayatollah ex- concrete form.’’ What was needed, he wrote, longstanding alliance with the Shah. Even- pect that eventually he will settle in the was ‘‘to initiate the movement of Islamic re- tually Carter came to agree with his advisers holy city of Qom and resume a life of teach- vival in some Muslim country.’’ Once the that he could not in good conscience support ing and prayer.’’ radicals controlled a major state, he sug- the Shah. Immediately following Khomeini’s seizure gested, they could then use it as a beachhead When the Shah moved to arrest mullahs of power, political scientist Richard Falk for launching the takeover of other Muslim who called for his overthrow, the United wrote in the Feb. 16, 1979, New York Times, countries. The ultimate objective was the States and Europe denounced his actions. ‘‘To suppose that Ayatollah Khomeini is dis- unification of the Muslim community into a Former diplomat George Ball called on the sembling seems almost beyond belief. He has single Islamic nation, governed by Islamic U.S. government to curtail the Shah’s exer- been depicted in a manner calculated to holy law. cise of power. Acceding to this pressure, Car- frighten. The depiction of him as fanatical, In 1979, Qutb’s goal was achieved when the ter called for the release of political pris- reactionary and the bearer of crude preju- Ayatollah Khomeini seized power in Iran. oners and warned the Shah not to use force dices seems certainly and happily false. His Muslim scholar Hamid Algar terms the Kho- against the demonstrators in the streets. close advisers are uniformly composed of meini revolution ‘‘the most significant event When the Shah petitioned the Carter admin- moderate, progressive individuals . . . who in contemporary Islamic history.’’ It was an istration to purchase tear gas and riot-con- share a notable record of concern with event comparable to the French or the Rus- trol gear, the human-rights office in the human rights. What is distinctive about his sian revolutions. Virtually no one predicted State Department held up the request. Some, vision is the concern with resisting oppres- it, yet it overturned the entire imperial like State Department official Henry Precht, sion and promoting social justice. Many non- structure and created a new order, even a urged the United States to prepare the way religious Iranians talk of this period as Is- new way of life. The mullahs restored the Is- for the Shah to make a ‘‘graceful exit’’ from lam’s finest hour. Iran may yet provide us lamic calendar, abolished Western languages power. William Miller, chief of staff on the with a desperately needed model of humane from the schools, instituted an Islamic cur- Senate Intelligence Committee, said the governance for a Third World country.’’ riculum, declared a new set of religious holi- United States had nothing to fear from Kho- The naivete´ of Falk’s essay is of such mag- days, stopped men from wearing ties, re- meini since he would be a progressive force nitude as to be almost unbelievable. Falk quired women to cover their heads, changed for human rights. U.S. Ambassador William should have known better, and I believe he the banking system to outlaw usury or inter- Sullivan even compared Khomeini to Ma- did know better. Sick notes that in terms of est, abolished Western-style criminal and hatma Gandhi, and Andrew Young termed the kind of regime he wanted to institute in civil laws, and placed the entire society the ayatollah a ‘‘20th-century saint.’’ Iran, ‘‘Khomeini was remarkably candid in under sharia, or laws based on the Koran. As the resistance gained momentum and describing his objectives.’’ As an expert on The importance of the Khomeini revolu- the Shah’s position weakened, he looked to international relations, Falk was surely fa- tion is that it demonstrated the viability of the U.S. government to help him. Sick re- miliar with what Khomeini had been consist- the Islamic theocracy in the modern age. Be- ports that the Shah discovered he had many ently saying for three decades. Along with fore Khomeini, the prospect of a large Mus- enemies, and few friends, in the Carter ad- Ramsey Clark, former attorney general in lim nation being ruled by clergy according to ministration. Increasingly paranoid, he the Johnson administration, Falk met with 8th-century precepts would have seemed far- pleaded with the United States to help him Khomeini on his last day in Paris, before his fetched, even preposterous. Khomeini showed stay in power. Carter refused. Deprived of his triumphal return to Iran. Shortly after that it could be done, and his successors have last hope, with the Persian rug pulled out meeting Clark conducted a press conference shown that it can last. To this day, post- from under him, the Shah decided to abdi- to champion Khomeini’s cause. Falk, too, Khomeini Iran provides a viable model of cate. The Carter administration encouraged seems to have acted as a kind of unpaid pub- what the Islamic radicals hope to achieve him to do so, and the cultural left celebrated lic-relations agent for the ayatollah’s re- throughout the Muslim world. Khomeini also his departure. The result, of course, was gime. popularized the idea of the United States as Khomeini. Upon consolidating his power, Khomeini a ‘‘great Satan.’’ Before Khomeini, no Mus- The Carter administration’s role in the launched a bloody campaign of wiping out lim head of state had said this about Amer- downfall of the Shah is one of America’s his political opposition and reversing the lib- ica. Muslim leaders like Nasser might dis- great foreign-policy disasters of the 20th cen- erties extended by the Shah to student agree with the United States, but they never tury. In trying to get rid of the bad guy, Car- groups, women’s groups and religious mi- identified it as the primary source of evil on ter got the worse guy. His failure, as former norities. In one year, the Khomeini revolu- the planet. During the Khomeini era, there Democratic senator Daniel Patrick Moy- tion killed more people than the Shah had were large demonstrations by frenzied Mus- nihan once said, was the result of being ‘‘un- executed during his entire quarter-century lims who cursed the United States and able to distinguish between America’s reign. Despite the fact that many progres- burned its flag. For the first time, banners friends and enemies.’’ According to Moy- sive figures were imprisoned, tortured and and posters began to appear all over Iran: nihan, the Carter administration had essen- executed, DEATH TO AMERICA! THE GREAT SATAN tially adopted ‘‘the enemy’s view of the Khomeini’s actions produced a great yawn WILL INCUR GOD’S PUNISHMENT! USA, world.’’ Carter does not deserve sole dis- of indifference from America’s cultural left. GO TO HELL! AMERICA IS OUR NO. 1 credit for these actions. This intellectual The same people who were shocked and out- ENEMY! These slogans have since become framework that shaped Carter’s misguided raged by the crimes of the Shah showed no the mantra of Islamic radicalism. Khomeini strategy was supplied by the political left. comparable outrage at the greater crimes of was also the first Muslim leader in the mod- Of course, the primary force behind the Khomeini. They knew, as well as everyone ern era to advocate violence as a religious Shah’s fall was the fundamentalist move- else, that liberty would be largely extin- duty and to give special place to martyrdom. ment led by Khomeini. But it is possible that guished in Iran, and they greeted this pros- Since Khomeini, Islamic radicalism has con- the Shah, with U.S. support, could have de- pect with equanimity. tinued to attract aspiring martyrs ready to feated this resistance. Another option would Even when radical students overran the confront the Great Satan. In this sense, the have been for the United States to use its in- U.S. Embassy in Tehran on Nov. 4, 1979, and seeds of 9/11 were sown a quarter of a century fluence to press for democratic elections, an took more than 60 American hostages, the ago when Khomeini and his followers cap- option unattractive both to the Shah and to left’s sympathy was with the hostage-takers. tured the government in Tehran. the Islamic militants. Even after the Shah’s During this period, three liberal clergymen— Khomeini’s ascent to power was aided by departure, a U.S. force could have routed the William Sloane Coffin of New York’s River- the policies of Jimmy Carter and his allies Khomeini regime—an action that would have side Church, National Council of Churches on the political left. The Carter administra- been fully justified given Iran’s seizure of the executive director William Howard and tion’s own expert on Iran, Gary Sick, pro- U.S. embassy and the taking of American Catholic Bishop Thomas Gumbleton—visited vides the details in his memoir ‘‘All Fall hostages. Determined at all costs to prevent the hostages and looked with approval as Down,’’ a riveting story that has been large- these outcomes, the left sought not only to they recorded anti-U.S. statements for use as ly erased from our national memory. Carter demonize the Shah but also to favorably por- Iranian propaganda. The U.S. religious lead- won the presidency in 1976 by stressing his tray Khomeini and his radical cohorts. In ers did not seem embarrassed to be used by support for human rights. From the time he Sick’s words, Khomeini became ‘‘the instant the Iranian hostage-takers. Many of the alle- took office, the left contrasted Carter’s darling of the Western media.’’ The tone of gations against the United States launched rights doctrine with the Shah’s practices. American press coverage can be gleaned by the Iranian radicals corresponded exactly The left denounced the Shah as a vicious and from Time’s cover story on Feb. 12, 1979: with the views of these liberal clergymen. corrupt dictator, highlighting and in some ‘‘Now that the country’s cry for the Aya- Going beyond the expectations of the hos- cases magnifying his misdeeds. Left-leaning tollah’s return has been answered, Iranians tage-takers, Coffin even faulted his fellow officials such as Secretary of State Cyrus will surely insist that the revolution live up Americans for ‘‘self pity’’ and urged them to Vance, U.N. envoy Andrew Young and State to its democratic aims. Khomeini believes hold hands with their captors and sing. In

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00183 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4282 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 the hostage crisis, these clergymen quite Madam Speaker, today with all my respective of whether we insert another consciously contributed to America’s humil- colleagues I stand here in support our 21,500 troops. We simply cannot solve iation. brave men and women of the Armed the sectarian conflicts militarily. By aiding the Shah’s ouster and with Kho- Services, as well as their families. We While it was the Bush administration meini’s consolidation of power, the left col- laborated in giving radical Islam its greatest should honor their great commitment who initiated hostile actions in March victory in the modern era. Thanks in part to and sacrifices without hesitation. I of 2003, I believe it is now necessary for Jimmy Carter, Muslim radicals got what support this resolution because I be- the Iraqi people to step up and assume they had been seeking for a long time: con- lieve the President’s plan for esca- responsibility for their future. trol of a major Islamic state. Now, irony of lation is the wrong approach to the What is also needed now more than ironies, Carter and some of the same people conflicts in Iraq. ever is for this administration to reach who lost Iran are back in the news, criti- But this must not be the end of our out to our traditional allies and those cizing the Bush administration for what it is efforts in Congress. For too long, Con- in the region who have a significant doing in Iraq. Some of their points may be valid, but once again, they are forgetting gress refused to stand up to the admin- stake in the future of Iraq. The Bush that when you try and get rid of something istration. Our actions today must administration must do something terrible, you should at least make sure that mark the beginning of Congress’ role, that it has been woefully reluctant to you don’t get something even more terrible. not the end. The time has come to tell do. It must admit that it made a major Carter never understood that, and he still President Bush enough is enough. strategic and foreign policy mistake doesn’t. Rather than dispensing advice, the Last November, the American people when it invaded Iraq in the first place. 39th president should be offering the United spoke. They spoke loudly and clearly And I am willing to wager that such an States an apology. on a number of issues, but none more admission would go a distance towards Yes, what’s going on in Iraq today is not pretty, but that could be said of just about passionately and forcefully than the at least beginning to repair our rela- any war. In trying to escape from a difficult war in Iraq. The American people, long tions with the rest of the world, and situation, America should not put itself into before this debate this week, decided the improvement of our relations with an even more perilous situation. We should that the misadventure in Iraq must our traditional allies beyond the Brit- always keep in mind what’s at stake in this end. ish is a prerequisite to securing their conflict. Today in Iraq, the Islamic radicals Our troops have performed valiantly help on Iraq. are after their second big prize. Iraq is, in a in Iraq. In just a matter of a few weeks Madam Speaker, I call on my col- sense, even more important to the radicals they removed from power a brutal dic- leagues to support this resolution than Iran. The reason is that the Khomeini tator and began to provide the Iraqi Revolution, despite its global aspirations, today, as the beginning of this Cham- proved to be very difficult to export. Ira- people the opportunity to construct a ber’s efforts to protect our troops and nians are Persian, and thus ethnically dis- new political order. Our troops have bring our country’s involvement in this tinct from the Arabs who dominate the Mid- also contributed mightily to the recon- war to an end. dle East. struction and development of the Iraqi Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Even within Islam, Iranians belong to the economy and infrastructure. Speaker, in closing, we have heard a Shia minority, while 80 percent of Muslims But over the course of this conflict, lot of excellent presentation points worldwide are Sunni. Consequently, Islamic the mission of our troops has been today. I might just clarify the fact that radicals have been attempting for the better transformed, and now they find them- part of two decades now to carry the revolu- the study group did recommend a surge tion beyond Iran, to bring a second Muslim selves in the middle of a civil war that in one part, and the President has state under radical control, and to establish involves not just two sides, but almost eliminated the rules of engagement a model for theocracy and terrorism that the innumerable factions in conflict with that we had laid on our troops over Sunni majority in the Islamic world can one another. there, so we have a way to make this emulate. So unlike in Vietnam, the United What is worse is the continued pres- thing really happen. States faces an adversary that is not merely ence of American troops in Iraq will I really want to know, if the Demo- ideologically hostile, but one whose success likely only inflame the ongoing sec- crats insist they are supporting our would threaten our vital interests and our tarian strife and create more, if not security, as well as our economic well-being. troops, why they would not let me in- Given this, the insouciance and even an- fewer, enemies of America. The bottom troduce my measure that mandates ticipation with which some of the Bush ad- line is that a continued presence of that Congress would support and fully ministration’s critics propose prompt U.S. American troops will only exacerbate fund the men and women in uniform. withdrawal from Iraq is remarkable. In a re- the multiple conflicts in Iraq. I am positive that Democrats will at- cent article in Harper’s, former presidential As a member of the Readiness Sub- tempt to cut funding as soon as the candidate George McGovern proposed that committee of the House Armed Serv- spending bills come up this spring, and the United States get out of Iraq, give up its ices Committee, I have additional con- maybe earlier, because there was a bases there, apologize for having invaded in cerns regarding President Bush’s pro- press conference earlier today that in- the first place, accept responsibility for any posed escalation. I believe such an es- bloodbath that ensues, and offer to pay rep- dicated exactly that. calation will further strain the limited arations to Iraq for its war crimes. This ad- b 1530 vice goes beyond recklessness. What do resources available to our military. Al- McGovern and his allies think is going to ready we know our readiness levels for I fear what that means for our troops happen when U.S. troops leave? They seem our troops not yet deployed are inad- on the ground, for their morale. The re- eerily eager for the insurgents to topple the equate. ality is that President Bush realized he elected government and seize power. A further escalation of troop levels in needed to change the course in Iraq, Apparently their dislike for President Iraq will only exacerbate this problem and that is why he worked with folks Bush is great enough that they are willing to and put more servicemen and women in on the ground in Iraq to hear fresh risk the country falling into the hands of Is- lamic radicals. Little do the people waging harm’s way without the proper train- ideas and came up with a new plan. ‘‘the war against the war’’ know that, in ex- ing or equipment. Our troops were not The President wants change and that change for a temporary political advantage, trained to be peacemakers in situa- is why he changed the rules of engage- they are gravely endangering America’s se- tions such as today’s Iraq. Some have ment, enabling our guys to shoot at curity and well-being, ultimately even their argued that we need to increase the any suspected terrorists. The President own. number of troops, so that we can en- wants change. That is why he removed Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, it is gage in an action similar to what our political protections of all insurgents, my pleasure now to call on another one forces did in Bosnia. so all of the bad guys could be brought of our great new freshmen I have got- Madam Speaker, this is at best a to justice regardless of who they knew ten to know, the gentleman from Iowa false analogy. Iraq today is not Bosnia or who they worked for. (Mr. LOEBSACK) for 5 minutes. of 1995. Today’s Iraq is in the early These ideas are huge breakthroughs Mr. LOEBSACK. Thank you, Mr. stages of a series of conflicts that may and real solutions. These ideas rep- ENGEL, for yielding. indeed intensify, but this will occur ir- resent fresh starts and new plans. What

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00184 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4283 is the Democratic plan to move for- To those patriotic Americans who tually every option we wish to put on ward and win? They do not have one. have been relentless in their call for an the table. In the end, as legislators, we Thirty-six hours of political grand- end to the war, know this: collective are left with our own council. Hope- standing, nonbinding resolutions and voice has been heard. In my home fully, such council is informed by brief- petty posturing, they are not proposing State of Maryland, nearly 400 men and ings, hearings, meetings, and visits to solutions. They are not even encour- woman have died or been wounded in the region. aging new ideas. In fact, they stop Iraq. But we cannot and should not try to them like when they squashed my Two days ago, one of my constituents place ourselves in the position of Com- amendment. reminded me that the war is no longer mander in Chief. Our system of govern- Many hope that the troop surge is being measured in time, but in lives. ment wisely gives that role to the the beginning of the end. We should all To the families who have sacrificed so Chief Executive. want that if it gets the job done. Yet much and who have suffered the ulti- This is not to say, however, that we the Democrats just say no. You know, mate loss, do not fear for a moment should not be having this discussion. the time will come when you can put that a change in our policy in Iraq, Some have said that simply debating the money behind these nonbinding that the effort to stop the escalation this resolution emboldens our enemies. resolutions. You better believe we will and begin drawing down our troops in Perhaps they are right, but we would be watching and calling for those fund- any way dilutes the value this country not suspend due process in this country ing cuts loud and clear. America needs places on the service of your loved because it might embolden criminals. to know, cutting funds for our troops ones. It is a price we are willing to pay. in harm’s way is not a remedy. It is a History will treat harshly those pol- Likewise, debating the merits of war ruse. icymakers at the highest levels who let is what democratic nations do. My own Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- ideology trump sound and informed thoughts on the situation in Iraq are as ance of my time, and yield the balance judgment. It will fairly criticize politi- follows: I have little confidence that a of my time to the next moderator, Mr. cians who have exploited this war for surge in troop levels will change the SAXTON. partisan gain. But it will reserve only situation in Iraq in any substantive Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I now pride and lasting gratitude for the sac- fashion. It seems clear that the vio- yield to another one of our rising fresh- rifice of our men and women in uni- lence in Iraq is increasingly sectarian, man stars, the gentleman from Mary- form amidst this sad tale of bungled in- and inserting more troops in this at- land, Representative JOHN SARBANES, 5 telligence and ill-advised policy. They mosphere is unlikely to improve mat- minutes. alone are untarnished. ters very much. Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, Madam Speaker, I have never been to Without a more sincere commitment the resolution we are debating today is the war. Never kissed my wife and chil- to step up to the plate from the Iraqi simple and direct. It declares strong dren goodbye, wondering whether I will Government, we are unlikely to make support for our troops on the ground in ever see them again. Far from the significant progress. But when all is Iraq and opposition to the President’s harsh reality in Iraq, I am blessed with said and done, we have a Commander in decision to send an additional 21,000 the sweet ebb and flow of life’s daily Chief whom we have authorized to go men and women into harm’s way. I routines. to war. wholeheartedly endorse the resolution But like many Americans who wit- Inserting ourselves as legislators into and pray that the President will heed ness our soldiers dutifully pushing for- the chain of command by passing a res- its call. ward every day under impossible cir- olution, nonbinding though it may be, Most agree now that it was a mistake cumstances, I am ill at ease. I know that questions the President’s decision to invade Iraq. Hearings in the Senate that the current policy in Iraq will to conduct a mission that is clearly al- and the House are stripping away the only lead to more pain for many fami- ready under way strikes me as folly. last thin veneers of justification for lies and for our country. I urge my colleagues to vote ‘‘no’’ on that fateful decision. They are offering Madam Speaker, the American peo- the resolution. compelling evidence that the adminis- ple are tired, they are tired of rhetoric, Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, it is tration sacrificed wisdom, judgment, they are tired of promises to put poli- my pleasure to again introduce one of and conscience in favor of shock and tics and partisanship aside when all our freshman rising stars, STEVE awe. they see is bickering and recrimina- KAGEN of Wisconsin. I yield 5 minutes Many of us sense a similar impulse at tion. Let’s give them hope. Let’s send a to him. work in this administration’s dealings powerful message contained in this res- Mr. KAGEN. Madam Speaker, my with Iran. Let us serve notice, this olution, but let’s not stop there. name is Dr. STEVE KAGEN. I am from Congress will not allow the administra- Let all of us, the President, the Appleton, Wisconsin, and during the tion to pursue yet another ill-fated House, the Senate, have the decency past 30 years I have cared for thou- mission. Madam Speaker, bringing our and dignity of purpose to put dif- sands of military veterans as their phy- troops home from Iraq is no longer a ferences aside and work every day, be- sician. whispered prayer; it is now the clarion ginning this day, to bring our troops The resolution under consideration call of the American people. home to their families, to their com- today and voted on tomorrow will an- One year ago those proposing a new munities, and to a Nation that stands swer these questions: What kind of Na- direction in Iraq were labeled as unpa- humbled by their sacrifice tion are we? In which direction shall triotic and marginalized in the na- Mr. SAXTON. Madam Speaker, I we move? During these past several tional discourse. But we have come a yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from days we have all benefited from listen- long way. Elections do matter. On No- Arizona (Mr. FLAKE). ing to hundreds of points of view from vember 7, the people in my district in Mr. FLAKE. I thank the gentleman our elected representatives from every Maryland and across the Nation sent a for yielding. region of this great country on our on- strong message. Madam Speaker, I rise today in oppo- going involvement in Iraq. The next day Secretary Rumsfeld re- sition to the resolution before us. I During these past several months, I signed. Shortly thereafter the Iraq wish I could do so with the type of cer- have been listening to the people who Study Group issued its report sharply tainty that seems to motivate many of sent me here from northeast Wis- criticizing the war. And in the next few my colleagues on the issue. But such consin, people a lot like you, fiscally days the United States House of Rep- resolute certainty escapes me. I do not responsible and socially progressive, resentatives will pass this resolution have a military background. In fact, the citizens of northeast Wisconsin. signaling stiff opposition to the admin- few of us debating this resolution do. People in Wisconsin, like many else- istration’s proposal for a troop surge in But each of us can find generals or where, voted for a positive change and Iraq. former generals who will support vir- a new direction. The new congressional

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00185 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4284 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 class of 2006 has given us hope again. We must teach our children and our millstone and pillar is in Baghdad, the We are indeed not just in name but in leaders alike that in the end diplomacy capital of the caliphate.’’ Another one, spirit America’s hope, and I am proud defeats violence. We must begin to ‘‘Jihad against America will continue. to be associated with these talented in- think differently in America as we es- Jihad against America will continue dividuals. tablish a new direction for hope in the economically and militarily. By the I rise today in support of our troops world and a new beginning for our grace of Allah, America is in retreat. and their families and to encourage all American era. By working together we But more attacks are required.’’ of you to support this resolution. For it will build a better future for all of us, Madam Speaker, Osama bin Laden, is the first step in bringing an end to beginning right here and right now. as well as other Islamic extremists our costly involvement in a senseless Like the new congressional class of around the world, view the conflict in civil war between the Sunni and Shiite 2006, America’s hope, I strongly sup- Iraq as the central battleground in people. port our troops, but not the President’s their ideological struggle. Like every American, I strongly sup- failed policy. I encourage all of my col- Make no mistake, we are at war, and port our troops, but I cannot support leagues to join the class of 2006 and it is about time that some of our mem- the President’s poor judgment in pro- vote ‘‘yes’’ on this important resolu- bers of our government figured it out. moting violence instead of diplomacy. tion. Join us. Be part of America’s Someday soon, the Representatives The President has been wrong in every hope. who are supporting this resolution will decision he has made in Iraq. Mr. SAXTON. Madam Speaker, I have to explain to the voters what they Indeed, on four separate occasions, yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from have done to make us safer at home prior escalations have failed. And his California (Mr. NUNES). and abroad. Since this resolution does current plan makes no sense even to Mr. NUNES. Madam Speaker, I rise nothing more than embolden our en- the generals who understand it most. today in opposition to this intellectu- emies, demoralize our troops, and send The reality is this, it was poor judg- ally dishonest resolution. I do so in mixed messages to our allies, they will ment that took us to war in the first order to challenge the majority party have a difficult task before them. place. It is time to take a different to put their legislating where their Today, unfortunately, we won’t hear course. For the path we are on now is mouths have been. The endless criti- much about the Democrat plan for morally unacceptable. And here are the cism to the war in Iraq is clouded by Iraq. We will, instead, hear a lot about facts: more than 650,000 Iraq civilians political opportunism and has done lit- failure and defeat. We might even hear dead; over 3,000 American heroes gone tle or nothing to improve our chances a conspiracy theory or two. And, of forever; over 20,000 of our troops of victory. course, we will hear a lot of political maimed for life, many with scars we We need an honest debate. We need posturing. will never see, at an economic cost answers from those who support this But Madam Speaker, the American that may rise above $2 trillion. resolution. What is next? What is your people deserve to know the truth. What Make no mistake, we must do what- plan? It should come as no surprise happens next, Madam Speaker, to ever it takes to defend America and that the resolution we are debating those who believe the President is keep hostilities from our shores. But today says very little. There are less wrong, to those who believe we rushed what we need now is a tough and smart than 100 words. And while the rhetoric to war, to those who can’t get beyond national defense policy. It is time now has been flying during the debate, it our national intelligence failures and, to get the smart part right. seems to me that the new Democratic instead, persist on conspiracy theories? This resolution has been criticized on majority is hoping to avoid debate in Tell us, what is next? What is your both sides. Some say it is not enough; which they might have to defend their plan to protect the American people? some say it is too tough. But I am con- plan in Iraq. Madam Speaker, I demand answers vinced it offers us the opportunity to What we have here is nothing more from the authors of this resolution. ask these questions again: What kind than a political exercise, a nonbinding The American people have a right to of Nation are we, when a President resolution, words with no meaning. know. Is your plan to simply stand takes us to war based on lies and de- Make no mistake, their opposition to aside and allow an ideology of hate to ceptions, when our energy policy is de- the President’s plan is political. There consume the Middle East? cided behind closed doors, and when in is no constructive criticism here. Read I implore my colleagues, if you won’t our free elections not everyone’s vote their resolution. heed the warnings of our military and is counted? Iraq is the battleground, Madam intelligence organizations, listen to al What kind of Nation will we be when Speaker, a key battleground against Qaeda’s own words. They are speaking all of our manufacturing jobs are taken extremism, terrorism and the expan- directly to you. overseas, when workers lose their sionist goals of our enemies. This is from Deputy leader al- rights to effective collective bar- Zawahiri recently. ‘‘I wish to talk to gaining, and when our government b 1545 the Democrats in America. You aren’t closes its eyes to global warming? If we fail, Iraq will be a hotbed of the ones who won the midterm elec- What kind of Nation are we and in radical Islamic activity, a pivotal safe tions, nor are the Republicans the ones which direction shall we move? Let’s haven, a base from which to plan and who lost; rather, the Mujahadin are the begin now to work together and take a fund attacks against us. ones who won and the American forces different path, a path where people Madam Speaker, how is the danger and their allies lost.’’ come first ahead of political parties, associated with defeat in Iraq not I ask my colleagues, how can you ahead of profit and loss statements, clear? I ask my colleagues, what evi- offer this resolution, knowing the ahead of politics of fear. When we put dence do you need? Have you listened enemy we face? Do you really have people ahead of political calculations, to the words of our enemies? Must we nothing to offer the American people we will begin to see a different world. have more casualties in American cit- but this? Is this resolution the best ef- We will see that we must begin to solve ies before you accept the nature of this fort of the new Democrat majority in our differences by means other than global threat? How quickly we forget, response to our challenge in Iraq? going to war. After all, war is our Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, we should have an greatest human failure. I urge my colleagues to listen care- honest debate about Iraq. And my This is not an idealistic sentiment, a fully to the words of Osama bin Laden. friends who are convinced that the war realistic assessment of the chronicle of Last year, bin Laden said, ‘‘Iraq is the is wrong need to be accountable for horrors witnessed every day in Iraq, focal point of the war on terror. The failing to say what is right. and even our own experiences here at most important and serious issue today In closing, I want to say how proud I home, in New York City, in Virginia, in for the whole world is this Third World am of the men and women who are Pennsylvania, in Oklahoma City. War. It is raging in Iraq. The world’s fighting for our freedom and security

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00186 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4285 all over the world. They don’t deserve firsthand the devastating injuries that the Iraqi people and their elected lead- what we are doing to them today. This some of our brave soldiers have en- ers to step up and take responsibility resolution is a sham. It is nothing dured has troubled me in a way that I for their own future. It certainly does more than political grandstanding, and have not known before. As an Amer- not set any benchmark that must be it is feeding the propaganda machine of ican who loves his country very much, met by the Iraqis. Most importantly, our enemy. and as a father of two teenagers, it be- passage of this nonbinding resolution I have been to Iraq. I have seen the came crystal clear to me right then does not protect the funding of our efforts of our soldiers firsthand. They and there what exactly victory in Iraq troops in Iraq and, according to many want to win. They have seen the face of means. I think victory in Iraq means Democrats, it is likely the first step in the enemy and I can assure you they bringing as many of our troops home cutting off that funding altogether. are committed to winning. If you are alive as possible, the way I would want Madam Speaker, we have spent 3 committed to winning, vote ‘‘no’’ on to see my two children brought home, days debating a resolution that does this resolution. if they were in Iraq. That is what vic- nothing more than serve as a vote of no Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I now tory is about, is bringing as many confidence in the brave men and yield 5 minutes to Representative MIKE Americans home alive as we possibly women who are fighting for freedom ARCURI of New York, another rising can. and democracy in Iraq. Not only is this star from my home State. Madam Speaker, my colleagues on resolution discouraging to our com- Mr. ARCURI. Madam Speaker, Amer- the other side of the aisle had the bet- manders and forces, it will fuel the ef- icans are outraged with the present ter part of 3 years to use their position forts of our enemies who are deter- course in Iraq. Here we are more than in the majority to change the course in mined to spread terror and suppress 4 years later with 3,100 of our brave Iraq. They did nothing. No resolutions; freedom. men and women killed, fighting a war few, if any hearings; and no account- Despite numerous attacks by terror- that has cost our Nation $370 billion. ability. How many more American ists on U.S. military and diplomatic It has become overwhelmingly clear lives are worth risking to continue an targets throughout the 1990s, Ameri- that the current strategy to secure the ill-conceived and poorly planned strat- cans on September 11, 2001 awoke to peace of Iraq is failing. And yet the ad- egy that is clearly not working? the painful realization that we are en- ministration contends that sending The American people answered that gaged in a long-term global war with more combat troops into Iraq is some- question last November. They have had terrorists, an international campaign how a silver bullet that is going to enough, enough political rhetoric, to combat an ideology that spreads quell the ongoing violence. I couldn’t enough stay the course, and most im- hate and destruction. disagree more. portantly, enough of the loss of life. Iraq is now the central front in this The resolution before us today estab- Some of my colleagues are trying to global war. Success in bringing about a lishes two overwhelmingly clear and mischaracterize this resolution. They stable and democratic Iraq in the heart concise principles that are supported say this resolution somehow dem- of the Middle East is a goal that I be- by a large majority of Americans, and onstrates a failure to support our lieve we all share. I am confident will garner a great deal troops. That is ridiculous. While the difficulties cannot be mini- of support for many of my colleagues Let me be clear, perfectly clear. Ev- mized, neither can the consequences of on the other side of the aisle. eryone in this Chamber, Republicans failure and withdrawal. If we fail, the First and foremost, we support our and Democrats alike, support our brave resources now devoted by terrorist or- brave service men and women. They men and women serving in the Armed ganizations and nations sponsoring ter- have done everything that has been Forces. Simply because we believe the rorism in Iraq will be turned to spread- asked of them, bravely and honorably; best way to support our troops is to ing terror around the globe including, and for that, we in Congress and the bring them home does not mean that again, on American soil. Do not em- people all over America will be forever we don’t stand behind them. In fact, I bolden them with this resolution. grateful. think it means a greater commitment The United States and our allies, in Second, and simply, we oppose send- of support to them. fact, all freedom-loving peoples, need ing additional troops into Iraq. Madam Speaker, I was not elected to to support the popularly elected Iraqi Madam Speaker, during this debate blindly follow along. I was not elected Government in establishing control some of my colleagues have used the to accept the status quo, and I was not over their country and providing a sta- term ‘‘victory’’ in their remarks. Vic- elected to be a rubber stamp. I was, ble environment for the Iraqi people tory. But no one, not one of my col- however, elected to stand up when nec- and our troops as they assist in this leagues in this Chamber, nor anyone in essary and say no, I disagree. And that process. Together, we have made sig- this administration, has yet to clearly is exactly what we are doing here nificant progress, despite numerous ob- define what victory in Iraq really today, we are standing and saying we stacles. means. disagree. Iraqis made history when they At one point we were told victory The American people have run out of turned out in record numbers, despite meant getting rid of weapons of mass hope. They are tired of the failed poli- increased violence, to vote in the first destruction. Then, of course, we cies of this administration. It is time free elections in over 50 years. Millions learned there were no weapons of mass for a new approach. It is time for a new of Iraqis waved their purple-tipped fin- destruction. When that didn’t work, we strategy, and it is time for a new direc- gers with pride as they came out of the were told victory meant toppling a dic- tion voting stations, a message to the world tator, and that we would be greeted as Mr. SAXTON. Madam Speaker, I that they chose freedom. heroes. We toppled the dictator, but of yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from The President is the Commander in course we were never greeted as heroes. Roanoke, VA (Mr. GOODLATTE). Chief and has the authority to make And yet, still no victory. Mr. GOODLATTE. Madam Speaker, I decisions about the best way to accom- The administration then told us es- rise in opposition to the nonbinding plish our goals in Iraq. He has initiated tablishing elections would constitute resolution being offered by the major- changes to our course in Iraq. victory. There have been several elec- ity which, despite the rhetoric, However, today we will not be voting tions in Iraq, yet still no victory. And amounts to nothing more than a vote for change. We will not be voting for a all the while, the casualties have con- to maintain the status quo in Iraq. comprehensive review of our strategy tinued to rise. This resolution offers no change from in Iraq. It is too bad that when we all Earlier this week, I had an oppor- the recent course of events in Iraq. It have concerns about how best to tunity, for the first time, to visit with does not take into consideration the achieve success in Iraq, the Democratic wounded soldiers recovering at Walter recommendations of the bipartisan leadership has brought this polarizing Reed Army Medical Hospital. Seeing Iraq Study Group. It does not require and political resolution to the floor to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00187 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4286 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 divide us, rather than unite us, on the duction. However, I am concerned that one agrees is unacceptable. This resolu- most serious question facing the coun- only 25 percent of the Iraqi population tion offers no alternative strategy. try today. has access to drinkable water. As we consider the challenges in Iraq, For this reason, I urge my colleagues b 1600 we need to remember and learn from to vote against this nonbinding resolu- the lessons of Afghanistan. In the 1980s, I am concerned that of the 136 sanita- tion, which lacks any substance. I re- we supported the people of Afghanistan tion and water projects, only 49 are mind my colleagues that a ‘‘no’’ vote in defeating the Soviets, helping throw said to be completed. I am concerned on this resolution is certainly not a the Soviets out of that country. In 1989, that the residents of Baghdad only rubber stamp for the President’s troop when that happened, what did we do? have 41⁄2 hours of electricity per day. surge. We walked away. We did not finish the And I am concerned that the current While I continue to support the mis- job. We did not help the people of Af- oil production in Iraq is half of what it sion in Iraq, I think it is clear that the ghanistan to stand up a secure and sta- was prior to the war. administration’s efforts to achieve the ble government. Instead, we walked mission have not been flawless. But a Since the reconstruction project started, the Coalition Provisional Au- away. Who filled the vacuum? The vote against this resolution is a clear Taliban, and ultimately al Qaeda, a vote to support our commanders and thority can’t account for almost $9 bil- lion of the taxpayers’ money. Every safe haven for them to plan attacks troops and all those who have lost against America and its interests. their lives spreading freedom to the year, $4 billion has been lost because of In 1989, I imagine that few Americans people of Iraq. lack of oversight. I believe that more should be done to There have also been many problems believed that what went on in the press the now established Iraqi Govern- with poor project and quality manage- mountains of Afghanistan would im- ment and U.S.-trained Iraqi military to ment. For example, the Baghdad Police pact the lives of Americans here at take the lead. I believe more can be College cost $75 million, and it was home. On September 11, 2001, in a trag- done on the diplomatic front to engage built without the proper plumbing for ic fashion we learned that that was the the countries of the Middle East to waste water. It has become a health case, that what went on in Afghanistan help. and a structural hazard. The Basrah mattered here at home. We cannot af- But unfortunately, no such resolu- Children’s Hospital is running $48 mil- ford to make the same mistake now in tion offering concrete evidence has lion over budget and is a year behind Iraq, to allow Iraq to become a safe been allowed, and this hollow process schedule. And after spending $186 mil- haven for al Qaeda and other enemies has resulted in a hollow resolution. lion, Parsons has only 6 of the 150 of our Nation and our citizens. I urge my colleagues to vote ‘‘no.’’ planned health care centers completed The Iraq Study Group offered a com- Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, it is and only 14 more will be finished. The prehensive approach to the challenges my pleasure to yield 5 minutes to a list goes on and on. of Iraq. It included political, diplo- great new member of our Foreign Af- Madam Speaker, the Iraqi Govern- matic, and military options. As part of fairs Committee, Mr. ALBIO SIRES of ment says $100 billion is needed over the military proposal, it dismissed in- New Jersey. the next 4 years to rebuild the coun- creasing our troop levels by 100,000 to Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, I rise try’s infrastructure. Madam Speaker, 200,000 troops, saying it was not fea- today in support of this resolution on the Iraqi Government seems to think sible and would lend to the argument behalf of the 32,000 men and women they have open access to U.S. dollars. of an occupation. from my State of New Jersey, and all The Iraqi Government and the Iraqi However, the Iraq Study Group did the other servicemen and women that people must take responsibility and support more limited troop reinforce- have been deployed since 9/11. I am so help rebuild their country. Our support ments. And I quote from the Iraq proud of their sacrifice and service to is not open-ended, and neither are our Study Group report: ‘‘We could, how- our Nation, and I will continue and al- tax dollars. ever, support a short-term deployment ways support them. After all, I am Madam Speaker, I support this reso- or a surge of American combat forces standing in front of you as a product of lution and this debate because our to stabilize Baghdad or to speed up the the sacrifices our soldiers have made in troops and our constituents can no training and equipping mission if the the name of liberty and freedom longer afford to have this Congress sup- United States commander in Iraq de- throughout the history of this country. port the administration’s failed Iraqi termined that such steps would be ef- I also rise on behalf of my constitu- policies. They failed to give us the nec- fective.’’ ents, the people of New Jersey, and the essary oversight for Iraq reconstruc- The report goes on to dismiss the people of this Nation whose tax dollars tion efforts, they failed to listen to the idea of an immediate withdrawal. Well, are paying for this war in Iraq. Since advice of the military commanders, our commander in Iraq today, General the beginning of the war, $379 billion they failed to listen to the American Petraeus, an individual confirmed has been appropriated. Another $235 people, and, as a result, they failed to unanimously by the United States Sen- billion is slated for the upcoming sup- provide a plan to success in Iraq. ate, is on record supporting the need plemental appropriations. We are cur- Mr. SAXTON. Madam Speaker, I for these additional reinforcements. rently spending $8 billion a month in would like to yield 4 minutes to the Iraq, and the American people are foot- gentleman from York, PA (Mr. Ultimately, the key to long-term ing the bill. PLATTS). success in Iraq is the Iraqi people All this money could have been used Mr. PLATTS. I thank the gentleman themselves. They need to show the to declare war on some of our domestic for yielding. ability and the will to stand up and se- problems here at home such as poverty, Madam Speaker, I want to first take cure their emerging democracy. Having improving our schools, ensuring access this opportunity to express my heart- liberated Iraq from a regime of terror to health care and investing in afford- felt gratitude and deep respect for our and torture, our role today is to assist able housing. This money could have troops and civilians serving in harm’s the Iraqis in achieving a stable and se- been used to invest in our children, our way. I have had the privilege of vis- cure nation. This reinforcement effort family, our veterans, and especially iting our troops in Iraq on four occa- is part of that effort, along with re- our elderly. But it wasn’t. sions and Afghanistan twice, and they gional diplomatic efforts and internal Instead, American taxpayers have and their families are truly the heroes Iraqi political reconciliation efforts. also committed more than $38 billion in America. We are now in the role of helping the to Iraq reconstruction. About 33 per- I rise today in opposition to this res- Iraqis help themselves. We cannot for- cent of this money is targeted for in- olution, a resolution that seeks to get the lessons of Afghanistan and frastructure projects like roads, sanita- maintain the status quo, in essence, to walk away. tion, water, electric power and oil pro- stay the course, a scenario that every- I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00188 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4287 Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, it is now dedication to country. In fact, it is my brought forth by the majority says two my pleasure to yield 5 minutes to an- admiration and respect for our brave conflicting things: we are opposed to other great new freshman, Representa- warriors that motivate my decision to the war in Iraq, but we are for staying tive ZACK SPACE of Ohio. express my dissatisfaction with the the course. These two positions are ir- Mr. SPACE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today President’s plan to subject more of reconcilable. to share with you my belief that we, as them to the ravages of war. As I watch this debate, I have not a people, are at a crossroads unlike any To date, over 3,000 Americans have seen any proposals for change. What we in our history. We have seen our manu- fallen in this war. All of them loved are debating today is the same as what facturing-based economy assaulted by their country enough to place them- has been debated in the past. We stand the forces of globalization, the chal- selves in harm’s way in her defense. All here in this body controlled by a new lenges of the ensuing revolution and of them left behind their families, who majority who campaigned on insti- energy production squarely upon us, will never stop grieving. All of them tuting change, claimed to be the party and we are at the dawning of a new un- have been deprived of the pleasures and of change, and has control of the gavel derstanding, the fragileness of our en- privileges of a full life, just as we who in both Houses of Congress. Instead of vironment. All of these things are, in remain have been deprived of the con- offering a path to victory, they are their own right, seminal concerns of a tributions to our society that each playing politics. profound scale, but in spite of the grav- would have given. My question is, what does this vote ity and import of these issues, there is Fifteen young men from Ohio’s dis- actually accomplish? Does it imple- perhaps no more compelling matter be- trict have died in this war, all of them ment new ideas to win the war in Iraq? fore us than that of the war in Iraq. were loved dearly. They are fathers, Will our country be safer because of My colleagues on both sides of the sons, brothers, and husbands. Ohio’s this resolution? Does it enable our aisle are distressed by the tragic turns 18th is exclusively rural in makeup, troops to fight more effectively by giv- that this war has taken. I do not, at dotted by one small town and village ing them the supplies that they need? this moment, nor do my colleagues, I after another. Our people are decent, The answer to these questions is a sim- presume, wish to draw upon the moti- hardworking, and imbued with a strong ple ‘‘no.’’ vations or lack of candor exhibited by sense of personal responsibility. Our As a newly elected Member, I came our President in letting slip the dogs of community is close knit and sup- here to find solutions to our country’s war. But I do long for leadership, lead- portive. The death of each one of these problems. To that end, I am supporting ership seasoned and honest enough to brave soldiers was met with a deep legislation to institute benchmarks. I admit when a mistake has been made, sense of communal grief. am supporting legislation that will leadership that has a vision for the fu- This resolution stresses a message make our troops and their needs fully ture, leadership able to meld the inher- that many believed in. We support our funded. I support diplomacy and mak- ent wisdom of man with the realities of troops, we support their commitment ing the Iraqi Government more ac- the modern world. to and sacrifice for our Nation, we sup- countable. Under our form of government, it is port their families and those of the The message that I want to send on the President who is singularly en- fallen in their silent and eternal heart- our troop is, I am with you, and you dowed with this leadership; yet at this ache. We cannot fully understand their can count on me. critical historical moment, our call for pain, but perhaps we can learn from it. b 1615 leadership and inspiration has been Mr. Speaker, I cannot support a unmet. As a result, Mr. Speaker, I troop surge without real answers as to Because, really, we are counting on today voice my opposition to the Presi- how it will bring success in Iraq. I can- them. dent’s plan to deploy additional troops not support escalation without regard Mr. Speaker, why can’t we be for to Iraq. to diplomacy, without regard to the po- something today, an actual alter- The crisis that Iraq has become will litical realities of the region, and with- native, instead of debating a non- not be resolved merely with more, out regard to the underlying dynamics binding resolution that tells our sol- more, more, more troops, more tours of this conflict. diers we don’t support your mission? and deployment extensions, more inju- There is an unspoken pledge between Our enemies believe America is weak ries, more deaths. Simply providing a soldier of war and the mechanisms of and their propaganda says the United more without a blueprint is not power. That warrior unquestioningly States is losing the war against ter- enough. Without a clear plan and a serves, defends and, if need be, dies. In rorism. clear objective, a troop increase will consideration, he expects his govern- Osama bin Laden’s deputy and ter- not help our Iraq policy. In fact, it will ment to only place him in harm’s way rorist network have stated that Iraq is only deepen the disaster that Iraq has when need be, and only through a the central front in their fight against become. painstakingly thought-out plan for vic- American and Western ideals. Iraq is I do not utter these thoughts lightly. tory. the central front to push their radical I share these sentiments, knowing that Our troops have fulfilled their pledge ideology of hate and intolerance. These all of the people that I represent will to our country. It is time that our are the real bad guys. These are the not necessarily agree with me. I fear country fulfill its pledge to our troops. people we should be focusing our atten- that my remarks will be misconstrued Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, at this tion on, not tearing down our leaders, as reflecting something less than a full time I would like to yield 3 minutes to commanders and brave soldiers in the commitment to the brave men and the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. HELL- field. The reality is the terrorists are women who have served or are serving ER). determined to kill Americans, wher- their country in uniform, or to those Mr. HELLER of Nevada. Thank you ever we may be. Therefore, we must heroes who have given their very lives for the time. take the fight to them. for this cause. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk The fact is, this resolution only Let there be no mistake, Mr. Speak- about the issue before us, the war in strengthens our enemies and does noth- er, I have at the very heart of my moti- Iraq. ing to solve or address any of the na- vation for these remarks a sincere ap- In this past year, the American peo- tional security issues facing our coun- preciation for the sacrifice of our ple clearly demanded change. I am new try. The stakes are high in Iraq. Noth- brothers and sisters who have been dis- to this body, but I know Nevadans ing less than our very safety and sur- patched to fight this war. They, and wanted me to help institute changes in vival is at issue. Nothing less than the their families by extension, have been the direction of this country. lives of the courageous members of our called into action under trying cir- As we debate this resolution, I really armed services are on the line. It is cumstances, and I am profoundly have to wonder if we have heard the critical that we have a real debate on moved by their sense of courage and American people. This resolution the issues and address these points.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00189 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4288 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 Let’s, instead, together look for a step up. And today it is reported that oppose the administration’s escalation new way forward, for a path to victory they plan to send our troops off to Iraq of the war in Iraq. and for the best way to support our without up-armored Humvees. This is Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 brave men and women overseas who are deja vu all over again, a lack of plan- minutes to the gentlelady from Cape fighting to keep us safe. Let’s instead ning, combined with a lack of candor. Girardeau, Missouri (Mrs. EMERSON). focus on what we need to win this vital Relying on a military force alone as Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, it lit- conflict, not a meaningless resolution, a strategy continues the administra- erally breaks my heart to be here which is what we are offered here tion’s one-legged-stool approach to for- today. Young Americans from my dis- today. eign policy. Absent an Iraqi Govern- trict have gone to Iraq and we have To paraphrase the late Charlie Nor- ment committed to forging a political lost some of our best, brightest sol- wood, a decorated war veteran, ‘‘The solution to the country’s woes and ab- diers. One of the finest men I ever met, choice before us today is clear: either sent the infrastructure for jobs and re- who I had the privilege of appointing to America or al Qaeda.’’ construction programs, the one-legged West Point, lost his life in Iraq just Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 stool cannot stand. We have already last September. I feel responsible in minutes to a great new Member, the lost billions in U.S. and Iraqi dollars to part. We all are, in part. gentleman from New Hampshire (Mr. fraud, waste and abuse. Very little has been asked of most HODES). Baghdad is a city of some 7 million Americans in this war, but too much Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I come to people. In a city that size, an injection has been asked of a very few. the floor today to voice support for our of 20,000 troops is too little too late. If anything comes from this debate, troops, without reservation, and to op- The administration talks of victory in Mr. Speaker, I hope it is a consensus for our responsibilities in this conflict. pose the administration’s proposed es- Iraq. The word is meant to stir our pa- This House is about different points of calation in Iraq. triotic fervor. But in this matter, it view, speech and debate, in an institu- We are at a turning point in Amer- has, unfortunately, a sad and hollow ican history. This Congress will shortly tion that belongs to the people. ring. Our Nation is protected by the brav- vote on a bold, clear resolution, repudi- As a result of the administration’s est of the brave, who leave their homes ating the administration’s failed policy ineptitude, we are left making the best and families to stand guard on foreign in Iraq, a fiasco which has weakened out of a bad situation. We owe it to our shores. Some of them are the first in our security, threatened our military troops, the American people, and the their families to wear the uniform of readiness, cost thousands of lives and Iraqis to act wisely and strategically. our country. Others have done so for wasted billions of dollars. The administration talks tough. We generations. I was elected to Congress from the must be tough, smart and fearless. These young men and women hold great State of New Hampshire, prom- That means a new direction in Iraq. dear connections to every town in ising return of congressional account- Our first order should be to address America. We are wrapping the fallen in ability and oversight. For the past 6 the missing second leg of the stool. Re- our flag. They deserve the best plan- years, while Congress was under Re- place the military surge with a diplo- ning, the clearest execution, the ut- publican control, only 12 hearings were matic surge, convene a high-level team most care in their deployments, and held on the Iraq war, but in the past 6 of special envoys, send them to the re- heroes’ welcomes when they return. weeks this Congress has held 52 hear- gion, and send them there until the job But it is not enough to give them pa- ings. is done. rades. It is not enough to give ampu- The evidence is clear that the Amer- The third leg of the stool is eco- tees the best VA care. Nor is it enough ican people and Congress were misled nomic. We need a real economic recon- to bury them well. We cannot allow into the war in Iraq. No weapons of struction program, but only on strict their service to be undermined. mass destruction, no links between conditions that the Iraqi Government Congress and the administration Saddam Hussein and al Qaeda, no im- step up to quell the violence and en- have been locked in a struggle to show minent threat to our national security. gage in reconciliation and oil revenue- the proper support very nearly from Our resources, effort and attention sharing. the beginning of this war. Personnel were recklessly diverted from the war It is past time to remove our troops armor, communications equipment, ve- in Afghanistan, which I supported, and from the middle of this civil war, rede- hicle kits, the things these Americans which continues to require our vigi- ploy them strategically in the region need, not for comfort but to preserve lance and commitment. to give pause to our foes and send the their lives amid danger, have in some This administration has now lost its troops we need to Afghanistan where cases been supplied by soldiers’ fami- credibility with the American people they can support the government and lies and others because the Department and with the world. To succeed in the deal with the resurgent Taliban. Deal- of Defense, which received $500 billion Middle East, we must regain our moral ing with Iran is, of course, challenging; last year, has run out. Supply-chain compass and embrace a new direction but harsh rhetoric and saber-rattling issues abound. Training has been in- in Iraq. The administration’s stubborn are counterproductive in the complex, complete or insufficient for the new de- arrogance and incompetence has mag- destabilized Middle East. mands on our troops. I still cannot dis- nified the chaos in Iraq. The true test of leadership is facing cern a clear articulation of the mission Our brave troops have done every- reality and having the good judgment of these men and women in the field. I thing asked of them, but the adminis- and wisdom to adapt to the reality. By loathe revisiting these failures, but re- tration’s failures in planning post- passing this resolution, we are sending sponsible representation demands we conflict reconstruction and its shock- the administration an unambiguous do so. ing incompetence in management have message: No more blank checks. We Every American knows that America opened the Pandora’s box of sectarian have had enough. It is time to face the cannot do the work of Iraq’s natural al- violence and civil war. reality in Iraq and develop a respon- lies. We cannot supplant Iraq’s neigh- Escalation has been tried before and sible and comprehensive strategy to bors who depend on the nation’s viabil- it has failed before. The administration protect American security in the re- ity for their own stability. We can be claims this escalation is different. The gion. many things in Iraq, but we cannot be administration says there are bench- Much has been asked of this country all things to Iraq. marks for the Iraqis, but what I have in the past, and the future will inevi- We can make good on our commit- concluded from our hearings and brief- tably require sacrifice, but it does not ment to American troops serving in ings is that no firm benchmarks for the require sending 20,000 more American Iraq, and here is how: We can offer Iraqis have been set. troops to Iraq. It does not require an them the support of a robust American Clearly, the administration intends escalation of this war. I urge my col- Diplomatic Corps to do jobs our sol- to escalate, whether or not the Iraqis leagues to support the resolution, and I diers should not have to do and to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00190 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4289 avoid conflicts and enemies they The United States requires a new by and allow him to recklessly endan- should not have to engage. path in Iraq, a path that will deploy ger American lives and security. If the We can secure funds for Iraq that our troops out of Iraq; a path that will President refuses to change course, guarantee our soldiers have the gear force the Iraqi Government to plan for this Congress will be forced to act. and training they need to stay safe, its own defense; a path that will engage We will no longer allow him to send and that means more than writing the countries throughout the region and underequipped and underprepared units taxpayers’ check. That means diligent, around the world to help stabilize and into combat. We will demand appro- scrutinizing oversight of how our protect Iraq; and a path that will allow priate accounting standards and no money is spent. the United States military to rebuild longer allow billions of taxpayer dol- We can assure that the deployment of and refocus on the important mission lars to disappear unaccounted for into American troops is deliberate in every of destroying al Qaeda and defending the rabbit hole of Iraq. And we must way. America from the threat of inter- not let our National Guard continue to We can offset the engagement of national terrorism. be decimated by repeated and extended American troops far from home with Sadly, the escalation proposed by the activation. the engagement of Iraqi troops in their President does none of these things. I recently met a young man from my own cities and towns. We can speed The President’s plan continues down district who has been accepted at West this transition by immediately secur- the same path we have traveled for the Point and who will soon serve as a fu- ing Iraq’s borders, by providing aggres- last 4 years. These years have taught ture leader in the United States Army. sive training to Iraqi units and by lend- us that U.S. military power alone is I want to ensure that when he grad- ing our expertise to building Iraqi in- not sufficient to stabilize Iraq, yet it is uates from West Point and accepts his stitutions in addition to building the the only tool this President employs. commission, the Army he joins will not Iraqi army. We can do these things, From the outset, this administration be decimated by the mistakes in Iraq. and we must. has been wrong. The administration led I also want to talk about the vet- We can do much more than debate a erans of this war and the unique chal- nonbinding resolution, one that allows us into a war with flawed intelligence. lenges they will face. I am proud and politics to creep into the question of That is one wrong. The administration honored to be on the Veterans’ Affairs support for our troops at a time when went to war without a plan to win the Committee. I am proud that one of my our support must be complete and it peace. Two wrongs. This administra- first votes in Congress was to provide must be unquestioned. tion chose to protect Iraqi oil fields be- The liberation of Iraq means more fore securing the ammunition dumps an increase in VA health care funding. than words and more than weapons. throughout the country. Three wrongs. Currently, there is a backlog of near- Liberation needs diplomacy, libraries, This administration sent our troops ly 600,000 pending veterans claims at schools and economic stability, steady into harm’s way without enough body the VA. We must reduce this number so work and clean water, safe streets, as armor or armored vehicles. Four that all veterans can be better served. well as safe passage. The measures of wrongs. This administration gave no- We must provide funding to better di- this progress must be widely known bid contracts to its friends and polit- agnose and treat post-traumatic stress and the planners of this war must be ical allies. That is five wrongs. disorder. I am appalled that during this time of war the administration would completely accountable. b 1630 Every day we do not define the terms cut funding for research on prosthetic Years ago now, President Bush stood of progress, we lay a grave trans- technologies that will let our wounded on the deck of the USS Abraham Lin- gression at the feet of the mothers of veterans lead more normal lives. coln before a banner declaring mission the fallen, of the brothers of the killed, My district is the home of West Point accomplished and said, ‘‘Major combat of the soldiers who were just far Military Academy and, as such, has a operations in Iraq have ended.’’ That is enough away from the IED that, when unique perspective on the war. The six wrongs. it exploded, they lost their limbs but leaders that emerge from the halls of Now, this administration wants us to not their lives. that institution are an invaluable re- Mr. Speaker, I cannot lend my sup- blindly place our faith and the lives of source for our Nation. Sadly, we have port to this resolution. It sets too poor 20,000 more of our troops in an Iraqi lost over 50 West Point graduates in a precedent in this Congress when our Government that has failed to meet Iraq and others in the services and standards for action must be high. every security obligation it has throughout my district. Words cannot replace deeds in support pledged. Sadly, once again, this Presi- My brother-in-law is a lieutenant of our American troops. dent is wrong, and no amount of colonel who works at West Point. My Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I can’t tell wrongs is going to make the Presi- nephew is a cadet. The courage, devo- you how much pleasure it gives me to dent’s policy towards Iraq right. tion and conscientiousness of the men introduce our next speaker, who rep- It is time for a new kind of escalation and women of the United States Mili- resents a district adjacent to mine. I on the diplomatic front. A stable Iraq tary Academy embody the best of am so delighted to have him in Con- is in the United States’ interests and in America. gress, and I know his constituents are the interests of Iraq’s neighbors. How- In the words of the sheriff of Putnam as well. ever, the President has done next to County, a retired brigadier general, one I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman nothing to gain the assistance of re- should never send our Armed Forces to from New York (Mr. HALL). gional partners. do a job which is not militarily achiev- Mr. HALL of New York. Mr. Speaker, Inside Iraq, the government must able. I thank the gentleman. meet its promises to reach out beyond I support this resolution Mr. Speaker, I stand with the other its base of support and unite the Iraqi Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 members of my freshman class to sup- people. Sending more troops into Iraq minutes to the gentleman from Alaska port this important resolution. My does nothing to push the Iraqi Govern- (Mr. YOUNG). election and those of my fellow fresh- ment towards greater self-reliance. At Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I man colleagues were an unmistakable a time when it is incumbent upon the have listened to this debate on both signal from the American people. They Iraqi Government to step up and do sides of the aisle for the last 2 days, the believe the President’s path in Iraq is more, why should we give them the op- third day in fact, and probably will lis- wrong and they want new voices to portunity to do less? ten to it tomorrow. produce change. This resolution is an important first I rise in opposition to H. Con. Res. 63, Mr. Speaker, I am one of those step that voices loud and clear the and I would like to make a quote: voices, and today I rise to speak with message America sent last November, ‘‘Congressmen who willfully take ac- the American people to oppose the and it puts the President on notice tions during wartime that damage mo- President’s escalation. that the Congress will no longer stand rale and undermine the military are

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00191 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4290 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 saboteurs and should be arrested, ex- this bipartisan resolution which states Mr. Speaker, I came to Congress to iled or hanged,’’ Abraham Lincoln, who that Congress and the American people serve and protect my country. That is had the same problem this President support our men and women in uni- why I rise in support of this resolution. had with a very unpopular war. The form, but do not support deploying In the Navy, when we run a ship same problem with people trying to re- over 21,000 additional troops to Iraq. aground, we change the course. It is direct the Commander in Chief; the I fear that President Bush’s plan to now time to change the course in Iraq, same problem, if they had been suc- increase troop levels is a mistake. not needlessly send more American cessful, we would not have had the Sending more troops will not reduce troops in harm’s way. freedom of the people in this country. the violence. Indeed, in the past 2 Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 What I say today is for my daughters, years, we have had three surges to Iraq, minutes to the gentleman from Mobile, my Joanie, my Dawn; my grandkids, only to see dramatic increases in vio- Alabama (Mr. BONNER). Wyatt, Guy, James Duffy, Katie, Jes- lence. Why would we think a fourth Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, as my sie, Don, Niky, Dougy and Don, Eric surge will be different? colleagues and certainly the people and all the rest of them I missed and I Mr. Speaker, 21,000 troop is far less from my home in south Alabama know, apologize, because what we are about than a half measure of what is truly I do not often come to this floor, either to do tomorrow in voting for this reso- needed to secure Iraq, but the unfortu- to hear my own voice or to offer some lution is beginning a slippery slope nate reality is that we no longer have prophetic words of wisdom on whatever down the slide of not being able to pro- the troops available to do the job prop- the topic of the day happens to be. vide the freedom and the position in erly. Indeed, the Army’s strategic re- this world this country has done for serve is used up. They told us so. We My father often taught me that you the last 90 years, beginning in 1916, are now less able to respond in other learn a lot more from listening than 1917, in World War I, which my father trouble spots around the globe because you do from talking. So in many ways, fought in; in World War II, where five of this failed policy. that is what I have been doing the past of my cousins were shot numerous Why are we not matching our mili- few days, listening to my colleagues times for freedom of the people and tary surge with a diplomatic surge? and thinking about the consequences of freedom of this country; and, yes, the Why are we not engaging every nation the words that we are debating. Korean War, the time in which I was in the region to end this civil war? After a lot of listening to a lot of drafted. A superpower at war uses all means words, however, I find myself com- Fortunately or unfortunately, I did at its disposal to win, including diplo- pelled to come and say in the most di- not serve, but my colleagues did. Each macy. Diplomacy is the only way for us rect way I know that I am opposed to time we went there to make freedom, to succeed now, and I urge the adminis- this nonbinding resolution. Let me say never once did the Congress in that tration to launch a diplomatic offen- that again for that is, after all, what role undermine the military or the sive in the region. we are talking about. This is a non- Commander in Chief. Our enemies are encouraged and binding resolution. It is nothing more Then we came to Vietnam, and we emboldened by the successes that they than a few words on a piece of paper, began to fight a war by the media, a have enjoyed already. We do not need and yet they are powerful words that war without allowing the troops to do to send 21,000 troops additional to rein- have the potential of being demor- the job they should have done, and in force this. Instead, we should be chang- alizing and possibly even destructive. fact, we lost that war. And imme- ing our focus. Rather than sending Make no mistake that the resolution diately after withdrawing, we saw what more American troops into combat, we we are debating today does not have happened. Khymer Rouge killed 2 mil- should be training Iraqis to handle the the force of law behind it. So for those lion people. People forget that. Two job for themselves. For every Iraqi bat- of you who are watching at home, let million heads were laying around, talion we train, we need to bring an us be clear. At a time when the Presi- lolling around Cambodia. And then we American battalion home. dent recognizes that the situation in had Grenada, which was very short and My district in northeastern and cen- Iraq is unacceptable and it is clear that very sweet, and of the course, the Gulf tral Pennsylvania has many of its we need to change our strategy, this War was 110 days. And now we come to bravest men and women in harm’s way. resolution will not stop the deploy- I am very proud of them, so are their the Afghanistan war and the Iraq war. ment of a single soldier or marine to families and their communities. Our I suggest to you this resolution will Iraq, nor will it bring a single soldier district, sadly, has lost 22 men in this undermine and cause a morale disrup- or marine home to their families or war, brave troops who paid the ulti- tion to our troops. Nowhere can you be loved ones. mate sacrifice for their country. I rise in the field and understand the Con- More importantly, this resolution gress of the United States now is not today to honor them and also to stand up for the troops currently in combat. does not offer any alternative strategy. going to support them when they say Nothing. Zip. It is silent with regard to they do, when they say they are going The stories I hear from soldiers who our country’s ongoing efforts in fight- to cut their funding in the future. return home leave me concerned that ing the global war on terror. Instead, it It is a slippery slope down this slide the administration has not done of not being the leaders of this Nation enough to protect them. One of my own is simply and unfortunately a method for freedom, and this is what I thought former students, a member of a Penn- by which the House Democratic major- this country is about, freedom for each sylvania National Guard unit, told me ity is seeking to send a message to the individual in this world and in our how his unit had to scrounge through President of the United States. country. And to have this occur tomor- Iraqi junkyards for scrap metal to weld But let us not kid ourselves. The row on the 16th is a disservice to the on to their trucks for more protection. words spoken in this Chamber this future generations, the generations of Junkyards? Scrap metal? Where is week will travel much farther than the Americans who will not have the op- the outrage that this administration distance between this building, the portunity to be in the greatest country has not given the troops the protection Capitol, and where the President lives, in the world because of the action of that they need? Where is the outrage the White House. In reality, these this Congress. that our fine men and women, whose words will travel far beyond our shores, I urge a very, very strong ‘‘no’’ on H. job it is to protect our Nation, are across the globe to the 140,000 men and Con. Res. 63. scrounging through foreign junkyards women who are currently deployed in Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, it is now for that protection? Iraq and engaged in but one part, ad- my privilege to yield 5 minutes to the The troops have won the war, but the mittedly an important part, of the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. administration has failed to secure the global war on terror and the Islamic CARNEY). peace. We must now pursue policies militant extremists we are fighting. Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Speaker, I stand worthy of our troops and their sac- I know we have heard Democrat after today as a proud veteran in support of rifices. Democrat and a few Republicans, to be

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00192 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4291 fair, come to this floor and say, we sup- sequences. Vote ‘‘no’’ on this resolu- Traveling through my district, peo- port our troops and we support this res- tion. ple in South Florida are demanding olution; but with all due respect, I find Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, it is now that Congress ask the tough questions it totally inconsistent to say you sup- my privilege to yield 5 minutes to the concerning our policy in Iraq. Well, we port our troops and at the same time gentleman from Florida (Mr. KLEIN). have asked these tough questions, and you support this resolution. Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I I along with many of my fellow Mem- How can we really expect our soldiers stand here today in support of House bers of this House, both Democrats and to have the will to succeed when this Concurrent Resolution 63 which op- Republicans, have come to the same body as a whole does not have the re- poses the President’s decision to deploy conclusion: The President’s plan to in- solve to stand by them and their mis- 21,000 additional U.S. combat troops to crease troops is wrong. sion? Do we think our troops do not lis- Iraq. The administration has based this ten to what is being said here in Wash- I am also here to specifically honor plan in part on the readiness of the ington and around the country? During the Broward County Veterans Council, Iraqi Security Forces to stand up and my visits to Iraq, I found just the oppo- who recently adopted a resolution con- take control. I have heard nothing site to be the case. cerning the war in Iraq. The Broward from our military experts that would So while the underlying message of County Veterans Council represents a indicate that the Iraqi troops are any- this resolution is intended for the host of veterans groups throughout where near prepared to bring order to President, it is only logical to ask who Broward County, Florida, including the this troubled country. else might be listening. What about the Broward chapters of the American Le- General Colin Powell recently told families of these soldiers who are anx- gion, AMVETS, Disabled American the associated press, and I quote, ‘‘I am iously awaiting their safe return home. Veterans, Fleet Reserve, Gold Star not persuaded that another surge of Make no mistake, they will hear this Mothers, Italian American Veterans, troops in Baghdad, for the purposes of message loud and clear. Jewish War Veterans, Marine Corps suppressing this violence, this civil And then there is the very real League, Navy League Council, The war, will work.’’ chance that the families of the thou- Order of the Purple Heart, The Para- And four-star General Barry McCaf- sands of Alabama National Guard lyzed Veterans Association, Reserved frey called the President’s surge plan members who have been deployed to Officers Association, Retired Officers last month, ‘‘a fool’s errand.’’ Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as the Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, These are some of the experts we families of all active and Reserve Vietnam Veterans of America, and should be listening to. forces, will read the glaring subtext of World War I Barracks. Mr. Speaker, I ask you, as the civil this resolution and hear the people’s The Broward County Veterans Coun- war in Iraq spirals out of control, as House signaling that we will not be cil led by its Chairman, Bill Kling, Iraqi Security Forces continue to be able to prevail in Iraq, the cause is adopted this resolution unanimously ill-prepared, and as we continue to al- lost, and their loved one’s sacrifice is on January 16, 2007. And the spirit of ienate our allies around the world, for naught. this resolution is as follows: what warrants this administration to Whereas, the President of the United continue on the same path in Iraq and b 1645 States has put forth a plan to the add more troops? So far, nothing. Unfortunately, the words of this res- American people and to Congress which We have no business sending over olution will also travel to the ears of calls for an escalation of 20,000 or more 21,000 additional troops in the middle of our enemies. And what could be better of our troops going to Iraq to combat a growing civil war. We have no busi- news for our enemies than that Amer- the insurrection in Baghdad and the ness sending over 21,000 additional ica is divided, an America that does Anbar province; and troops when, as it is, our military is al- not have the will to succeed. Whereas, the majority in Congress ready stretched too thin. And because On this topic, let’s look to the man has put forth several plans that do not our military is already dangerously who knows the enemy in Iraq better include an escalation of combat troops; pushed to the limit, we have put our- than anyone, General David Petraeus. and selves in the precarious position of You remember General Petraeus; he Whereas, the American people have dealing with real threats like Iran, just received an overwhelming vote of made it clear they want a new direc- while at the same time protecting our confidence when he was unanimously tion in Iraq and Afghanistan; and allies like Israel and some other Middle confirmed by the United States Senate Whereas, the administration’s at- Eastern friends. to command our forces in Iraq. At his tempts to escalate the war previously For these reasons, I am advocating confirmation hearing, General by sending additional troops to Iraq for a plan, as others are, devised by our Petraeus was asked if a congressional have unfortunately failed to stop the military experts that supports a phased resolution disapproving the deploy- bloodshed between the Sunnis and the withdrawal of our troops. But while our ment of additional troops would en- Shia; brave men and women in uniform are courage the enemy. His response was Therefore, the Broward County Vet- serving, it is critical that we provide direct and unequivocal. ‘‘That is cor- erans Council believes that the best them nothing less than the best protec- rect, sir.’’ plan is to bring troops home in a tion and support. We have more than a Let me say that again. General phased redeployment so that we may responsibility to support our troops; we Petraeus, our commander in the get them out of harm’s way. have a solemn obligation, and that ob- ground on Iraq, believes that a resolu- Veterans groups, along with families ligation extends to asking the tough tion disapproving the deployment of across my district, are very concerned questions and getting our policy right. additional troops, which is what we are about the direction this war has taken In honor of the Broward County Vet- debating today, will encourage our and are demanding a change in strat- erans Council and the veterans living enemy. egy. in Palm Beach County, in recognition He went on to say that this is a test To President Bush their message is of their heroism and commitment to of wills, and at the end of the day a loud and clear: This war has been mis- our country, I support this resolution. commander in such an endeavor would managed, the strategies for success Mr. Speaker, I stand here today in support obviously like the enemy to feel that have failed; our national and personal of H.R. 63, which opposes the President’s de- there is no hope. But instead of saying security interests, most importantly, cision to deploy 21,000 additional U.S. combat there is no hope to the enemy, we are are not being enhanced and in fact may troops to Iraq. saying there is no hope to the Amer- be undermined. And, therefore, they I am also here today to specifically honor ican soldier and the American people. overwhelmingly oppose President the Broward County Veterans Council, who re- Let’s not forget that our words as Bush’s plan to send more troops to cently adopted a resolution concerning the war well as our actions do have con- Iraq. in Iraq.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00193 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4292 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 The Broward County Veterans Council rep- These are the experts we should be listen- useful purpose whatsoever, unless resents a host of veteran groups throughout ing to. maybe it is to undermine the President Broward County, FL, including the Broward Mr. Speaker, I ask you—as a civil war in or perhaps to demoralize our troops by chapters of the American Legion, Am Vets, Iraq spirals out of control, as Iraqi security saying to them, ‘‘We have a new mis- the Disabled American Veterans, the Fleet Re- forces continue to be ill-prepared and as we sion for you to undertake. Go to Iraq serve, the Gold Star Mothers, the Italian continue to alienate our allies across the and try to execute this mission. But, American Veterans, the Jewish War Veterans, world—What warrants this administration to by the way, the United States Congress the Marine Corps League, the Navy League continue on the same path in Iraq and add doesn’t believe in the mission, and we Council, the Order of the Purple Heart, the more troops? think it is doomed to failure.’’ You tell Paralyzed Veterans Association, the Reserve So far, nothing me that that is not going to have a Officers Association, the Retired Officers As- We have no business sending over 21,000 negative impact on our American sol- sociation, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the additional troops into the middle of a growing diers. Vietnam Veterans of America, and the World civil war. Now, I know there are people in this War I Barracks. We have no business sending over 21,000 Chamber that think the plan is doomed The Broward County Veterans Council, led additional troops to Iraq when as it is, our mili- from the very beginning. You don’t by its chairman, Bill Kling, adopted this resolu- tary is already stretched too thin. think it will work. And if that is your tion unanimously on January 16, 2007. And because our military is already dan- belief, you ought to do more than in- The spirit of their resolution is as follows: gerously pushed to the limit, we have put our- troduce a symbolic resolution and then Whereas the President of the United States selves in a precarious position dealing with stand here and pound the podium and has put forth a plan to the American people real threats like Iran, while at the same time, hem and haw and make speeches and and to Congress which calls for an escalation protecting our allies like Israel and other Mid- leap in front of the television cameras. of 20,000 or more of our troops going out to dle East countries. You ought to do something that really Iraq to combat the insurrection in Baghdad For these reasons, I am advocating for a means something. You ought to pro- and the Anbar province; and plan, devised by our military experts, that sup- pose a resolution that says we believe Whereas, the majority in Congress has put ports a phased withdrawl of our troops. it was doomed from the very beginning forth several plans that do not include esca- and we are going to do everything we lation of combat troops; and But while our brave men and women in uni- Whereas, the American people have made form are serving, it is critical that we provide possibly can to stop this plan. That is it clear they want a new direction in Iraq them nothing less than the best protection and what you should do. and Afghanistan; and support. We have more than a responsibility to And if you don’t think the plan is Whereas, the administration’s multiple at- support our troops—we have a solemn obliga- going to work, if you think it is tempts to escalate the war by sending addi- tion. And that obligation extends to asking the doomed to failure, and you don’t have tional troops to Iraq have unfortunately, tough questions and getting our policy right. a viable alternative strategy and you failed to stop the bloodshed between the don’t want to find a viable alternative Sunnis and the Shiites. In honor of the Broward County Veterans Council and the veterans living in Palm Beach strategy for winning, then you ought Therefore, the Broward County Veterans to go even further and you ought to Council believes that the best plan is to County, in recognition of their heroism and bring our troops home, in a phased redeploy- commitment to our country, I support this res- stand up and say, ‘‘We admit defeat. It ment, so that we may get them out of harm’s olution. didn’t work. We are not going to fund way. Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, at this the war altogether anymore. We are going to withdraw.’’ Veterans groups, along with families across time I yield 5 minutes to the gen- tleman from Jacksonville, Florida (Mr. I will tell you one thing, the plan is my district, are very concerned about the di- there. It may not be perfect and, quite rection this war has taken and are demanding CRENSHAW). Mr. CRENSHAW. I thank the gen- frankly, it may not work. I have got a change in strategy. reservations myself. But it is there, tleman for the time, and I rise today in To President Bush, their message is loud and every American, Democrats and strong opposition to this resolution and clear: This war has been mismanaged, Republicans alike, ought to hope that which says Congress disapproves of a and the strategies for success have failed; our this plan succeeds because it may very war plan. national and personal security interests are well be our last best chance to prevent There are a lot of reasons to dis- not being enhanced and in fact, may be un- a catastrophic failure in Iraq. And if approve of this resolution, one of which dermined. Therefore, they overwhelmingly op- that happens, the disastrous effect is I believe that war should not be pose President Bush’s plan to send more won’t just be felt in Iraq, won’t just be waged from the floor of this House. troops to Iraq. felt by the people of the Middle East, That is why we have one Commander Traveling through my district, people in but quite possibly will be felt by all in Chief, that is why we have military south Florida are demanding that Congress Americans alike. ask the tough questions concerning our policy leaders on the ground. They are in Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, it is now in Iraq. charge of conducting the war. And they my pleasure to yield 5 minutes to a Well, we have asked those tough questions have said we have made mistakes and valued member of the Armed Services and I, along with many of my fellow Members we need a new direction, we need a new Committee, the gentlewoman from of Congress, both Democrats and Repub- plan. And they have proposed that Kansas (Mrs. BOYDA). licans, have come to the same conclusion: plan, and it is broad and it is com- Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, The President’s plan to increase troops in Iraq prehensive. It involves political consid- I rise today to discuss the most critical is wrong. erations, it involves economic consid- issue this Congress, indeed our Nation, This administration has based this plan in erations, diplomatic considerations, is facing. The U.S. military is the best part on the readiness of the Iraq security and, yes, it entails additional troops to fighting force in the world, and it is vi- forces to stand up and take control. I have go to Iraq. Yes, additional troops. tally important that we keep it that heard nothing from our military experts that But it is a plan. And you can be skep- way. I am concerned that the Presi- would indicate that the Iraqi troops are any- tical and you can say it may be too lit- dent’s planned escalation is too little, where near prepared to bring order to this tle, it may be too late. Maybe it is a too late, and it will further deplete our troubled country. good plan but it won’t be executed military’s readiness. GEN Colin Powell recently told the Associ- properly. But it is going to give us My life changed in the late spring of ated Press: ‘‘I am not persuaded that another hope and it is going to give the Iraqi 2002 when my husband Steve casually surge of troops in Baghdad for the purposes people hope. And, if anything, we ought said he thought we would be at war of suppressing this communitarian violence, to be here today trying to make that with Iraq by Christmas. And I said cer- this civil war, will work.’’ plan better, not debating a resolution tainly that wouldn’t be the case; the And four-star GEN Barry McCaffrey called that is nonbinding, that is symbolic, terrorists were from Afghanistan and the President’s surge plan last month ‘‘a fools that means nothing, that says nothing, Saudi Arabia. Certainly we will con- errand.’’ that does nothing. In fact, it has no tinue to hunt down Osama bin Laden

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00194 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4293 and bring him to justice. We wouldn’t Mr. Speaker, as a mother, step- troops go to Iraq, we should work to- take resources away from fighting the mother, wife, citizen, and, yes, as a gether to find a solution that results in terrorists in Afghanistan. But that U.S. Congresswoman, I cannot support our soldiers coming home in victory, isn’t what happened. further escalation of the war in Iraq. not defeat. That fall, every time I heard that we Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I just Mr. Speaker, I have offered my condi- were going to be greeted as liberators wanted to note that one of the previous tional support for the President’s plan in Iraq, I cringed. We were going into speakers talked about veterans who for additional troops in Iraq. My sup- the most unstable part of the world, a support this resolution. As a matter of port is conditional, not carte blanche. I region that has been at war for cen- fact, yesterday I was able to announce want to see the benchmarks met and turies, and we were going in with dan- that the national commander of the progress made within the next 90 to 120 gerously naive plans. We were going VFW said that he opposed this resolu- days. It is time for the Iraqis to step up after a hornet’s nest with a baseball tion or had grave concerns about it, to the plate and assume responsibility bat. and I have just been notified that the for the security of their nation. As the mother of two and stepmother national commander of the American If the Iraqis do not step up to this of five, I felt my family’s very safety Legion, Paul A. Moran, announced challenge in the coming months, then was being threatened by this diversion strong support for the President’s new it will be time to reevaluate. The reso- of resources. Like a mother bear who initiative, which includes deploying lution before us doesn’t even speak to senses, no, who knows that her cubs 21,500 troops. And, in so doing, he said these issues. It does nothing in the way are being threatened, I could not re- these words: of bringing out or bringing our troops main silent. home quickly and in victory. It is just Diverting resources from Afghani- We will not separate the war from the war- rior. Debating the new strategy is an Amer- pure politics. stan and invading Iraq may be one of ican way, but let this be a warning that pre- I encourage my colleagues on both the most dangerous decisions this cipitous action by the Congress could lower sides of the aisle to work together with country has ever made. Our Nation’s troop morale and hinder the mission. the President to ensure a quick return civilian leadership took their eye off Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield 5 of our troops. We all know that Con- the ball. Instead of securing more re- minutes to the gentleman from Bloom- gress is not going to cut funding for sources to hunt down Osama bin field Township, Michigan (Mr. President Bush’s new Iraq plan. If we Laden, instead of engaging in diplo- KNOLLENBERG). know this to be true, why are we wast- macy, they put resources into what has ing our time on nonbinding resolutions become a civil war and have depleted b 1700 that lead us nowhere? our Nation’s strategic readiness. Mr. KNOLLENBERG. I thank the Let’s put our troops first. Let’s end Please, please understand me. Our gentleman for yielding. the political gamesmanship, and let’s military has not failed. What has failed Mr. Speaker, I want to make a state- work together to find a solution in is our civilian leadership. Our military ment that mistakes have been made in Iraq. That is what the American people and their families have repeatedly Iraq. The status quo is not acceptable. want, and that is what our soldiers and stepped up and done what our Nation We need to chart a new course. But we has asked of them. And now, Mr. their families deserve. also need to acknowledge that some Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, it is my Speaker, President Bush proposes to positive things have happened in Iraq, privilege now to yield 5 minutes to the send more than 20,000 more troops to thanks to the courage and dedication this civil war. He asks us to trust him gentlelady from Hawaii (Ms. HIRONO). of our troops. These accomplishments Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to with our soldiers’ lives, even after often get just lost in all the politics trust has been broken time and time speak in support of this resolution. The that surround this debate. Iraq war has lasted longer than U.S. in- again. Toppling one of the most brutal dic- Not only is the goal of this escalation volvement in World War II and has cost tators in history was a good thing. Sad- unclear, but its effect would be to redi- the Nation hundreds of billions of dol- dam Hussein’s regime was responsible rect precious military resources in- lars. We have lost over 3,000 of our fin- stead of preparing for potential future for the senseless murder of thousands est men and women. Thousands more conflicts. In a recent hearing of the of innocent Iraqi citizens. Under his have been maimed and too many lives House Armed Services Committee, I rule, most Iraqis lived in fear of the have been shattered. asked General Peter Pace whether he day Hussein or one of his cronies would As Foreign Affairs Committee Chair- was satisfied with the readiness levels come for their mother, their father, man TOM LANTOS said, this ‘‘resolution of our troops. His response? ‘‘No, their sister or brother. will establish the first marker,’’ the ma’am, I’m not.’’ General Peter Hussein was also a direct threat to first step toward ending this night- Schoomaker and General Steven Blum our friend and ally, Israel. He was a mare. have echoed his concerns. menace, and it is good that he is gone. The war in Iraq is the moral issue of America lives in an unstable world; Furthermore, turning Iraq’s sov- the day, and like all great moral we face threats from a nuclear-armed ereignty over to the Iraqis and pro- issues, there are heartfelt disagree- North Korea, from a belligerent Iran, viding assistance as they forged a ments on both sides of the aisle. But and from the al Qaeda terrorists who democratically elected government is a every second, minute, and hour that considered September 11 as only the big deal. Fostering democracy in the passes, lives are being lost in Iraq and first act in their sinister play. In these heart of the Middle East was important devastation continues with no end in dangerous times we are not safer if we and was also a very historic moment. sight. devote so many of our resources to a As we debate the current strategy in We owe it to all the brave men and civil war in Iraq. And I as a mother, I Iraq, let us not forget that our soldiers women who have already sacrificed so cannot support this escalation. It is have provided a tremendous oppor- much, over 3,000 of them who have withdrawing precious resources from a tunity to the Iraqi people. They have made the ultimate sacrifice, to steer fighting force that is already stretched provided an opportunity for them to our country on a course that will bring too thin. grab the benefits of freedom. Now it is our troops home safely, take care of America’s strategic readiness is not a up to the Iraqis to seize it. them and their families when they re- political question; it is a question of Before us today, we have a non- turn and end this war. national security, and it is a critical binding resolution that doesn’t even Despite 4 years and deadly losses, ac- question about the safety of all our mention the accomplishments I just cording to Foreign Policy Magazine’s families. spoke of. We can all agree that the war recent survey of over 100 top national The U.S. military is the best fighting has taken a wrong turn, but instead of security experts, 86 percent say the force in the world, and it is vitally im- debating nonbinding resolutions that world is more dangerous for the U.S., portant that we keep it that way. have no bearing on whether additional and, most troubling, 87 percent believe

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00195 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4294 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 that the war in Iraq has had a negative The cost of this war keeps going up, forts between Iraq, Iraqi Sunnis and impact on the war on terror. Other sur- adding to our national debt. The inter- Shia. Such reinforcement would con- veys have reached similar conclusions. est on our debt alone is more than we tribute substantially to legitimatizing Yet the President now wants another devote to the education of our children, of the political process in Iraq. $235 billion for Iraq and Afghanistan to care of our veterans, and for the ad- Iraq’s leaders may not be able to add to the $427 billion for the war al- ministration of justice combined. This come together unless they receive the ready approved. In this debate, we body must go on record in united and necessary signals and support from should listen in particular to the words solid opposition to the escalation of abroad. This backing will not mate- of Americans who actually served in the war and in complete support of our rialize of its own accord, and it must be the war. I am honored to serve in this soldiers and veterans. We must be reso- encouraged urgently by the United Congress with new Members JOE SES- lute in our efforts to bring an end to States. We should make it clear to the TAK of Pennsylvania, TIM WALZ of Min- this quagmire. Iraqi leadership that the additional nesota, and PATRICK MURPHY, also of As Speaker PELOSI said, ‘‘Friday’s troops are solely for the purpose of Pennsylvania, all veterans of the Iraq vote will signal whether the House has achieving stability, and that this de- war. Their eloquent and strong voices heard the American people. No more ployment is a precursor to our leading of firsthand experience add immeas- blank checks for President Bush on the future of this Nation to the Iraqi urably to this debate. Iraq.’ people. And I would emphasize this is There are also people like Captain Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 the important process. Lisa Blackman, a clinical psychologist minutes at this time to the gentleman Troop increases alone will not solve who cared for soldiers in Qatar. As we from Ohio (Mr. REGULA). the fundamental cause of violence in become increasingly aware of the thou- Mr. REGULA. I thank the gentleman Iraq if its government is not com- sands of soldiers to emerge from fire- for yielding. mitted to a national reconciliation fights or attacks physically unscathed Mr. Speaker, like many Americans I process. but with substantial emotional dam- am frustrated and dissatisfied with the However, as we lead a surge in diplo- age, Captain Blackman’s experience in situation in Iraq. I did not take my macy, and the Iraqi Government accel- regularly tending to these soldiers pro- vote lightly when Congress authorized erates its efforts at national reconcili- vides further troubling insights into the President to use force. Every day I ation, the Iraq Study Group report this devastating war. think about the patriotism and sac- makes clear, and I quote, ‘‘The United In a message chronicled in the book rifice of our brave men and women who States should significantly increase Operation Homecoming, Dr. Blackburn are serving courageously in harm’s the number of U.S. military personnel, wrote of how her patients responded to way. including combat troops, embedded in questions she asked them about their Mistakes and the complexity of and supporting Iraqi Army units. As symptoms. She didn’t get the expected events along the way have led us to the these actions proceed, we could begin reactions. They were unexpressive. But place we are today. Sectarian violence to move combat forces out of Iraq.’’ when she asked them, ‘‘Have you ever has increased, and Iraq is mired in a Denying additional troops, as re- been in combat?’’ they became unglued civil war, making it difficult for the quested by our military leadership, and burst into tears. new government to take hold. could put our troops that are there at As she described it, ‘‘[W]hen I say While our role in this conflict has be- greater risk and delay their return to burst, I mean splatter, tears running come a divisive issue, there is no deny- their loved ones. I hear from my con- . . . sobbing for minutes on end, unable ing the significant consequences Iraq’s stituents who want our troops home to speak, flat-out grief. . . ’’ She ob- future will have for national and inter- immediately and from those who want served, ‘‘No one ever feels like they are national security and stability. us to remain there so we don’t have to doing enough. If you are in a safe loca- So I must ask, how do we move for- fight the terrorists on our own soil. tion, you feel guilty that your friends ward in a way that honors the commit- What I do know is that the chal- are getting shot at and you aren’t. If ment and tremendous sacrifices our lenges in Iraq are complex, and the you are getting shot at, you feel guilty Nation and its troops have made? We consequences of immediate withdrawal if your buddy gets hit and you don’t. If can do so neither by cutting off funding would be devastating. The Iraq Study you get shot at but don’t die, you feel for the troops nor by providing the Group report goes on to say ‘‘The glob- guilty that you lived, and more guilty President with a blank check. al standing of the United States could if you get to go home and your friends Instead of political posturing, we be diminished.’’ Our Nation has sac- have to stay behind. I have not seen must insist on a surge in diplomacy. I rificed far too much to allow our credi- one person out here who didn’t [check believe we need to follow closely the bility and values to be weakened. off] ‘increased guilt’ on our intake recommendations made by the bipar- I cannot, in good faith, support this form.’’ tisan Iraq Study Group to bring about nonbinding resolution. We also support Indeed, every soldier who saw combat the best possible outcome. The Iraq the troops, and we all want to bring the or the results of combat has likely suf- Study Group report states, and I quote: troops home as quickly as possible. fered hidden but disturbing psycho- The United States should imme- Let us instead urge the President to logical harm to some extent. In spite of diately launch a new diplomatic offen- increase diplomatic efforts and to fol- this, the Veterans Administration has sive to build an international con- low the recommendations made by the been deprived of the critical funds nec- sensus for stability in Iraq and the re- bipartisan Iraq Study Group to work essary for the rehabilitation of these gion. on many fronts to solve the challenges brave troops. The President, who con- This diplomatic effort should include in Iraq. tinues to send more and more troops every country that has an interest in Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, as an into the war on the one hand, has avoiding a chaotic Iraq, including all of Army veteran myself, I know that the sought to reduce spending for medical Iraq’s neighbors. Given the ability of backbone of our Army is its non- services for these same troops on the Iran and Syria to influence events commissioned officers. Now it is my other. His budget reduces spending for within Iraq, the United States should privilege to yield 5 minutes to a former VA over the next 3 years. try to engage them constructively. noncommissioned officer who retired Our troops are not the only ones suf- By doing so, it would help after over 2 decades of service in the fering from the policies of this admin- marginalize extremists and terrorists, Army, the gentleman from Minnesota istration. All Americans who now op- promote U.S. values and interests, and (Mr. WALZ). pose the war 2–1 are impacted by the improve America’s global image. Mr. WALZ of Minnesota. Thank you massive cuts in or complete elimi- States included within the diplomatic to my colleague nation of important social, health, edu- offensives can play a major role in re- Mr. Speaker, no debate in this House cation and environmental programs. inforcing national reconciliation ef- is longer overdue. This debate has been

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00196 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4295 going on for nearly 4 years in houses, military experts, the Congress and the I tell Tony and John, we will always in grocery stores, in workplaces, in American public show an over- support you. We will provide true secu- houses of worship all across America. whelming desire to change course and rity to this Nation. No greater responsibility rests with us, oppose this escalation, this administra- Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 the people’s Representatives, than de- tion ignores all evidence and stumbles minutes to the gentleman from Cali- bating the decisions involved in waging on. This debate marks the new begin- fornia (Mr. HUNTER), former chairman a war. The decision to send our brave ning of this Congress’s acceptance of of the Armed Services Committee, now men and women into combat is not the our duty to provide the oversight and the ranking member of the Armed end of our responsibility, it is the be- bring about policy changes based in re- Services Committee. ginning. This body has a sacred duty to ality and facts and long-range security Mr. HUNTER. I thank the gentleman protect this Nation, our citizens, and needs of this Nation. for yielding. especially those we send into combat in I have taken two oaths in my life. I just want to say to my colleague our name. The first one was as a young man of 17 who just spoke that I saw also two Constant vigilance, questioning, and when I swore my allegiance to the young men in Walter Reed a couple of adjustments to courses of action are Armed Forces of this country. The sec- days ago, and I would recommend that our number one priority, and this ond was a month ago when I became a he talk with them also if he thinks newly elected Congress intends to do United States Congressman. In both that everybody that is over there sup- just that. cases I solemnly swore my allegiance ports this resolution. I would also say to my friend that if b 1715 to protect and defend the U.S. Con- stitution. you think that the message that is Some have said that this debate I swore alliance to no man. I swore going to go across thousands of Web sends a message to our enemies. I no alliance to a political ideology. I sites and communications the day after would agree. The message our enemies swore only to uphold the laws of this this vote is taken on terrorist Web are hearing this week is that democ- great land and protect with my life, if sites is, our message is that democracy racy in America is alive and well. The necessary, the liberties and freedoms is alive and well in the United States, message that our enemy is hearing this we so dearly cherish. This debate today I am willing to take a bet on that. I do week is that this Nation will not live is exactly about that oath. not think you will see that. I think you in fear of its own shadow and blindly Previous Congresses gave this Presi- will see something else. give away those precious liberties that dent the authority to conduct this war You will see the message that they make this the greatest Nation the in Iraq, which is right, but not the au- think that this resolution, if it is world has ever known. thority to disregard the expert advice, passed, is the first note of retreat in The message our enemy is hearing not the authority to take civil liberties the war against terror by the United this week is this Nation is able and from American citizens, and not the States. That is what you will see and I willing to adjust our tactics to focus on authority to disregard our constitu- will be happy to take a bet on that one. the true threats to our security, which tional right in this body as a coequal Now, Mr. Speaker, I heard just a cou- come from al Qaeda, and the Taliban in branch of government. ple of hours ago, as many of us have, Afghanistan, and by securing our ports I, like all Americans, wish nothing that the Democratic leadership of the and borders. more than this President had made House intends to use management poli- The message they are hearing is that good decisions and that the situation cies in the Department of Defense over this Nation is no longer willing to wage in Iraq were better. Unfortunately, the next year or so to keep either a war based on political ideology and wishful thinking does not make good troops or supplies from moving to the failed policy. We will wage it on facts foreign policy. But, fortunately, the ge- battlefield. and reality. Many of my colleagues nius of the Founders of this Nation are Now, using management policies that have spoken of the need to support our on display right now. This Congress, by will prohibit people from moving in the troops. You will get no debate from me taking this first step of oversight and Marines or the United States Army if nor any other American. By implying accountability, and passing this resolu- they haven’t spent enough time back that some do not support the troops tion, will begin to right the ship of in CONUS before they go, I can say this based on nothing more than political state and take this country on a path to you, that is a very, very dangerous posturing is cynical and divisive. that will lead to greater security and policy. For more than two decades, I served begin to return our brave men and Our ability to project power around with soldiers, airmen, marines, and not women back to their families. the world and to deter people who wish once did I ever see these brave men and A few short months ago, I was teach- us ill is the ability to move men and women as anything other than patri- ing high school. Call me optimistic and equipment very quickly around the ots. I never saw them as a Democrat, a naive, but I do not see where casting a world. And any type of an inhibition of Republican, an Independent or a Liber- vote in this sacred room is anything that capability is going to be ex- tarian; nor did they see me as anything but binding. Call me naive again when tremely dangerous to the United but a fellow soldier. I hear this is nothing but words on States. And I will fight with every fiber The issue that we are debating this paper. How does that differ from the of my being any attempt by this Con- week is the execution of this war and U.S. Constitution? gress through management policies by the failure of this administration to Yesterday, I had the opportunity to the Democratic leadership, through provide a realistic plan for success. visit with two soldiers from my old management policies of DOD to keep From the start of this war up to this unit, the proud 34th Red Bull Division. either reinforcement or supplies from recent plan to send more Americans Those two young men are out at Wal- reaching our troops around the world. into Baghdad, this administration has ter Reed Army Hospital. Both John and I will simply say once more, I said miscalculated, poorly planned, shifted Tony are being fitted with their pros- when we started this debate yesterday, blame and failed to couple our military thetic limbs for the other ones they that this resolution will be looked at policies with diplomatic, economic and left behind in Iraq. by America’s friends, by America’s en- long-range strategic planning that We spoke of everything from how emies, and I think also by America’s would have given the soldiers a chance they were injured, to football, to how troops; and I think they will interpret to succeed. to get ready to ski again. I do not it, no matter the good faith of people Had the previous Congress done its know and I do not care about their po- in this Chamber, they will interpret it constitutional duty of oversight and litical ideology. I only care that this as the first notes of retreat in the war accountability, there is a strong likeli- Nation honors its commitment by pro- against terror, just as they interpreted hood we would be in much better shape viding everything possible to these actions by the Spanish Government today. Even as foreign policy experts, brave Americans. Today is the day that after the domestic strike in Spain and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00197 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4296 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 the terrorist hit in Spain and in other turn the ship of state around. During Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I plan to countries. this momentous debate, we have heard vote for this resolution, but to surge or They will look at what we have done, from some on the other side of the aisle not to surge, that is the wrong ques- and I will be happy to stand with any that this resolution and the discussion tion. Just saying ‘‘no’’ is simple ob- of my colleagues and analyze those we are having somehow undermine our structionism. What we need is a new messages as they come off the terrorist national interest. way forward to replace the old way boards after this vote is taken. This I believe they are selling this institu- that is not getting us anywhere. It has resolution, if it passes tomorrow, and tion short. We are displaying for the become clear that trying to establish a it probably will, will be taken as the world what a government of the people, multiethnic Iraqi democracy, while first note of retreat in the war against by the people and for the people truly laudable, simply cannot be accom- terror. looks like. What we are doing here this plished by non-Iraqis. Any attempt by the Democrat leader- week speaks far more clearly and loud- The fact is, Iraq has never been a uni- ship to cut off supplies or reinforce- ly than our bullets and our rockets and fied country with enough common in- ment by management policies in DOD, even our dollars. When the United terest to foster the give and take of de- personnel policies, will be interpreted States Government so clearly and dra- mocracy. During the First World War, as the second note of retreat in the war matically reflects the will of its citi- Britain seized the Mesopotamian re- against terror, and I for one will oppose zens, we may not shock the world, but gion from the collapsing Ottoman Em- them very strongly. we make it watch in awe. pire. Iraq was created out of three sep- Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, let me re- James Madison wrote that the role of arate provinces to keep the Turks out assure my friend I have heard nothing Congress is to expand and refine the while allowing the British access to the at all about the statement he just public view. He accurately perceived local oil. made. Those are the kinds of state- that on most issues Americans assume Captain Arnold Wilson, the British ments, frankly, that confuse people. that their representatives will consider civil commissioner in Baghdad, argued Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the their opinions and work out the de- that the creation of the new state was gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. YAR- tails. In the present situation, I believe a recipe for disaster. He warned that MUTH). the American people are shouting at us the deep differences among the three Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, 4 years that it is time to get our men and main communities, the Sunni, Shia ago I was just like most other Ameri- women out of harm’s way in Iraq. and Kurds, ensured the new country cans, trying to evaluate the President’s I will cast my vote not simply to op- could only be run by what he called the plan to invade Iraq. Unlike most Amer- pose the President’s escalation, but as antithesis of democratic government. icans, I was writing a newspaper col- a statement that this Congress will no b 1730 umn and was expected to take a public longer abdicate its responsibility to ex- position on such a national policy. But After a rebellion in 1920, which re- pand and refine the public view. sulted in the deaths of some 2,000 Brit- like most Americans, I was unburdened Mr. Speaker, today I am as confident ish soldiers and 8,000 Iraqis, the Brit- by the classified and faulty intel- about my position as I was 4 years ago. ish, through the leadership of Sec- ligence provided to Members of Con- I am confident because I have listened retary of War Winston Churchill, large- gress. to those who oppose this resolution. I ly extricated themselves by choosing a I concluded and wrote that the hear only disingenuous rhetoric. The claims made to justify the American Sunni to be king and strongman. other side accuses us of trying to In light of this history, we should se- invasion of Iraq were baseless, that micromanage the Iraqi conflict, then riously consider that we have two basic there were no weapons of mass destruc- says we should have our own plan. options: tion, that Iraq posed no immediate They say that we are dishonoring our First, choose a faction to stabilize threat to the United States, that Sad- fallen heroes, but then offer no strat- and rule the country through force, dam Hussein was not in any way con- egy for honoring them other than to much as all of Iraq’s previous regimes nected to the 9/11 attacks, and finally simply send more brave soldiers in did, and that is hardly an attractive that Iraq was not a safe harbor for al their place. They continue to talk option. Qaeda. about victory and defeat, while vir- Or, second, bring about a partition of I also concluded and wrote that we tually everyone agrees that we could the country, to form a loose confed- were rushing into Iraq with no idea of never identify or define either. eration where the Shias, the Sunnis what we would do after the Iraqi re- They say this resolution is an empty and the Kurds can each govern them- gime fell, and also that we had no plan political gesture, and then say it is selves while leaving the others alone. for getting out. The point of all of this tantamount to surrender. What they do Our enterprise in Iraq has been car- reminiscing is not to show that I was not give us, and more importantly ried out with the best of intentions, so smart, nor is it to say that I told what the President of the United and our men and women in the Armed you so. States has not given us, are any rea- Forces have performed with great her- Four years later, as our men and sons to believe that we are succeeding oism, skill, and honor. But we have to women are still dying in Iraq, the in Iraq, that the current plans increase accept reality. We have a responsi- American people know everything the odds of our success, that we are any bility to help stabilize the situation, there is to know about the situation closer to eliminating the threat of ter- and doing so is in our national interest. there. We know as much if not more rorism, or finally that the United But I don’t think it is fair to ask our than the President of the United States is enhancing its image around sons and daughters to be policemen in States. And our ideas about the con- the world as the beacon of freedom. a civil war. Sadly, it seems that most flict are just as valid. We who support this resolution honor Iraqis do not embrace democratic gov- That is why this resolution is so im- and respect our troops. We care deeply ernment unless it is dominated exclu- portant and this debate so significant. about the international reputation of sively by their own individual groups. Tomorrow we will be voting on what our country. We are unequivocally The Sunnis, the Shia and the Kurds may be only a nonbinding resolution, committed to our Nation’s security, are willing and able to establish law but it is a resounding and unequivocal and we desperately want America to and order within their own ethnically expression of the National will. This is succeed. By supporting this resolution, homogenous areas. The efforts to push not simply a group of Congressmen and we undeniably succeed, because we out other areas currently underway in women explaining their votes. It is the honor our Nation and its citizens who Iraq are deplorable, but it is surely not echo of an overwhelming majority of have entrusted us with the simple, but unexpected given Iraq’s history and Americans who are demanding a new grave, responsibility to listen to them. desperate situation. direction in Iraq. Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 The sectarian militias have popular It is the sound of scores of people like minutes to the gentleman from Wis- support because they have easily un- me who were sent here by citizens to consin (Mr. PETRI). derstood plans to establish security

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00198 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4297 within their spheres for their own peo- casualties and to every one that might appointed that we only have this one ple. Instead of fighting the militias, we lie ahead, to represent their voices, es- simplistic, inadequate statement be- need to co-opt them. We need to help pecially those that can no longer be fore us for consideration. No alter- acceptable local tribal leaders, govern- heard. natives, no other ideas, no solutions. ment leaders and religious authorities In early August 2005, Lance Corporal The situation in Iraq is complicated, establish authority over their areas. Edward ‘‘Augie’’ Schroeder II was and the American people deserve far We also need to seek the positive in- killed in Iraq. Augie and 13 other more from Congress than a resolution volvement of Iraq’s neighbors. Some of young lives from Northeast Ohio were that essentially calls for the status them may be meddling, or may be lost that day. In January 2006, Augie’s quo. tempted to meddle, but at the end of father, Paul Schroeder, shared his The resolution opposes the troop the day, instability in Iraq means in- thoughts and feelings in a letter to the surge called for by the Commander in stability for everybody in the region. Washington Post entitled, ‘‘A Life Chief, but fails to offer or even allow Let’s set about the task of helping Wasted.’’ He said, ‘‘Since August we for consideration of any alternatives Iraq’s three main groups to regroup have witnessed growing opposition to aimed at achieving success in Iraq, nor and stabilize their own territories so the Iraq war, but it is often whispered, does it offer an alternative aimed at a that we can withdraw to our bases and hands covering mouths as if it is too reduction of troops. ultimately get out all together. dangerous to speak too loudly. Others There are other ideas out there wor- Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, it is now discuss the never-ending cycle of death thy of consideration and discussion, my privilege to yield 5 minutes to the in places like Haditha in academic and yet we are not debating those, includ- gentlelady from Ohio, Representative sometimes clinical fashion, as in ‘the ing those suggested by the bipartisan Betty Sutton. increasing lethality of improvised ex- Iraq Study Group. For example, the study group concluded that there is no Ms. SUTTON. Mr. Speaker, through- plosive devices.’ ’’ out the course of history, when our Na- Wiping the clinical talk away, Paul single action that the military can tion has faced its most significant de- Schroeder went on to share the painful take that, by itself, can bring about bates over matters of war, there comes reality that he and his family face, a success in Iraq. I agree with that as- a time when voices of pundits and poli- reality that cannot be understood when sessment. Regardless of a troop surge, I believe a positive outcome in Iraq re- ticians must drop away and allow the sanitized by clinical terms. He said, quires regional cooperation and posi- voices of the people to be heard. ‘‘Listen to the kinds of things that tive engagement with all of Iraq’s Our troops are brave and capable. most Americans don’t have to experi- They have fought heroically and this neighboring states. ence: The day Augie’s unit returned A case can be made for a troop surge, resolution makes it unequivocally from Iraq to Camp Lejeune we received but even more, we need a surge in di- clear that those of us who feel it in- a book of his notebooks, DVDs and plomacy to create an environment con- cumbent to oppose the President’s es- clothes from his locker in Iraq. The ducive for a lasting peace throughout calation nonetheless support our day his unit returned home to waiting the Middle East. The history of the re- troops. All of us, and all Americans, families, we received the second urn of gion is too diverse, too complex, and support our troops. ashes. This lad of promise, of easy too tumultuous to expect progress But Congress also has an oversight charm and readiness to help, whose without an integrated diplomatic effort responsibility to ensure that they are highest high was saving someone, using and multinational support. Of course, provided a mission based on a realistic CPR as a First Aid squad volunteer, this simple resolution before us offers assessment and an achievable goal be- came home in one coffin and two urns. no perspective on these matters. fore we ask them to risk life and limb We buried him in three places that he In a few weeks, this body will have to implement it. loved, a fitting irony, I suppose, but the opportunity to vote on funding for The President has asked Congress to just as rough each time.’’ ongoing operations in Iraq. Forget to- support his escalation plan to send an- Mr. Speaker, the growing opposition day’s resolution; the vote on the sup- other 20,000 troops to Iraq. to the war in Iraq must not be whis- plemental funding bill is where the real This war is now almost 4 years long. pered, hands covering mouths as if it is debate will occur, and the policies will Congress has not spoken as loudly and too dangerous to speak too loudly. Ac- be laid forth. Make no mistake, a cut- as clearly as its responsibility requires. countability and oversight require off of funds and a premature with- As the Representative of the 13th Dis- more. This resolution rings loud and drawal of troops from Iraq will produce trict of Ohio, I cannot sit silent. I op- clear. We support our troops and we op- even greater sectarian violence, fur- pose the President’s plan for escalation pose the President’s plan to escalate in ther deterioration of security condi- and I fully support this resolution. Iraq. tions, and would foment a terrorist The President’s own military com- Will the President hear our collective breeding ground for radical Islamists. manders have advised against this voice? If he does not, it will not be be- We, the Members of Congress, must course of action, and in November, my cause we sat silent. give our troops the resources they need constituents and the American people Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I would to carry out their critical mission to a voted for a change of direction in Iraq. like to yield at this time 5 minutes to successful conclusion. Escalation is directly contradictory to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. In closing, let me say that we all un- that call for change. It takes us further EHLERS). equivocally support the troops who are down the wrong path, deeper and deep- Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise, re- serving and who have served in Iraq, er, with a policy that asks our military luctantly, in opposition to this resolu- and we all deeply appreciate their ef- to perform a nonmilitary mission of tion. I say ‘‘reluctantly’’ because I had forts to carry out their duties. Every creating a unified government in Iraq. hoped to be able to vote in favor of day I think about the 3,000-plus Amer- But unity in Iraq has to be deter- something positive, a fresh perspective, ican troops who have died in Iraq and mined by the people who live there. It a new idea, a new pathway to success, Afghanistan, and I pray for their fami- is neither fair nor just to ask our anything to encourage and foster a lies, as well as for our troops that are troops to fix a sectarian civil war. positive outcome in the Iraq conflict. there now. I think about the thousands Our Nation has paid a high price: the But this resolution offers none of these more who have been injured, and the lives of 3,000 American troops lost; $379 things. It is a simple, almost meaning- tens of thousands of innocent Iraqi billion spent, with another $8 billion less, nonbinding statement of dis- citizens who have been killed or in- every month of this war. approval that provides no constructive jured as a result of this conflict. We These lives cannot be retrieved; 139 resolve on this daunting, yet critical must do all we can to ensure that those brave men and women from Ohio have mission. casualties were not suffered in vain. been killed, 14 from my district. I have My opposition is both procedural and Above all, we must seek to end this a responsibility to every one of those substantive. I am extremely dis- conflict and stop the casualties.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00199 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4298 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 Simply put, the resolution we are de- to take the war to the terrorists and We want the Iraqi people to know bating offers no path to success, and those who support terror. But I dis- that this is their moment to grasp de- that is why I oppose it. agree with the President that by send- mocracy; and should they choose to do Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, pursuant ing more troops to police a civil war in so, the American people will continue to section 2 of House Resolution 157, I Iraq, America is any closer to winning to support them and their efforts to demand an additional hour of debate on the war on terror. I come to this con- build a better life for their children. the concurrent resolution. clusion as a result of consultations Tomorrow, my colleagues and I will The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. with our military leaders, our dip- take the important first step in show- BOUCHER). Thirty minutes of debate lomats, and those in the White House ing the President that we support our will be added on the concurrent resolu- responsible for executing the Presi- troops, but do not support his plan to tion to each side. dent’s policies. I come to this conclu- invest more American lives to mediate HOUR OF MEETING ON TOMORROW sion from talking to our men and a civil war. Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I ask women in uniform who have served Make no mistake, this vote is bind- unanimous consent that when the with distinction. ing, as it binds me and my colleagues House adjourns on this legislative day, Democracy can only happen when a to our constituents by forcing us to it adjourn to meet at 8 a.m. tomorrow. people want it. We have seen time and take a stand. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there again that a people who yearn for de- Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 objection to the request of the gen- mocracy will break the yoke of tyr- minutes to the gentlewoman from Illi- tleman from Maryland? anny and liberate themselves from nois (Mrs. BIGGERT). There was no objection. their oppressors. America has invested Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I thank LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM lives of over 3,000 of its best young men the gentleman for yielding me the Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, continuing and women, sustained over 20,000 cas- time. on my unanimous consent, I would tell ualties, and spent nearly $400 billion on Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposi- the Members that we do not intend to the Iraq war. We have rid the Iraqi peo- tion to this nonbinding resolution. I have any 1-minutes tomorrow, so that ple of a cruel tyrant and have given cannot support it for it neither sup- we will begin debate at 8 a.m. on this them the opportunity to live in a de- ports our troops nor offers an alter- resolution. mocracy. American men and women se- native plan. It is symbolic, it is par- Debate, of course, will conclude to- curing a street corner in Sadr City will tisan, it is cynical, and it is meaning- night at 1 a.m. so that the staff can get not change the hearts of the Sunni or less. at least some sleep; not much, but Shia. Additional troops will not secure The leadership of this body is taking some. And we will have continuing democracy. Only the men and women the easy route: criticize the other guy’s communications with the minority of Iraq can do that. Now is the time for plan but don’t offer your own. Call up with reference to the balance of the the Iraqi people to stand and demand your own nonbinding resolution, but schedule for Friday. democracy. don’t allow votes on resolutions that Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I now yield It is time for America to move for- actually have substance. Position 5 minutes to the gentleman from Flor- ward in our fight against terror. It is yourselves for the next elections but ida (Mr. MAHONEY). time to focus on eliminating terrorists not for the next wave of terrorism at- Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. Mr. in Iraq, Afghanistan, or wherever they tacks. Win the White House, but lose Speaker, I normally rise to speak on are harbored. It is time to bring Osama the war on terror. behalf of the people of Florida’s 16th bin Laden to justice for the crimes he There is no doubt that the voters Congressional District. Today I rise to perpetrated on 9/11. spoke in the last election. They are not begin a conversation not only with my We need to gather our strength and happy with the war. Few, if any of us, colleagues, but with my constituents. send a clear message to our enemies This week, this legislative body, the that their continued efforts to support are satisfied with the progress made in people’s House, is engaged in a great terror and engage in activity against Iraq. I know I am not. Neither are my debate over the President’s decision to America or her allies will result in cer- constituents. Their patience and that stay the course in Iraq by escalating tain and swift justice. of all Americans has run thin. the number of troops. I have, over the This President needs to do what his For too long we pursued an open- past few days, heard many arguments father did in the first gulf war and ended commitment without well-de- as to the wisdom of the President’s de- what President Clinton did in the Bal- fined goals and clear benchmarks for cision to do so. But the one message kans, and that is to demonstrate lead- success. We also pursued a strategy that all who have spoken agree with, ership by engaging in diplomacy. This that placed too heavy a burden on our Democratic or Republican, liberal or President needs to listen to the sage troops and too light an expectation of conservative, is that our brave men advice of the Baker-Hamilton Commis- the Iraqi Government. But I want to and women in uniform have done a sion and use America’s power and pres- remind my colleagues that the voters magnificent job fighting in Iraq and tige to bring the world together in sup- will speak again if we don’t get this around the world to protect our lives, port of the Iraqi people. The world right. And I say ‘‘we’’ because it is all our culture, and our country. needs to know that America will pro- of us. If we don’t put aside the partisan vide a democratic Iraq, and those who positioning and work together for the b 1745 support her, with political, economic, good of this country, we all will lose I have heard my colleagues argue and military support. more than just our seats in this body. that the mere act of debating the I want my friends in Stuart, Okee- It is not enough to point the finger President’s decision to escalate the war chobee, Sebring, LaBelle, and Punta and say that the President is wrong, sends the wrong message to our troops Gorda to know that I am here today and wait for the returns to come in. It and the wrong message to our enemies. because democracy requires us to is not enough to disapprove and criti- To these colleagues I say do not under- speak up and speak out and you de- cize and say It is not my job. He is the estimate the power of democracy, the serve to have a voice in this debate. In Commander in Chief. And it is not power of freedom of speech, the very speaking out, I am supporting our enough to turn around and through powers we are fighting to give the peo- President by letting him know that we this resolution say you support troops ple of Iraq. Debate sends the message are committed to winning the war on that have been or are serving in Iraq, of strength, resolve, and commitment. terror, but that we will not support his but not those who may go in as re- This debate is about finding the best strategy to increase escalation of the placements, rotations, or as part of the way for America to win the war on ter- troops in Iraq and that America will new temporary deployment. This is ror. not quit until we have vanquished all why we should be using this oppor- I agree with the President that the who use terror to achieve political tunity, not to take a symbolic vote of world is a dangerous place and we need gain. no confidence in our Commander in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00200 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4299 Chief, but to discuss real options for prevent Iraqi territory from becoming the immediate withdrawal of U.S. the way forward in Iraq. a safe haven for terrorist activities. troops. We have heard from too many Mr. Speaker, I have been there sev- Most significantly, H.R. 1062 exer- generals, including those who have spo- eral times. I have been to the red zone, cises the full constitutional powers of ken out against this escalation, about visited the convention center where this body, not through a symbolic ex- the dangers of even more violence and the Iraqi Parliament meets, and was pression of discontent, but through vig- instability in the Middle East if we there as Prime Minister Maliki pre- orous oversight and true account- simply withdraw. I do believe Amer- sented his reconciliation plan. I met ability. ican troops have a role in Iraq, a sup- with our military commanders. I have I urge my colleagues to support H.R. porting role. They should continue to listened to our soldiers who patrol the 1062 and reject the resolution before us. train Iraqi soldiers, and their mission streets in Baghdad, and I have talked Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, it is my must ultimately be to put the Iraqis in with democratically elected Iraqi lead- privilege to yield 5 minutes to a breath charge of their own security and sta- ers about their hopes for the future. of fresh air from Arizona, my good bility. But let me be clear: American The one thing that was very clear to friend Mr. HARRY MITCHELL. troops have no place in the middle of a Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. Speaker, I think me is that only the Iraqi Government civil war. it is safe to say that regardless of any can take the tough steps that will This resolution reaffirms this body’s differences of opinion over military achieve reconciliation and an end to support for the men and women of the strategy in Iraq, we all agree that the sectarian violence. United States military. Many of our outcome in Iraq will affect our na- So now Prime Minister Maliki has troops have given their lives or suf- tional security and the security and stepped forward and asked our Presi- fered serious injury so that one day the stability of the Middle East for genera- dent for specific assistance in securing people of Iraq may enjoy the same free- Baghdad. In response, President Bush’s tions to come. I was not a Member of this distin- doms we have here in the United commanders have drawn up a plan. The guished body in October of 2002 when States. Their service and their sac- President proposed a new commander many of my colleagues were faced with rifice make me even more proud to be on the ground, General Petraeus, who the decision of whether to authorize an American. was confirmed by the other body in a the President to go to war in Iraq. But I hope and pray that we can have all bipartisan, unanimous vote of 81–0. 4 years later, I was elected by the peo- of our brave men and women in Iraq We urged the creation of a bipartisan ple of my district who asked me and and Afghanistan return safely to their Iraqi Study Group comprised of our this Congress to set a new course in families. But while they are in harm’s country’s most distinguished and sea- Iraq because it is clear to them that way, we must honor their service by soned experts and asked their advice. the administration’s course is not ensuring that the burden of success or Among the key items they supported working. failure is not left to them alone. We was a temporary surge in troop That is not to say there has not been have a responsibility to utilize every strength if called for by the com- some success. Our troops have per- political, diplomatic, and economic manders on the ground. ‘‘As Baghdad formed bravely and succeeded in their tool at our disposal to ensure success goes, so goes Iraq,’’ they pointed out. mission to end Saddam Hussein’s bru- in Iraq. These are all steps in the right direc- tal regime. The Iraqi people exercised Mr. SAXTON. Madam Speaker, I tion. But what would approving this their new-found right to vote, and yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from resolution signal to the world? That we those who murdered innocent Iraqis Texas (Mr. SMITH). tell the Iraqi people to take the tough have been given fair trials and justice Mr. SMITH of Texas. Madam Speak- steps, but then we deny them the sup- has been served. er, first of all, I want to thank my port they need to do so? That we urge But since the initial military vic- friend and colleague from New Jersey the creation of a bipartisan commis- tory, political, diplomatic, and eco- for yielding me time. sion to give us guidance and then re- nomic failure has become widespread. Madam Speaker, this nonbinding res- ject its advice? That we unanimously Today, sectarian violence is at an all- olution is really a nonsensical political confirm a new general on the ground time high, and American troops are statement. It would deprive our troops and then we deny him his plan? That now caught in the middle of a civil of the reinforcements they desperately we support our troops, but not their re- war. need. Let us trust their judgment and placements? Now the administration is engaging give them the reinforcements they These are not the messages that I in a military escalation of the war. want. want to send. We owe it to our troops They tried this strategy before and it How would you feel if you were an and to those who have given their lives didn’t work. It didn’t work because we American soldier in Iraq and Congress to give the Iraqis one last chance to need more than a military strategy. We passed this resolution? It is like telling show that they are willing to fight for need political and economic solutions you to fight with one arm behind your and take responsibility for the future too. We need a strategy that employs back, and that is no way to defeat a of their own country. But we have to all of the elements of national power to terrorist. exercise our constitutional powers and ultimately put the Iraqis in charge of It is our responsibility to assist our hold them to it, and we have to stop their own security and stability. troops, not discourage them by ignor- signaling that the best Congress can So far a military strategy has not ing their needs. This political resolu- offer is a big, nonbinding ‘‘no’’ to some- solved the problems we have in Iraq. So tion shortchanges our generals and one else’s plan. far a military strategy has not brought their troops. Instead, we should sup- So today I am cosponsoring legisla- Sunnis and Shiites together to main- port those who are sacrificing their tion, H.R. 1062, that will do just that: tain a unified government and a peace- lives to protect ours. hold the administration, and the Iraqi ful political environment. We know Government, accountable in achieving that a military strategy alone cannot b 1800 clear benchmarks. It requires the create commerce and jobs for the Iraqi Our men and women in uniform de- President to report to Congress every people. A military strategy alone can- sire only to serve their country with 30 days on the extent to which the gov- not rebuild the basic infrastructure honor. Rather than deny them what ernment of Iraq is moving forward on that has been destroyed over the past 4 they want, we should give them the re- more than a dozen fronts, from troop years. A military strategy must be sources they deserve. training and security to rebuilding, combined with sufficient political, dip- Unfortunately, many terrorists hate reconciliation, international coopera- lomatic, and economic components. our country, our citizens, our freedoms tion, and enforcing the rule of law. It But that is not happening here. and our way of life. The global war on also requires progress reports on the I disagree with many of my col- terror is fierce; this is no time to ap- implementation of strategies that will leagues in this Chamber who support pear weak. London, Moscow, Madrid

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00201 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4300 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 and six other cities around the world that a military solution in Iraq is not young man had severe injuries, specifi- have suffered terrorist attacks since 9/ possible. The administration has at- cally to his arm. 11, but there is a reason no terrorist at- tempted troop surges in the past. They So we all know that the cost of war tack has occurred in America since haven’t worked. Adding another 21,000 is very high. Many of us Members of 2001. It is not because some would sec- American troops will not put an end to Congress have also attended funerals ond-guess our military; it is because violence and instability in Iraq. The and wept with mothers and fathers, our troops want to win, and we should only chance to do that is for Iraq’s families. People in my age group look give them that opportunity. leaders and factions to come together at these young soldiers and they are Madam Speaker, I urge my col- and begin the difficult process of polit- the age of our kids. It touches our leagues to oppose this resolution and ical compromise and reconciliation. hearts, and we know the sacrifices that send the troops this message: We are I believe that announcing the orderly are made are incredible. These people here to help you. redeployment of U.S. forces is the best need to feel the gratitude from the en- Mr. REYES. Madam Speaker, it is way to put pressure on the factions in tire Nation, gratitude and respect. And now my privilege to yield 5 minutes to Iraq to come together and make these I believe that this resolution, again, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. difficult choices. sends the wrong message. LEVIN). This resolution is straightforward. It What is not being considered ade- Mr. LEVIN. Madam Speaker, I rise in states clearly and unambiguously that quately in this country is the cost of strong support of this resolution before Congress does not support the Presi- failure in Iraq. When we think about the House. dent’s plan. It supports our military our enemies being emboldened, when We need to send a clear bipartisan personnel but not a further military es- we think about the vast resources that message to the White House. There is calation. our enemies will have access to acquire little support in this Congress for deep- Some have said it is not serious be- biological and nuclear weapons, the ening our open-ended military commit- cause it is nonbinding. Others have horrific effects are just almost im- ment in Iraq by sending an additional said the resolution emboldens our en- measurable. 21,000 troops into this conflict. emies and hurts the troops. How does it As I think about this cost of failure The debate we are having today is embolden our enemies or hurt the in Iraq, and indeed, on the global war about the future of our Nation’s policy troops for this Congress to disapprove on terror, I think about how we Ameri- in Iraq, so my main focus will not be to continuing a strategy that is not work- cans make an assumption. We assume, catalog the litany of the administra- ing? most of us, when we go to bed at night tion’s past grave mistakes and The resolution we are debating today that when we wake up, tomorrow is misstatements over the last 4 years. At is nonbinding, but is not noncon- going to be like today, that things are the same time, as a lesson for the fu- sequential. I hope the administration going to go on like they have gone on ture, it is important to remember that will hear the clear bipartisan message and we will have the liberties and the the war in Iraq was the first applica- we are sending and change course. freedoms that we enjoy. But I would tion of the Bush Doctrine. This policy The question today before the House say this wonderful thing that we have was unveiled by the President in his is whether or not we agree with the in the United States of America, these commencement speech at West Point President’s plan to send 21,000 addi- freedoms and liberties, are very fragile. in June 2002 and made policy a few tional troops to Iraq to referee a grow- They are very fragile when we face rad- months later in the administration’s ing civil war. I do not agree with this ical jihadists that would murder us, 2002 National Security Strategy. escalation. I urge all my colleagues to thinking that it will take them The administration’s doctrine join in calling on the President to straight to paradise. stressed preemptive attack, U.S. mili- change course in Iraq. We have to fight this war on terror. tary superiority, and U.S. unilateral Mr. HUNTER. Madam Speaker, I We have to win in Iraq. I talked to a re- action. This flawed policy has proven would yield 3 minutes to the gentlelady tired general yesterday, and I believe to be disastrous. It has destabilized from Colorado (Mrs. MUSGRAVE). he said it all. He said, ‘‘You’re down Iraq, and threatens to undermine the Mrs. MUSGRAVE. I thank the gen- there debating, aren’t you? You’re stability of the entire region. It blinded tleman for yielding time. talking about the united-we-quit reso- the administration to the Pandora’s Madam Speaker, I rise today in lution.’’ I believe that we have a box it was opening when it invaded strong opposition to this nonbinding choice: United we stand or united we Iraq in search of weapons of mass de- resolution. This is not even an honest quit, and our choice will echo down the struction that did not exist and 9/11 debate that we are holding here; we halls of history. terrorists that were not there. didn’t have an open rule. This is the Mr. REYES. Madam Speaker, now it Far from strengthening U.S. secu- wrong resolution; it sends the wrong is my privilege to yield 6 minutes to rity, this misguided doctrine has put message to our troops, to our enemies the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. our Nation’s vital interests at greater and to our allies. ELLISON). risk. The elevation of unilateralism Today, like many Members of Con- Mr. ELLISON. Madam Speaker, has helped erode our Nation’s standing gress do on a regular basis, I visited make no mistake about it, the change in the world. The released NIE Esti- Walter Reed. While I was there today, that took place in this body over the mate for Iraq underscores just how I visited with a young man from my course of November 7 is directly re- flawed the administration’s doctrine district. He had severe injuries. As I lated to this war in Iraq. And the pres- has been. Among the key judgment, I sat and talked to him, his empty eye ence of a number of people who are quote, ‘‘Iraqi society’s growing polar- socket teared. He had damage to his here now is directly related to the will ization, the persistent weakening of face. He had horrific damage to his arm of the American people to end this war, the security forces and of the state in that he used to protect his face. He was which never should have been started. general.’’ And again I quote, ‘‘Extrem- in a Humvee when an IED exploded, The fact is, the strategy to escalate ists continue to act as a very effective and he actually turned the Humvee to- the troops is not new, it has been tried accelerator for what has become a self- wards the IED to protect the other men at least four other times. It won’t work sustaining intersectarian struggle be- in the Humvee. His sacrifice is incred- this time, it didn’t work those times. tween Shia and Sunnis.’’ And now I ible. The thing to do now is to engage dip- quote again. ‘‘The Intelligence Commu- I talked to another young man from lomatically and politically. That is nity judges that the term ‘civil war’ Pennsylvania who had been on three what this situation calls for and that is does not adequately capture the com- tours in Iraq, and on his third tour, the only thing that will bring success plexity of the conflict in Iraq.’’ while training, he lost his hand. in this conflict at this time. The judgments of the National Intel- I also spoke to a young man from Support the troops? Of course. Of ligence Estimate reinforce the view Texas, only 20 years old; and this course, support the troops. Always we

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00202 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4301 support the troops. But there comes a otic as me, you don’t love America as Iraq on Thursday said his plans for time when you cannot get the success much as I do. None of that is true. We placing conditions on how President that you seek at the barrel of a gun, have to stop this polarizing language George W. Bush can spend $93.4 billion you have to talk it out, you have to en- and really focus on the best way out of in new combat funds would effectively gage diplomatically, you have to en- this. stop an American troop buildup.’’ This gage politically. There is no substitute Even people who support the esca- is quoting Mr. MURTHA. for that. lation can’t claim that we are going to Mr. MURTHA says: ‘‘They won’t be Support the troops, but bring them be in Iraq forever. What is your plan able to continue. They won’t be able to home. Support the troops, redeploy for eventually getting out of this do the deployment. They won’t have them, and allow the Iraqi people to thing? We say let’s start the with- the equipment, they don’t have the seize and protect their country at this drawal now, let’s start the diplomatic training, and they won’t be able to do time. solution now, let’s start the political the work. There’s no question in my I carry a message here today on be- solution now. mind.’’ half of people like Phil Steger and the I want to say, on behalf of those who That is the statement upon which I Friends For a Nonviolent World, on be- really thirst for peace, who believe based my remarks a few minutes ago. half of Chapter 27 of Veterans For that peace really is the answer, that we It appears that statement has been Peace, on behalf of every patriot who need to look at the words of Martin Lu- made. stands for peace, in the frigid cold, ther King, Jr., when he spoke out Mr. REYES. Madam Speaker, will every Wednesday night on Lake Street against the Vietnam War. He said, the gentleman yield? Bridge in Minneapolis. ‘‘There comes a time when silence is Mr. HUNTER. I yield to the gen- On behalf of the 3,100 Americans betrayal.’’ And so it is. tleman from Texas. Mr. REYES. Did I hear you say that killed, including Minnesotans, I carry And so, in keeping in line with the that message. On behalf of 24,000 you spoke with Mr. MURTHA? legacy of Dr. King, I want to talk Mr. HUNTER. What is my friend’s scarred and wounded young Americans, about peace today. To those people who statement? including 372 Minnesotans, I carry the believe in the principles of peace and Mr. REYES. I would just say that message. On behalf of the families and that peaceful dissent that guided Dr. many times, my good friend and I have the loved ones of the damaged and de- King, those people should know that discussed not to quote members of the ceased, I carry the message that the for you to raise your voice on behalf of media because most of the time they American soldier has done what has peace is a patriotic act, it is a good get it wrong. So I would wait until we been asked, and it is time for politi- thing. talk to Mr. MURTHA. cians to step forward and do their job, b 1815 Mr. HUNTER. Let me just say to my which is to seek a political and diplo- friend that I hope that this is a mis- To those people who say they believe matic solution to this conflict, some- quote; but, certainly, there was a press in peace and believe peace is the right thing that this latest escalation cannot conference, and these are the quotes way to go, let me wrap up my remarks do. that are reported in the transcript by by just reminding you that Marine On behalf of the $8 billion we send to the press. So let us hope that that is General Peter Pace, somebody who Iraq each month, hard-working Amer- not accurate. If it is not accurate, I knows a little bit about warfare, Chair- ican tax dollars that could be used to will be very happy. If it is accurate, man of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, just enrich the lives of the 86,000 uninsured that will receive enormous opposition last week said, There is no doubt in my children of Minnesota, or for nearly the from this Member of Congress. 700,000 Minnesota Medicare patients, I mind that the dialogue here in Wash- Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to carry the message that we need peace. ington strengthens our democracy, pe- the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. riod. He added, Potential enemies of We need to pursue it vigorously, WHITFIELD). unwaveringly, and urgently. the United States, they may take com- Mr. WHITFIELD. Madam Speaker, I On behalf of the Americans who pur- fort in rancor, but they do not know believe that the American people wel- posefully misled repeatedly, including anything about how democracy works. come this debate on Iraq, certainly one the administration as related to these The fact is that peace is patriotic. Dis- of the most important issues facing the weapons of mass destruction where senting from an ill-fated policy of the American people, and I believe we will none existed, on behalf of the people President is the right thing to do. In- all benefit from open, constructive, and who claim falsely of the collusion be- deed, it is our obligation. sincere debate. tween 9/11 and Saddam Hussein where So please continue to stand up for It goes without saying that no one none existed, on behalf of the people peace and never forget that peace is Member of Congress or political party who said that regime change would be the answer, and peace is going to pre- has a clear-cut solution to the complex welcomed with flowers instead of IEDs, vail. problems our Nation faces in Iraq. I say stop the deception, start telling Mr. HUNTER. Madam Speaker, I I expect that every Member of Con- the truth. yield myself 2 minutes just to give gress will share their thoughts on On behalf of the people who say that some information that my great friend, whether we should approve or dis- the Iraqi oil revenues would pay for the gentleman from Texas (Mr. REYES), approve this 100-word resolution; and this war instead of draining the Amer- commented on. like every other Member of Congress, I ican Treasury of over $400 billion, I say I made a comment a few minutes ago offer and convey my respect, gratitude stop the deception, start telling the that I had understood that the Demo- and thanks for the exemplary service truth. crat leadership or a member of that and heart-rendering sacrifice made by On behalf of those Americans who leadership had stated that they would our young men and women in the mili- told us, repeatedly, facts which got us use DOD management policies to cut tary. As so many have said, they have into this war in the first place, and off the sending of either reinforce- performed in an exemplary way, and which they are trying to sustain us in ments or supplies to the warfighting they have accomplished every task we this war now, I say stop the deception. theater and that I would oppose that have asked them to do. Stop the killing. Stop the carnage. very strongly. I have had the great privilege of rep- Support our troops, do not support this My friend Mr. REYES expressed doubt resenting Ft. Campbell, home of the escalation. Send a clear signal to the that that had happened. He said he had 101st Airborne Division and the 5th President that this is the wrong way to not heard about it. Special Forces group who have served go. I just wanted to inform him I have many times in Iraq. For 6 years now, while the deception the Reuters report here, and it quotes Throughout this debate many speak- has deepened, we were told to shut up, our colleague Mr. MURTHA: ‘‘A leading ers have quoted generals and other ex- bite your tongues, you are not as patri- congressional opponent of the war in perts who have disagreed emphatically

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00203 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4302 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 with many aspects of the military deci- surge of American combat forces to timate, highlighted the lack of effec- sions and strategic decisions about stabilize Baghdad,’’ and that is what tive Iraqi leadership as a main compo- Iraq. We know there have been and we are trying to do. nent driving sectarian and communal continue to be strong disagreements In my view, it is premature to vote violence. among those who have been intimately ‘‘yes’’ on this resolution, only 20 days The bipartisan Iraq Study Group, ap- involved in this issue. after confirming a new general to go to pointed by the President, reported the We have as a Nation endured so Iraq to provide additional security in utter urgency of action by the adminis- much. As has been said, over 3,000 Baghdad so that the Iraqi Government tration. American soldiers have died, and 23,417 will have a reasonable opportunity to Retired General William Odom, have been wounded during the past 4 succeed. former director of the National Secu- years in Iraq. Mr. REYES. Madam Speaker, now it rity Agency under President Reagan While I understand the arguments of is my privilege to yield 51⁄2 minutes to and member of the National Security those who support this resolution, I the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Council under President Carter, wrote would like to briefly explain why I be- ESHOO), a member of the Intelligence an op-ed in the Washington Post on lieve we should vote against this reso- Committee. February 11. lution. Ms. ESHOO. Madam Speaker, I thank I would ask that it be made part of Neither President Bush, Speaker my colleague for yielding to me, the the RECORD. PELOSI or any Member of Congress will distinguished chairman of the House [From the Washington Post, Feb. 11, 2007] have as much opportunity to maximize Intelligence Committee. VICTORY IS NOT AN OPTION the possibility of success in Iraq as our Madam Speaker, it has been a long THE MISSION CAN’T BE ACCOMPLISHED—IT’S new military commander in Iraq, Gen- and painful 4-year journey for the peo- TIME FOR A NEW STRATEGY eral David Petraeus. He is responsible, ple of our country since this adminis- (By William E. Odom) with the men and women serving, for tration acted preemptively and unilat- The new National Intelligence Estimate on implementing the increased security erally to invade and occupy Iraq, poli- Iraq starkly delineates the gulf that sepa- for Baghdad. He was confirmed for this cies which I believe then and I still be- rates President Bush’s illusions from the re- new responsibility by a vote of 81–0 in lieve today would not and could not alities of the war. Victory, as the president the U.S. Senate on January 26, 2007, a stand because they simply are not in sees it, requires a stable liberal democracy mere 20 days ago. our national character. in Iraq that is pro-American. The NIE de- At his confirmation hearing, among We were told Saddam Hussein had scribes a war that has no chance of pro- other statements, General Petraeus weapons of mass destruction. None ducing that result. In this critical respect, the NIE, the consensus judgment of all the said, ‘‘Some of the members of this were found. U.S. intelligence agencies, is a declaration of committee have observed that there is We were told there was yellow cake. defeat. no military solution to the problem of It was a falsehood. Its gloomy implications—hedged, as intel- Iraq.’’ And he said, ‘‘They are correct.’’ We were told that there were trailers ligence agencies prefer, in rubbery language Ultimate success in Iraq will be de- containing the evidence of deadly that cannot soften its impact—put the intel- termined by actions in the Iraqi polit- chemicals. ligence community and the American public ical and economic arenas on central We were told the mission was accom- on the same page. The public awakened to issues as governance, the amount of plished. the reality of failure in Iraq last year and turned the Republicans out of control of power devolved to the provinces, the We endured national and inter- Congress to wake it up. But a majority of its distribution of oil revenue, national national shame when the horrific pic- members are still asleep, or only half-awake reconciliation, and resolution of sec- tures depicting Abu Ghraib appeared. to their new writ to end the war soon. tarian differences. We learned that our troops were not Perhaps this is not surprising. Americans And then he went on to say, and this sufficiently equipped. do not warm to defeat or failure, and our is key, It is, however, exceedingly dif- We mourned with our constituents as politicians are famously reluctant to admit ficult for the Iraqi Government to the death toll of American troops their own responsibility for anything resem- come to grips with the tough issues it mounted and continued to mount. Just bling those un-American outcomes. So they think, 137 casualties in November of beat around the bush, wringing hands and de- must resolve while mere survival is the bating ‘‘nonbinding resolutions’’ that oppose primary concern of so many in Iraq’s 2004, then the deadliest month overall. the president’s plan to increase the number capital. Today, over 3,000 precious U.S. lives of U.S. troops in Iraq. For this reason, military action to have been lost, with thousands maimed For the moment, the collision of the improve security, while not wholly suf- and injured and God knows how many public’s clarity of mind, the president’s re- ficient to solve Iraq’s problems, is cer- innocent Iraqi lives lost. lentless pursuit of defeat and Congress’s anx- tainly necessary, and that is why addi- We witnessed the world community’s iety has paralyzed us. We may be doomed to tional U.S. and Iraqi forces are needed total support on 9/11, and we have wit- two more years of chasing the mirage of de- nessed the diminishment of America’s mocracy in Iraq and possibly widening the in Baghdad. They do have a role. war to Iran. But this is not inevitable. A General Petraeus and our military credibility around the world because of Congress, or a president, prepared to quit the have been asked to implement this ad- the Iraq war. game of ‘‘who gets the blame’’ could begin to ditional security. He was confirmed to We have heard the President and the alter American strategy in ways that will do this, as I said, just 20 days ago. Are Vice President talk about victory and vastly improve the prospects of a more sta- we going to turn our backs and aban- insurgency in its last throes. ble Middle East. don General Petraeus and his soldiers We have learned of manipulated in- No task is more important to the well- this early? Are we going to say ‘‘no’’ telligence and endured a no-oversight being of the United States. We face great Congress. peril in that troubled region, and improving without an adequate opportunity for our prospects will be difficult. First of all, it the new strategy to work? Preemptive war, unilateralism, inva- will require, from Congress at least, public In truth, no one can predict the im- sion, occupation, no post-war plan, an acknowledgment that the president’s policy pact of a failed Iraqi state on regional insurgency born of our blunders, and is based on illusions, not realities. There stability, the international economy, arrogance instead of reality. never has been any right way to invade and the global war on terror, American se- Meanwhile, military experts, Gen- transform Iraq. Most Americans need no fur- curity, stability in the Middle East and erals Abizaid, Odom, Powell, and dis- ther convincing, but two truths ought to put the lives of the Iraqi people. Twenty tinguished civilian leaders have called the matter beyond question: days is simply not enough time. for change, a new strategy, and the ur- First, the assumption that the United States could create a liberal, constitutional I would also like to remind the Mem- gency of diplomatic and political en- democracy in Iraq defies just about every- bers that on page 23 of the Iraq Study gagement, all to no avail. thing known by professional students of the Group it says quite clearly, ‘‘We could One of the central findings of the re- topic. Of the more than 40 democracies cre- support a short-term redeployment or cent NIE, the National Intelligence Es- ated since World War II, fewer than 10 can be

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00204 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4303 considered truly ‘‘constitutional’’—meaning Here we see shades of the Nixon-Kissinger war as a ‘‘tactical draw’’ and make ‘‘regional that their domestic order is protected by a strategy in Vietnam: widen the war into stability’’ our measure of ‘‘victory.’’ That broadly accepted rule of law, and has sur- Cambodia and Laos. Only this time, the ad- single step would dramatically realign the vived for at least a generation. None is a verse consequences would be far greater. opposing forces in the region, where most country with Arabic and Muslim political Iran’s ability to hurt U.S. forces in Iraq are states want stability. Even many in the cultures. None has deep sectarian and ethnic not trivial. And the anti-American backlash angry mobs of young Arabs shouting profani- fissures like those in Iraq. in the region would be larger, and have more ties against the United States want predict- Strangely, American political scientists lasting consequences. able order, albeit on better social and eco- whose business it is to know these things (3) We must prevent the emergence of a nomic terms than they now have. have been irresponsibly quiet. In the lead-up new haven for al-Qaeda in Iraq. But it was Realigning our diplomacy and military ca- to the March 2003 invasion, neoconservative the U.S. invasion that opened Iraq’s doors to pabilities to achieve order will hugely reduce agitators shouted insults at anyone who al-Qaeda. The longer U.S. forces have re- the numbers of our enemies and gain us new dared to mention the many findings of aca- mained there, the stronger al-Qaeda has be- and important allies. This cannot happen, demic research on how democracies evolve. come. Yet its strength within the Kurdish however, until our forces are moving out of They also ignored our own struggles over and Shiite areas is trivial. After a U.S. with- Iraq. Why should Iran negotiate to relieve two centuries to create the democracy Amer- drawal, it will probably play a continuing our pain as long as we are increasing its in- icans enjoy today. Somehow Iraqis are now role in helping the Sunni groups against the fluence in Iraq and beyond? Withdrawal will expected to create a constitutional order in Shiites and the Kurds. Whether such foreign awaken most leaders in the region to their a country with no conditions favoring it. elements could remain or thrive in Iraq after own need for U.S.-led diplomacy to stabilize This is not to say that Arabs cannot be- the resolution of civil war is open to ques- their neighborhood. come liberal democrats. When they immi- tion. Meanwhile, continuing the war will not If Bush truly wanted to rescue something grate to the United States, many do so push al-Qaeda outside Iraq. On the contrary, of his historical legacy, he would seize the quickly. But it is to say that Arab countries, the American presence is the glue that holds initiative to implement this kind of strat- as well as a large majority of all countries, al-Qaeda there now. egy. He would eventually be held up as a find creating a stable constitutional democ- (4) We must continue to fight in order to leader capable of reversing direction by turn- racy beyond their capacities. ‘‘support the troops. ‘‘This argument effec- ing an imminent, tragic defeat into strategic Second, to expect any Iraqi leader who can tively paralyzes almost all members of Con- recovery. hold his country together to be pro-Amer- gress. Lawmakers proclaim in grave tones a If he stays on his present course, he will ican, or to share American goals, is to aban- litany of problems in Iraq sufficient to jus- leave Congress the opportunity to earn the don common sense. It took the United States tify a rapid pullout. Then they reject that credit for such a turnaround. It is already more than a century to get over its hostility logical conclusion, insisting we cannot do so too late to wait for some presidential can- toward British occupation. (In 1914, a major- because we must support the troops. Has didate for 2008 to retrieve the situation. If ity of the public favored supporting Germany anybody asked the troops? Congress cannot act, it, too, will live in in- against Britain.) Every month of the U.S. oc- During their first tours, most may well famy. cupation, polls have recorded Iraqis’ rising have favored ‘‘staying the course’’—whatever animosity toward the United States. Even that meant to them—but now in their sec- He identified the shortcomings of the supporters of an American military presence ond, third and fourth tours, many are chang- administration’s Iraq policy and pre- say that it is acceptable temporarily and ing their minds. We see evidence of that in sented some of the clearest and most only to prevent either of the warring sides in the many news stories about unhappy troops prescient thinking on the issue to date. Iraq from winning. Today the Iraqi govern- being sent back to Iraq. Veterans groups are He places in stark relief what many ment survives only because its senior mem- beginning to make public the case for bring- bers and their families live within the heav- ing them home. Soldiers and officers in Iraq of our colleagues refuse to accept, that ily guarded Green Zone, which houses the are speaking out critically to reporters on the preemptive, unilateral course set U.S. Embassy and military command. the ground. by the President is not a strategy for As Congress awakens to these realities— But the strangest aspect of this rationale success in Iraq. and a few members have bravely pointed for continuing the war is the implication He says: ‘‘The first and most critical them out—will it act on them? Not nec- that the troops are somehow responsible for step is to recognize that fighting on essarily. Too many lawmakers have fallen deciding to continue the president’s course. now simply prolongs our losses and for the myths that are invoked to try to sell That political and moral responsibility be- the president’s new war aims. Let us con- longs to the president, not the troops. Did blocks the way to a new strategy. Get- sider the most pernicious of them. not President Harry S. Truman make it ting out of Iraq is the precondition for (1) We must continue the war to prevent clear that ‘‘the buck stops’’ in the Oval Of- creating new strategic options. With- the terrible aftermath that will occur if our fice? If the president keeps dodging it, where drawal will take away the conditions forces are withdrawn soon. Reflect on the does it stop? With Congress? that allow our enemies in the region to double-think of this formulation. We are now Embracing the four myths gives Congress enjoy our pain. fighting to prevent what our invasion made excuses not to exercise its power of the purse ‘‘Second,’’ he says, ‘‘we must recog- inevitable! Undoubtedly we will leave a to end the war and open the way for a strat- mess—the mess we created, which has be- egy that might actually bear fruit. nize that the United States alone can- come worse each year we have remained. The first and most critical step is to recog- not stabilize the Middle East. Lawmakers gravely proclaim their opposi- nize that fighting on now simply prolongs ‘‘Third, we must acknowledge that tion to the war, but in the next breath ex- our losses and blocks the way to a new strat- most of our policies are actually desta- press fear that quitting it will leave a blood egy. Getting out of Iraq is the pre-condition bilizing the region. Spreading democ- bath, a civil war, a terrorist haven, a ‘‘failed for creating new strategic options. With- racy, using sticks to try to prevent nu- state,’’ or some other horror. But this ‘‘after- drawal will take away the conditions that clear proliferation, threatening ‘regime math’’ is already upon us; a prolonged U.S. allow our enemies in the region to enjoy our occupation cannot prevent what already ex- pain. It will awaken those European states change,’ using the hysterical rhetoric ists. reluctant to collaborate with us in Iraq and of the ‘global war on terrorism’ all un- (2) We must continue the war to prevent the region. dermine the stability we so desperately Iran’s influence from growing in Iraq. This is Second, we must recognize that the United need in the Middle East. another absurd notion. One of the president’s States alone cannot stabilize the Middle ‘‘Fourth, we must redefine our pur- initial war aims, the creation of a democracy East. pose. It must be a stable region, not in Iraq, ensured increased Iranian influence, Third, we must acknowledge that most of primarily a democratic Iraq. We must both in Iraq and the region. Electoral democ- our policies are actually destabilizing the re- racy, predictably, would put Shiite groups in gion. Spreading democracy, using sticks to redirect our military operations so power—groups supported by Iran since Sad- try to prevent nuclear proliferation, threat- they enhance rather than undermine dam Hussein repressed them in 1991. Why are ening ‘‘regime change,’’ using the hysterical stability.’’ so many members of Congress swallowing rhetoric of the ‘‘global war on terrorism’’— So many experts, so many respected the claim that prolonging the war is now all undermine the stability we so desperately leaders, so many voices of patriots, and supposed to prevent precisely what starting need in the Middle East. their critical analysis ignored. the war inexorably and predictably caused? Fourth, we must redefine our purpose. It Fear that Congress will confront this con- must be a stable region, not primarily a Madam Speaker, in the preamble to tradiction helps explain the administration democratic Iraq. We must redirect our mili- our Constitution, three magnificent and neocon drumbeat we now hear for ex- tary operations so they enhance rather than words lead the document: ‘‘We, the peo- panding the war to Iran. undermine stability. We can write off the ple.’’ The people of our Nation made

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00205 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4304 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 the clearest and most important sol- Iraq. His network of terror grew rap- The only people sacrificing in this emn judgment on Iraq in last Novem- idly. Bin Laden’s top deputy applauded war are the troops and their families. ber’s election. They said, in over- his actions and counseled him on Many military personnel have served whelming numbers, to change the di- achieving dominance in the region. Al- two and three tours of duty. It has been rection of this war, to de-escalate, not though Zarqawi himself can no longer difficult on their families here at escalate. do harm, al Qaeda in Iraq remains a home. More than 3,100 of our finest That is exactly what this debate is threat to our security. sons and daughters have given the ulti- about. We pay tribute to and support An American defeat in Iraq would mate sacrifice for their country. More our troops who honor our country with embolden the terrorists like no event than 25,000 troops have been wounded. their service. We say, as the American before, bolstering bin Laden’s view I do not believe we need new troops people have said, enough is enough. I that America is weak. Al Qaeda would in Iraq. I believe we need a new strat- urge my colleagues to vote for this res- enjoy more than just a morale boost; egy in Iraq. The current strategy is olution. they would have a new operational clearly not working. base to plot attacks against Americans We have increased the number of b 1830 and train new recruits. An American American troops in the past, and it has Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Madam defeat in Iraq would almost certainly not done anything to calm the vio- Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 min- bring forth a government that turns a lence. In fact, in certain circumstances utes to the gentleman from California blind eye towards terrorism. This, the violence has increased. Even Gen- (Mr. HERGER). Madam Speaker, would be catastrophic eral Abizaid, commander of U.S. forces Mr. HERGER. Madam Speaker, I to our national security. in the Middle East has stated, ‘‘More hope we all can recognize the profound An American defeat in Iraq would American forces prevent the Iraqis importance of our mission in Iraq. His- also generate unspeakable chaos in the from doing more, from taking more re- tory surely will. The mission in Iraq Middle East. The dangerous regime in sponsibility for their own future.’’ I will impact our national security for Iran is already seeking to capitalize on completely agree with him. decades to come. what it perceives as our weakness. Iran I serve on the House Permanent Se- The United States seeks a region of is well on its way to developing nuclear lect Committee on Intelligence; I have stability and peace to create a more se- weapons, and its fanatical president been to Iraq four times and have met cure world for our children and grand- has publicly said that he wishes to de- with America’s top generals, U.S. and children. Al Qaeda seeks a region of stroy America and Israel. Syria would Iraqi troops, and Iraqi elected officials. terror and bloodshed. also take advantage of a power vacuum We must give the Iraqis more responsi- The President believes victory in in Iraq, further destabilizing the Mid- bility to take control of their own Iraq is key to victory on the war on dle East. What is good for hostile re- country. We must cut the apron strings terror. Al Qaeda believes our defeat in gimes like Iran and Syria can be dev- and let the Iraqis patrol their own Iraq is key to its vision of violent Is- astating for America’s security. streets. American troops will guard the In closing, Iraq is a central front in lamic rule. Our security is clearly at perimeter areas and back up the Iraqis the war on terrorism, and its future risk. in an emergency. I call this the Perim- will greatly influence our future secu- Americans are frustrated by the cur- eter Plan. rity. An American victory would foster rent situation in Iraq. We have wit- Redeploying troops to perimeter stability in a volatile region and pro- nessed the removal of a historic dic- areas, the Green Zone, and lowering tator, yet our men and women in uni- vide a resounding defeat for terror. For these reasons, we must give the the profile of American forces will form remain at risk. We have witnessed break the dependency the Iraqi mili- historic democratic elections, yet President’s new plan in Iraq a chance to succeed. Our resolve must override tary has on U.S. forces. those elected have not yet brought se- our frustrations. Our support for the The Iraqis will gain more confidence curity. We have been told about the remarkable members of our Armed in their own ability to secure their own progress we have experienced in train- Forces must be unwavering. And our country, and we will begin bringing our ing Iraqi security forces, yet violence determination in fighting radical men and women home. continues to rage. jihadists who want to kill us and our It has been said by my friends on the With growing uneasiness, we have families must never run dry. Madam other side of the aisle that the Demo- watched a back and forth tug of war Speaker, that determination must crats don’t have a plan. That is not between progress and setback, and we never run dry true. Other Members of our party have mourn the loss of every single brave Mr. REYES. Madam Speaker, it is a plan and I have a plan. In fact, I American who has fallen during this my privilege to yield 6 minutes to the shared the Perimeter Plan with the mission. gentleman from Maryland (Mr. RUP- President and members of his Cabinet Madam Speaker, I share this frustra- PERSBERGER). on two occasions at the White House. I tion and sorrow. Yet I believe we must Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. I thank you, also gave a copy of the Perimeter Plan not allow our frustrations to blind us Chairman REYES, of the Intelligence to the Iraqi Study Group that reviewed to the need for victory over radical Committee. it before issuing its recommendations jihadists. This House must work to- Madam Speaker, this resolution be- that have been largely ignored by the gether in addressing the challenges in fore the House today is very clear: Con- President. This is not cut and run like Iraq, because the outcome will be gress and the American people support some on the other side of the aisle closely linked to our own national se- our troops who serve bravely in Iraq, would like you to believe. It is a way to curity for years to come. and Congress disapproves of President force the Iraqis to take more control of Regrettably, the resolution before us Bush’s decision to send an additional their country, while also allowing the does nothing to enhance this security. 20,000 troops to Iraq. U.S. military to do what it does best. It does not offer a solution to the chal- There is not a Member of this body We have some of the best operations lenges in Iraq. It does not recognize the who does not pray for our Nation’s suc- forces, Marines and Rangers, and the magnitude of the failure. And it does cess in Iraq and in the global war on best technology in the world. These not recognize the nature of our en- terror. Our brave servicemen and forces can focus on backing up the emies. For these reasons I strongly op- women have performed in Iraq with Iraqi military. pose it. valor and honor. They have done every- As Thomas Payne insisted during the Madam Speaker, we know terrorists thing that a grateful Nation has asked American Revolution: ‘‘We need to let friendly to bin Laden are among the of them since the beginning of the war. those who want independence test their enemy in Iraq. Even before the fall of Whether you are for or against the will and try their soul.’’ More Amer- Saddam’s regime, the terrorist master- war, we must support our troops. This ican troops hinder the Iraqi democracy mind Zarqawi had sought refuge in resolution does that. from testing its soul, and hurt the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00206 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4305 world in the global war on terror. More on terrorism is not in the textbooks. It you complain you need to have a solu- than $400 billion has been spent on this is a war that must continually be reas- tion to the problem. war by American taxpayers with little sessed, realigned, and restructured, be- b 1845 or no oversight by Congress. From the cause war is not perfect. invasion of Iraq and the start of the I want to bring the troops home just The Democrats have not presented war, a Republican House and Repub- as soon as possible, as soon as the re- the American people with a solution, lican Senate have given the President gion is secured. There are no guaran- only a resolution that endorses stay almost whatever he wanted both in tees, but I believe the quickest way to the course, which, as we saw in Novem- money and strategic resources. The bring our sons and daughters home is ber, is unacceptable to the American people. This is not about leadership. days of the blank check are over. The to send additional troops for a short This is unacceptable. I am open for stakes are too high to allow this period of time. ideas and suggestions as we fight this money and resources to be spent un- Madam Speaker, I oppose this resolu- war on terror, but we must, we must checked. tion for three major reasons: win this war. In the first 6 weeks of this new Con- Number one, the impact on troops’ The third reason, this resolution gress, the Democrats have held 52 morale. opens the door to cutting funds des- Number two, there are no solutions House and Senate hearings on Iraq. We perately needed by our troops. The today. This resolution sticks with are conducting oversight and holding Democrats have said it time and time staying the course. the administration accountable. again. They are talking about cutting Iraq was not a hotbed for terrorists And, number three, I believe this res- funds for body armor, for food, for mili- olution puts us in the pathway of cut- before the war, but it is now. The coun- tary equipment and supplies. try has become a magnet for those who ting off funds desperately needed for This resolution, and their assertion want to harm Americans and Iraqis our troops. this resolution simultaneously offers and disrupt a new democracy. Terror- First, on the morale: I have had the support for soldiers but not the Presi- ists have used Iraq against us to re- honor to be in the Middle East, in dent’s plan, is disingenuous. I am deep- cruit and spread their twisted ideology Southeast Asia, in Iraq, Afghanistan, ly concerned that this resolution mere- worldwide. Pakistan on three occasions, I believe ly opens the door for Congress to move But the global war on terror is much more times than anyone in our delega- forward cutting off funds for our more than Iraq. While we are spending tion from Nevada. I have looked in the troops. We have heard it this week, and much of our precious resources in Iraq, eyes of these young men and women of simply had the Democrats allowed the we are not focused on fighting ter- all ages in the deserts of Iraq, in Be- Republicans to add one sentence that rorism worldwide. We are taking our thesda, and in Walter Reed Army Hos- we would guarantee we would not re- eye off the ball. We must refocus our pital. duce the funds, would have changed the efforts on other parts of the Middle To a person, morale is at an all-time whole outcome of this resolution. East, Asia, South America, Africa, and high. But what I do hear consistently Madam Speaker, I appreciate this op- other parts of the world. Good intel- from these folks is they are afraid that portunity, but this resolution is a reso- ligence is the best defense against ter- Washington has looked the other way. lution of hypocrisy. The American peo- rorism. This takes resources. We must They don’t want to be the last man ple spoke in November and said we prioritize where we put our money. It killed, and they are afraid the funds must not stay the course. I cannot sup- is not about Republicans or Democrats. are going to be reduced and cut off. port this resolution, and I don’t believe It is about all Americans and keeping And, you know, I even disagree with the American people do. this country safe for our children and Secretary Gates and his perspective, Mr. REYES. Madam Speaker, it is our grandchildren. and certainly with the Democrats with now my honor to yield 5 minutes to the Madam Speaker, this is a critical their approach that this debate does gentlelady from California (Ms. ROY- moment in the war in Iraq. More not send the wrong message. I believe BAL-ALLARD). troops will not help Iraq. A new strat- that you are wrong. It does. Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Madam egy will. I received this e-mail just this week Speaker, I rise to support the resolu- Democracy is rooted in independence from a soldier I spent Christmas Eve tion and to express my opposition to and self-sustainment. By implementing with in Baghdad this past Christmas. the President’s plan to send additional the Perimeter Plan, we encourage the And he said, ‘‘Congressman, every day troops to Iraq. While I rise as a Mem- Iraqis to take control of their own we are burdened with stories in the ber of this House who opposed author- country. This strategy will allow us to media of the American people wanting ization of the Iraq war, I also rise as a be successful in Iraq and win the war to cut and run, with slanted coverage member of the new Congressional ma- on terror. This is why we must vote for of atrocities and the argument that it jority, representing millions of Ameri- this resolution. I urge Members to sup- is possible to support the troops but cans who voted for a new direction in port it not the war. I disagree, Congressman. Iraq, and I rise representing my own Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. I am Someone that supports me by exten- 34th congressional district of Cali- pleased to yield 5 minutes to the gen- sion supports my efforts to accomplish fornia, whose constituents overwhelm- tleman from Nevada (Mr. PORTER). my mission.’’ ingly oppose this escalation. Mr. PORTER. Madam Speaker, the Madam Speaker, I hope this Congress Perhaps, most importantly, I rise as Iraq war is the single greatest issue heeds his words. the proud stepmother of a U.S. Army facing the American people today, and Another young man from Nevada vis- serviceman who served in Iraq, and a we must get the job done. Which is why ited the Capitol last year, wanted a proud wife of a marine who saw two I rise today in opposition to H. Con. tour of the Capitol, is proud of his uni- tours of duty in Vietnam. While I will Res. 63. form, because he was a soldier serving never personally experience war on the My prayers go out to Nevada’s 26 in the Middle East. But he was afraid ground, I can speak from a wife and families who have lost loved ones in he would be scorned, not unlike our mother’s perspective about what it this war and the other over-3,000 Amer- family and friends that were scorned means to have a loved one sent into ican citizens that have paid the ulti- when they returned from Vietnam. harm’s way. mate sacrifice. I continue to pray for Through this resolution we are going Over 4 years ago, I spoke from that those who are in the war zone today to continue to send the wrong message very perspective when I, with many of around the world and for the families to those who humbly protect our Na- my colleagues, urged the President to here at home. tion. exhaust all diplomatic efforts, give the Yes, a lot of mistakes have been The second reason, there are no solu- U.N. weapons inspectors a chance to made, but it is easy on Monday morn- tions in this resolution. My father finish their job and, if necessary, estab- ing to look back and criticize. This war taught me a long time ago that before lish a multilateral coalition force to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00207 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4306 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 confront Saddam before invading Iraq. power to take our sons and daughters be hiding behind this resolution if their These steps would have made it pos- out of harm’s way and bring them safe- true aim is to cut off funding for our sible to say to my stepson and to all ly home troops. Because while this resolution our Nation’s sons and daughters, your Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Madam will indeed score a few political points country did everything in its power to Speaker, I am pleased to yield 51⁄2 min- for some debating in this Chamber keep you from harm’s way. utes to my colleague from New York today, this resolution also sends a mes- Regrettably, the President did not do (Mr. REYNOLDS). sage far beyond this Chamber. everything in his power to keep them Mr. REYNOLDS. I thank the gentle- Indeed, Madam Speaker, this non- from harm’s way. We know now that woman from New Mexico. binding resolution, while lacking any decisions to invade Iraq were based on, Madam Speaker, we have heard many bite in terms of strategy, and not at best, faulty intelligence, and, at speeches this week talking about the changing anything on the ground in worst, intelligence viewed to favor a honorable men and women of our Baghdad, will send a message loud and specific policy outcome. It is breath- Armed Forces. We all have constitu- clear to our troops: We are consigning taking now to consider how incom- ents who have served bravely in Iraq your mission to failure before you even plete, simplistic, or just plain wrong and some have paid the ultimate price have a chance to execute it. our intelligence and projections were for this service, and we are forever As I listened to SAM JOHNSON today, about the need to invade Iraq. grateful for that. We are grateful be- as he recounted the unspeakable dam- It is breathtaking to consider the cause these men and women put our age antiwar efforts back home did to cost to our Nation of this ill-conceived freedoms and our country before them- our soldiers in Vietnam, I wondered and mismanaged war in which billions selves. It is this freedom that affords whether our brave men and women are of dollars have been spent without sig- us the ability to undertake the debate listening to the taunts of America’s en- nificant and appropriate oversight of on this shallow, shortsighted resolu- emies at this very moment as we de- the war effort, the occupation, or the tion. bate not just this resolution but their plan for reconstruction and withdrawal If the purpose of this resolution is mission. SAM JOHNSON is not alone in from Iraq. Even more tragic is the huge scoring political points and playing po- questioning the damage to the morale price that has been paid in American litical games, then bravo to the Demo- we may be doing to those fighting and Iraqi lives and in our esteem cratic majority, they have succeeded. forces. around the world. But if the purpose of this resolution is One of my constituents, a highly I share the commitment of my hus- for a new direction in Iraq that will se- decorated Iraq war veteran, David band and stepson and that of all Ameri- cure victory and secure the second de- Bellavia wrote, ‘‘Each day . . . move(s) cans to defend this Nation against all mocracy in the Middle East, then this us closer to losing a winnable war and enemies. I believe, even as a peaceful resolution comes up woefully short. abandoning a worthy ally.’’ Nation, we must be resolute in our de- I am not prepared to look our sol- Madam Speaker, for Congress to sup- termination to defend our country diers and their families in their eyes port this resolution gives encourage- against hostile interests. and say I voted for this resolution, be- ment to the jihadists and cuts the mo- But the bar to war must be set high, cause while I support you, I do not sup- rale of our troops. In our global war on and information on which we base our port your mission. terror, we cannot show a lack of re- entry into war or escalate our involve- We debate a resolution this week solve because, as we know, after dec- ment must be clear, compelling, and as that represents a cavalier attitude ades of attacks by these jihadists on unfiltered as possible. The President about the mission our troops are car- our citizens, the World Trade Center in did not, in good faith, make the case to rying out, day in and day out, without 1993, our embassies and the USS Cole, preemptively and unilaterally go to fear, and without knowing whether we know what a lack of resolve has war in Iraq, and he has not made the some in the halls of this Congress still meant. That lack of resolve hit us all case for this escalation. He has not ex- support them in this war on terror. when the jihadists attacked us again plained to the American people why, While we debate this resolution, let on the morning of September 11, 2001. after four failed escalations, this one me be clear that, like my constituents, That fateful Tuesday brought devasta- will succeed. Even many of his generals my patience is limited in Iraq. We tion to this country not seen since and military advisors oppose this plan. must see more progress sooner rather Pearl Harbor and, God willing, that we To give approval to this administra- than later. We must see the Iraqis play will never experience again. tion, to continue its failed strategy, a larger role and take control of their The skies were thick with smoke, de- and put into jeopardy the lives of an country. The Iraqis need to recognize bris piled so high it brought to a stand- additional 20,000 troops defies common their failure to take control has con- still the city that never sleeps. Just sense. sequences, the consequences of ful- days after the attacks, I stood at Madam Speaker, we will all forever filling bin Laden’s wish to see Iraq be- Ground Zero amidst the rubble, in an- be grateful to the brave men and come a new central base for terrorists, guish. I knew this was bigger than any women in uniform who have done ev- the consequences of destabilizing the political party, bigger than any one erything they have been asked to do Middle East and endangering Israel, country. It is a global war on Islamic valiantly and courageously. our strongest democratic ally in the jihadism, and that war, as the jihadists Therefore, I continue to hope that Middle East. have said, is now set in Iraq. the debate over this resolution will be The consequence is of involving our The question raised by this resolu- absent the charges that we undermine enemies like Iran and other rogue tion is, will we yield? As Winston their mission and their morale, for this states to develop weapons of mass de- Churchill said, reflecting on the dark- is nonsense. There is not a Member in struction without the fear of repercus- est days of the global war of his time, this body that does not respect and sions. Ultimately in Iraq, it is Iraqis one that pitted the hopes of freedom honor their service or support their ef- who will decide if democracy or tyr- against the ideology of hatred, ‘‘Never forts. Our message is to the Com- anny rule the day, and whether they give in—never, never, never, never, in mander in Chief, not the brave troops avoid the consequences of their failure. nothing great or small, large or petty; who serve our Nation. But while my patience is limited, and ‘‘Never yield to force; never yield to Four years ago, I asked myself I want to see progress, I will not play the apparently overwhelming might of whether we were doing everything in politics with our troops, which is what the enemy.’’ our power to keep our Nation’s sons this resolution does. Madam Speaker, in the daunting and daughters out of harm’s way. Four Like Majority Leader HOYER said challenge of our time, we must not years later, I stand here to oppose this yesterday, no one should hide behind waver, and we must not yield. escalation and ask that we begin the the troops. I agree, but equally impor- Mr. REYES. Madam Speaker, I yield process of doing everything in our tant, Members of this body should not myself 6 minutes.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00208 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4307 I rise to express my strong support percentage of divorces have multiplied at an patiently awaiting the arrival of loved ones, for our Nation’s military and for the exponential rate. But yet talks of cutting I found myself fidgety. resolution before the House today. I am down deployments have been in the works I picked up Connor and then put him back a proud veteran. I know what it is like for year but no progress has been made. down every five minutes, and I must have re- The vast majority of Armed Services mem- adjusted the belt and buttons on my black to say good-bye to loved ones and be bers are proud every day to put on our uni- and red welcome home dress at least 50 gone for a year, or 13 months, as in my form and help others who cannot help them- times. case when I served in Vietnam. selves. But at what cost? At the cost of los- Every moment felt like another extension I voted against authorizing the use of ing the ones we love. And at the end of it all and every minute felt like another deploy- force against Iraq because I did not be- we cannot place blame on our spouses, for ment. I talked a million miles a minute, and lieve that the evidence provided by the they have been holding on longer than most I must have asked my friend at least 20 could ever imagine. times if the soldiers had left Eielson Air administration, particularly the intel- Our spouses run multiple lives as my wife ligence data, were sufficient to justify Force Base yet to head to Fort Wainwright. does. As a professional writer and reporter I detested the anticipation. putting our troops in harm’s way. Com- for the Anchorage Daily Newspaper, a moth- I had so many emotions built up inside bat should be the last option. I know; I er, FRG (Family Readiness Group) Leader, from 16 months of missing my husband like have been there. and as a military spouse, my wife, she has a crazy and was experiencing this physical Over 3,000 American lives later, and lot to deal with. Bills, care for our child, her longing stronger than anything else I’d ever tens of thousands suffering debilitating work, and dealing with my calls home known to just touch him, hug him and hold injuries, yet we are no closer to our whether they be happy or sad. It is simply him. goal of a secure and stable Iraq, and too much to ask from anyone. Which is maybe why, when the Army band My wife is as strong as they come, but with began to play and those three magic garage the situation there continues to dete- the last 3 years her patience has worn ex- doors simultaneously began to open, I broke riorate. tremely thin. With us being away from down into tears. Our military families are paying a home, many wives end up leaving their hus- I cried as the nearly 200 soldiers dis- high price. There were a couple of arti- bands searching for a better life, or long embarked the buses that transported them cles in today’s paper that talked about needed affection without a phone, or even to from Eielson as the crowd erupted in cheers our inability to find common ground. become their own person again. My wife told and the families burst into applause. I wept Well, I disagree. I think we find com- me something the other day that really hit as the soldiers made their formation on the mon ground because we care about not me, ‘‘No one knows who you are, they know far side of the room, and I sobbed as they Megan and Dominic, and the guy that keeps just our troops, but their families, our marched across that hangar-like area to calling on the phone.’’ their place in front of us. military families. That is who we have become to our fami- And when their commander released them Madam Speaker, I would like to sub- lies, just a voice on the phone. I am not ask- to their families, I broke down. mit for the RECORD an e-mail from Ser- ing to get out of this conflict. We are doing Soldiers sprinted toward us, frantically geant Matthew Baeza well here, plus if we leave, the friends I have searching for their families, and in the Hello Sir, My name is SGT Matthew Baeza, lost here would have died in vain. I cannot crowd, I just couldn’t see my husband. He currently I am deployed in Iraq in support of have that on my conscience. We all realize wasn’t in the very front, he wasn’t in the Operation Iraqi Freedom ’05–’07 with the C– the good we are accomplishing here, but we very back, he wasn’t near his old com- 84th ECB (H), out of Fort Richardson, AK. I are losing our families over it. mander, he wasn’t near anyone else I knew. am an El Paso native, and have not been too We don’t try to save the world, at least I I was starting to panic, when all of a sud- big in politics although I did my fair share of don’t, that is too much to ask of one person. den, two soldiers cleared my path of vision Democratic rallies with my father Luis But rather try for the ones closest to us. My and for the first time, I spotted him. I lit- Baeza when I was in high school. I have met son and my wife. But when they are gone, erally lost my breath. My heart fluttered the you on several occasions through my father who is it for? Every day I am here I tell my- way it did the first time I met my husband, as well as when we met on the steps of the self I do this for them, and others feel the and I felt just like that 18-year-old girl again Senate when I was on a High School trip to same way. as we made eye contact for the first time. DC in ’99. I am not asking you to change the way My heart dropped, and my husband My concerns are brought forward whole- things are, but rather voice your opinion and beamed. hearted. They do not concern El Paso, but it raise a flag for those of us that cannot. With I’ve never run so fast with a child in my does concern El Pasoans all over the country your reputation you can influence others in arms in my entire mommy life. I had tunnel who serve in the military and who are de- helping us cut our deployments to shorter vision as I trotted toward the man of my ployed in the threatre of operations. periods. We are not asking to leave Iraq or dreams and flung my one arm around his Many of us in the military believe in what Afghanistan, but rather cut the time away neck as he embraced the two of us with the we do and feel our mission here is warranted. from home. When you start stacking deploy- biggest smile I’ve ever seen from a man in The issues are not against our deployments ments on top of each other, families get bro- uniform. but rather the length of our deployments. ken, and when that happens, you get Service He held us tight, told me through giant You see, the ARMY is the only branch that Members who cannot perform. Would could smiling teeth that he loved me and missed will always deploy with a full 12 month rota- when your life is falling apart? me, and then pulled away to look down at tion in deployments. Other branches have I hope you read this and understand where his son for the first time since he was 11 days been cut to 6 months or even 3 months. I do I am coming from, and realize I speak for a old. And in an act that I’m positive must realize there are certain elements in the number of Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Air- have been from God, Connor looked up at his other branches that serve a 12 month rota- men, and Coast Guardsmen who have fallen daddy and smiled as if Matt had been a phys- tion like the ARMY. into this horrible ordeal. ical part of his life for all eight months. The issue I have is that 12 months isn’t Thank you sir for your time. I cried. Then I laughed. Then I smiled. that difficult to pull the first time. But into MATTHEW BAEZA, Then I shed another tear. your second and third deployments (some SGT, EN Supply Sergeant. We hugged, we kissed, we stared at the soldiers serving 4 deployments back to back) beautiful life we had created together. it starts to break the backs of even the [From the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Dec. And when it was all said and done and our strongest of families. Children are seeking 8, 2006] run-leap-hug maneuver was complete, we counseling as young as 3 or 4 years old due to A HERO, HOME AT LAST walked out of that AHA, hand in hand, with the absence of their parents, and if a mar- (By Michelle Cuthrell) our worlds once again connected and our riage survives, most end up seeking help After spending 24 hours a day for seven love once again in tangible form. from chaplains or marriage counselors. Is days a week for four weeks a month for 16 There’s no more counting down the days that how we want our Service Members and months of deployment learning how to wait, ‘‘until they come home.’’ their families to live? you’d think small increments of time like an My hero is home, and my life is once again Out of a 5 year marriage, I will have been hour and a half would just fly by. complete. absent 3 years, and will only have known my But standing in that Alert Holding Area on I want to read the e-mail that I got son for 9 months, when I return days from Fort Wainwright Tuesday night, 90 minutes from Sergeant Baeza, a soldier who is his 3rd birthday. My marriage along with felt like an eternity. from El Paso, not assigned to El Paso, hundreds of other service members are I guess patience isn’t exactly in large sup- quickly ending due to the amount of time ply when you are anticipating the imminent but is from El Paso: absent from home. return of your husband from Iraq. ‘‘Hello, sir, my name is Sergeant I am not sure if surveys have been per- Standing amid the other moms and dads Matthew Baeza. Currently I am de- formed, but I can almost guarantee you the and spouses and children who were also im- ployed in Iraq in support of Operation

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00209 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4308 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 Iraqi Freedom. I am an El Paso native, for our child, her work, and dealing pretend resolution. I wish I could say and I have not been too big on politics, with my calls from home, whether they this is merely a waste of time, but it is although I did my fair share of Demo- be happy or sad. It is simply too much far more damaging than that. As Lin- cratic rallies with my father, Luis to ask from any one person. coln warned, a house divided itself can- Baeza, when I was in high school. I ‘‘My wife is as strong as they come, not stand. Yet today our Congress have met you on several occasions but with the last 3 years, her patience stands divided for all the world to see. through my father, as well as when we has worn extremely thin. With us being Our enemies are smiling and our sol- met on the steps of the Senate when I away from home, many wives end up diers are sick at heart. was on a high school trip to D.C. in leaving their husbands, searching for a Don’t take my word for it. Let me 1999. better life, or long-needed affection read you an e-mail I received this week ‘‘My concerns are brought forward without a phone, or even to become from a decorated Army soldier who wholehearted. They do not concern El their own person again. served in the gulf war and again in Iraq Paso, but it does concern El Pasoens ‘‘My wife told me something the on this war on terror. all over the country who serve in the other day that really hit me.’’ And he He writes: ‘‘The troops support the military and who are deployed in the quotes his wife: ‘‘ ‘No one knows who mission, support the President, and theatre of operations. you are. They know Megan and they support the surge. We are moving the know Dominic, and the guy that keeps brigade out of here soon. I cannot be b 1900 calling on the phone.’ That is who we more adamant about the fact that par- ‘‘Many of us in the military believe have become to our families, just a tisan politics is hurting the mission in what we do and feel our mission here voice on the phone. and the morale. We want to win the is warranted. The issues are not ‘‘I am not asking to get out of this war not the White House.’’ against our deployments, but rather conflict. We are doing well here. Plus I fear that some see that in the other the length of our deployments. You the friends I have lost here would have order. The troops want to complete see, the Army is the only branch that died in vain. I cannot have that on my this mission. Congress wanted a change will always deploy with a full 12-month conscience. We are accomplishing here, in the strategy, they got a change, now rotation in its deployments. Other but we are losing our families over it. they don’t want to support the change. branches have been cut to 6 months or We don’t try to save the world, at least That is exactly why Vietnam vets com- even 3 months. I do realize there are I don’t. That is too much to ask of one plained about politicians not allowing certain elements in other branches person. them to win. And this is not Vietnam that serve a 12-month rotation like the ‘‘But rather try for the ones closest all over again, but the politicians are Army. Nonetheless, the Army uses a to us, my son, and my wife, but when making the same mistakes they did 12-month rotation. they are gone who is it for? Every day back then. ‘‘The issue I have is that 12 months is I am here I tell myself I do this for Let the generals run the war; you not that difficult to pull the first time. them. And others feel the same way. I guys handle immigration. Well, listen- But into your second and third deploy- am not asking you to change the way ing to this debate, perhaps we should ments, some soldiers serving with me things are, but rather voice your opin- just turn the running of the war over back to back four times, it starts to ion and raise the flag for those of us to Congress. Unbeknownst to America, break the backs of even the strongest that cannot, with your reputation and apparently the most brilliant, articu- of families. Children are seeking coun- your influence, in helping us cut our late military strategists have to be seling as young as 3- or 4-years-old due deployments to shorter periods. here in Congress. But a word of caution ‘‘We are not asking to leave Iraq or to the absence of their parents. to my fellow MacArthurs and Pattons. Afghanistan, but rather to cut time ‘‘And if a marriage survives, most It is easy to run a war when you are away from home. When you start 6,000 miles from Baghdad and hold a end up seeking help from chaplains or stacking deployments on top of each microphone for a gun. marriage counselors. Is that how we other, families get broken. When that There can be only one Commander in want our servicemembers and their happens you get servicemembers who Chief. The moment Congress begins families to live? Out of a 5-year mar- cannot perform. interfering in battlefield decisions is riage, I will have been absent 3 years ‘‘At what cost when your life is fall- the moment we are assured of losing and will only have known my son for 9 ing apart? this war and that moment is dan- months when I return in a few days for ‘‘Signed, Sergeant Baeza.’’ gerously near. his third birthday. Madam Speaker, that is what we are I support this surge. If our military ‘‘My marriage, along with hundreds doing to our military families. That is leaders and the Commander in Chief of other servicemembers are quickly what this resolution is about. It is need these extra soldiers, I am behind ending due to the amount of time ab- about having the Iraqis accept respon- them 110 percent. Am I certain the sent from home. I am not sure if sur- sibility for their own country and for surge will work? No. But I am certain veys have been performed, but I can al- their own responsibility and taking the consequences of failing in Iraq will most guarantee you the percentage of care of themselves. That is why we are ultimately cost us many more innocent divorces has multiplied at an expo- doing this lives and a much darker future, not nential rate. Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Madam just for Iraq but for my family and ‘‘But yet talks of cutting down de- Speaker, I yield 51⁄2 minutes to my col- yours. ployments have been in the works for league from Texas (Mr. BRADY). In Iraq and Afghanistan we are in a years, but no progress have we seen. Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Speak- battle of wills. Should America retreat, The vast majority of armed services er, watching television late last night I should we withdraw prematurely, we members are proud every day to put on was reminded of the vivid contrast be- will not only cement our reputation as our uniform and help others who can- tween Congress and the war on terror. a Nation that talks big and acts boldly, not help themselves, but at what cost? On the one channel I watched Members but at the first sign of difficulty shows At the cost of losing the ones we love, of the House theatrically debating this no will, no backbone, no strength to and at the end of it all we cannot place nonbinding, that means pretend, reso- keep our word. blame on our spouses. For they have lution, while the other channel showed The world saw our lack of will in been holding on longer than most could an American chopper hit by a rocket- Vietnam, they watched us run from So- ever imagine. Our spouses run multiple propelled grenade and billowing black malia, and today they see our back- lives, as my wife does. As a profes- smoke, falling in the death spiral to bone disintegrate over Iraq. They sional reporter for the local newspaper, the ground, killing all American sol- watched us for a quarter of a century, a mother who is raising a family on her diers aboard. we wished away the terrorist attacks own, as a military spouse, as my wife, Tonight our soldiers face real bullets in Khobar, the USS Cole, and the first she has a lot to deal with. Bills, care and real explosive devices; we debate a World Trade Center bombing.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00210 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4309 Finally it hit home and already some I also recognized, having served on Earlier this week, my office was vis- in Congress are flying the white flag. the Armed Services Committee and on ited by Mr. Jim Goodnow. He is a vet- Think. Nations like Iraq and Afghani- the Terrorist Task Force prior to 9/11, eran from my district and an active stan who oppose terrorism are faced that the evidence was not there. I may member of the Veterans for Peace. Mr. with a choice. They can live with ter- not agree with how this war has been Goodnow has traveled all over the rorists among them or live in a free so- handled, but I, along with everyone country from his home base in ciety with the protection and the back- here and all of my colleagues on both Terlinqua, Texas, aboard his bus ing of the world’s greatest democracy. sides, firmly stand by our troops. It is dubbed the Yellow Rose. He has been That is us. With their lives and the fu- our servicemen and -women who are spreading the message of peace for ture on the line who will they choose? making a great sacrifice on the battle- many years. Is it not sad that today the world has field on behalf of all of us here in this Mr. Goodnow is not alone. And with just about decided that America will Chamber and everyone across the this resolution we want to make it not keep its word, America cannot be United States. clear that this Congress and America counted on? And they, the troops, all deserve our and the American people have had Terrorists know that while they can unequivocal support. This war is cre- enough. No more blank checks, no never hope to defeat our military on ating a new generation of veterans and more violence, and no more escalation. a new generation of needs for them. the battleground, they are assured if b 1915 they just hold out, they can defeat us Today, over 25,000 both dead and Madam Speaker, it is time that we in Congress one opinion poll at a time. wounded have been reported, while this stand by our country and stand up for This is a test of wills, and whether we body continues to appropriate billions our troops. I strongly urge my col- got here for the reason you agree with of dollars to the administration for leagues to support this bipartisan reso- or not, it is a test. I believe we are here this war. Let us remember our veterans and lution. for the right reasons, and it is incred- Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Madam ibly naive to believe that all of the ter- the cost to fulfill the promise that we have made to them for medical care. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 min- rorist organizations in the world were utes to my colleague from Texas (Mr. conveniently gathered in Afghanistan, Today, the issue is not whether we were right or wrong to grant the Presi- MCCAUL). like a Rotary Club. Mr. MCCAUL of Texas. Madam We are wrong to pursue terrorist safe dent such broad authority in regards to this war in Iraq, but instead how he has Speaker, I rise today in support of our havens other than those that harbored troops and in support of victory in al Qaeda on the some wobbly theory we exercised that power, what the results have been, and what his plans are for Iraq. should not pursue drug cartels other It is hard to ignore the inconvenient than the ones we believe smuggled in the future. We have now entered the fifth year of truth that this ill-timed measure will the drug that destroyed your child. this war. And I ask you, what progress aid the terrorists and depress the mo- Due to technology and financing, ter- have we made? What is our exit strat- rale of our soldiers who are fighting to rorists are not limited to states and re- egy? It is not a new question. It was a defeat them. It also sends a wrong mes- gions, and we have to pursue them. But question that was raised from the very sage to our troops at exactly the wrong whether or not you agree with how we beginning when we went into this war, time. They are carrying out their mis- got here, we are there in Iraq. And the and when we raised it in the Armed sion, as I speak, while we here in the nation of Iraq and our Nation have ev- Services Committee. This war and the Congress are condemning them. erything riding on the line. Elimi- reckless strategy behind it have cost us It amazes me that at the same time nating Iraq as a safe haven for financ- Americans some $532 billion, and over General Petraeus was confirmed by the ing, training terrorist groups in the 3,100 American lives, as well as over Senate, this resolution was introduced Middle East is a mission we must com- 3,000 serious injuries. condemning his counterinsurgency plete for our sake. It has resulted in increased sectarian plan for victory. Thomas Edison once observed many violence and an uncertain future in Never in our history has this country of life’s failures are people who did not Iraq. Madam Speaker, I think most of sent a war leader into battle, while realize how close they were to success us here know that we need a new direc- condemning the very mission that he when they gave up. If we fail in Iraq, tion, and a new direction is justified. I and the Armed Forces will be leading. we sentence our children to a lifetime can assure you that the American peo- Make no mistake, this resolution is of fear, of fear of going to the mall ple want a new direction. the first step towards cutting off fund- safely, going to work each morning and But what the President has offered to ing for our troops. As a consultant to returning home safely, the fear of them is more of the same. The Presi- the Iraq Study Group, I supported the going with friends to a sports stadium dent is now asking for a massive esca- findings that failure is not an option, without being torn apart in an explo- lation of over 20,000 troops. The esca- and that a troop surge is necessary for sion. lation plan will not work, just like the security and stability. I also supported If we believe the price of war is high, previous troop surges that we have had the recommendation that a political wait until we endure the price of terror have not worked. Madam Speaker, the and diplomatic surge is essential for here in America. Our soldiers are giv- American people have asked and have peace. ing their blood, what are we giving had enough. And with an up-and-down The time for evaluating the success them? A resolution. vote on this resolution, this Congress or failure of this endeavor will come Mr. SPRATT. Madam Speaker, I will not only send a message to the soon enough, but now is not the time yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from President regarding his misguided pol- to be sending a message to friend and Texas (Mr. RODRIGUEZ). icy, but also send a message to the foe alike that we no longer believe in Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, I American people that their Congress is the mission. rise today in strong support of this bi- listening, it is here, and it is calling for But many in this country and many partisan resolution that expresses dis- a new direction. in this Chamber insist it is in Amer- approval of the President’s escalation I oppose this escalation plan because ica’s interest to surrender and retreat of troops in Iraq. In October of 2002, I more troops in combat means more from our obligation to help Iraq build a stood on this floor in this House and casualties and more loss of American stable democracy. They say that, voted against giving the President au- lives. I have been to Walter Reed Med- knowing full well the consequences of thority to wage war in Iraq. And I did ical Center, and I have seen our injured an early American withdrawal. so because I strongly believed that young men and women coming back And what are those consequences? Congress should not abdicate its war from the battlefield. I have seen the Chaos, instability in the region, and, in powers and hand over to the President sacrifice of what this war has done to al Qaeda’s own words, a threat that a blank check on the war. our families and our loved ones. America has never seen before.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00211 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4310 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 Recently, the ambassadors from Jor- lamic jihad were spread all over the Middle advancement, surrender over victory, and de- dan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia told me East. featism for our children and for future genera- that ‘‘if the U.S. fails here, it will be These seeds planted hatred and contempt tions. catastrophic. We are in this together. for freedom in the souls of men like Osama Let us remember the words of President They will come after us and then they bin Laden. In 1983, they murdered our ma- Kennedy when he said: will come after you.’’ And then they rines in Beirut. In 1993, Ramzi Yousef and his Let every nation know, whether it wishes will come after you. al Qaeda associates bombed the World Trade us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, Recently, after meeting with them, I Center. They were supposed to fall that day, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the sur- had to say to myself, how will history but that day would come later. vival and the success of liberty.’’ then judge us; that when we stood at They struck the Khobar Towers in 1996. the brink, we chose retreat over ad- They bombed our embassies in Africa. They Where is the party of President Kennedy today? This resolution sends a clear message vancement, surrender over victory, and defeated us in Somalia. And they deliberately across the Islamic Jihad world—that we will defeatism for our children and for fu- attacked the USS Cole. not bear any burden—that we will not oppose ture generations? Each time we failed to respond. And then any foe—that we have lost our will—that they Let us remember the words of Presi- came September 11. It was as if the United States was a sleeping giant. And not until the have won—that they can come and get us. dent Kennedy, when he said: ‘‘Let We are better than that. every nation know, whether it wishes bloodiest alarm of 9/11 did the giant finally We are Americans—the same Americans us well or ill, that we shall pay any awake. And America cannot afford to go back who defeated the most powerful country in the price, bear any burden, meet any hard- to sleep again. world at the time to win our independence. ship, support any friend, oppose any ‘‘It is hard to ignore the inconvenient truth We are the same Americans who defeated foe, to assure the survival and success that this ill-timed measure will aid the terrorists Fascists in Japan, Germany and Italy. of liberty.’’ and depress the morale of our soldiers who We are the same Americans who defeated Where is the party of President Ken- are fighting to defeat them.’’ It also sends the the scourge of the Soviet Union, liberating mil- nedy today? This resolution sends a wrong message to our troops at the wrong lions more. clear message across the Islamic jihad time. They are carrying out their mission as I Now we face yet another challenge—defeat- world that we will not bear any burden, speak, while we here in Congress are con- ing the jihadists and an ideology of hate. But that we will not oppose any foe, that demning it. our colleagues on the other side of the aisle we have lost our will, that they have The time for evaluating the success or fail- say ‘‘We will support the War on Terror, ex- won, and that they can come and they ure of this endeavor will come soon enough, cept where the terrorists have chosen to fight can get us. but now is not the time to be sending a mes- it.’’ I believe Abraham Lincoln summed sage to friend and foe alike that we no longer Our previous struggles were not easy, they it up best by saying that from these believe in this mission. were hard and required great sacrifice. Yet all honored dead we take increased devo- It amazes me that just as General Petraeus of these challenges were met, and victory was tion to that cause for which they gave was confirmed by the Senate, this resolution won, and the world is a better place because the last full measure of devotion, that was introduced condemning his counter-insur- of it. This struggle is the same. If we give up we here highly resolve that these dead gency plan for victory. now, we betray not just the Iraqi people, and shall not have died in vain. ‘‘Never in our history has this country sent not just our place in history, but those who As Members of Congress, the most so- a war leader into battle while condemning the have paid the ultimate sacrifice. bering job that we have is to comfort mission that he and the armed forces he will I believe Abraham Lincoln summed it up the families left behind in a time of be leading have been asked to complete.’’ best by saying: great loss and a time of war. I have Make no mistake; this resolution is the first . . . that from these honored dead we stood by, like many of my colleagues, step towards cutting off funding for our troops. take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of de- to honor those who have paid the ulti- As a consultant to the Iraq Study Group, I supported the findings that a troop surge is votion—that we here highly resolve that mate sacrifice for freedom. We all these dead shall not have died in vain... stand here today indebted to those necessary for security and stability. I also sup- ported the recommendation that a political and As Members of Congress, the most sober- brave Americans and their families. ing job we have is to comfort the families left And because those heroes and those diplomatic surge is essential for victory. But many in this country, and many in this behind in a time of great loss, in a time of war. families cannot speak on the floor of chamber, insist it is in America’s interest to I have stood by, like many of my colleagues, the House, I would like to share some surrender and retreat from our obligation to to honor those who have paid the ultimate of their words here with you today. help Iraq build a stable democracy. They say price for freedom. We all stand here today in- And these are the words of Janet Nor- that, knowing full well the consequences of an debted to those brave Americans and their wood, a constituent, a Gold Star Moth- early American withdrawal. families. They are true heroes. er, whose son, Byron, was killed in And what are those consequences— Because those heroes and their families Fallujah while serving in Iraq. And she Chaos. Instability in the region. A threat that cannot speak on the Floor of the House, I said: In the past I have always had America has never seen before. A threat that would like to share some of their words today. great hope for this country. But, for we will not be able to blindly put our head in These are the words of Janet Norwood, a con- the first time, during the State of the the sand and wish it to go away. stituent and Gold Star Mother, whose son Union address last month, I had real Al Qaeda has openly said that they consider Byron was killed serving in Iraq. She said: doubts. I had doubts about our winning Iraq the central front in the ‘‘Third World War.’’ In the past, I have always had great hope this war on terrorism. She said, When Their goal is to create a Caliphate with Bagh- for this country, but for the first time, dur- President Bush used the word ‘‘vic- dad as its capital. Their plan is to then con- ing the State of the Union Address last tory,’’ only half of the room stood to quer the rest of the world and force all human- month, I had real doubts about our winning this War on Terrorism. When President Bush applaud. My heart sank. It was obvious ity to submit to Radical Islam. to me at that moment that party affili- used the word ‘‘victory’’ and only half of the The National Intelligence Estimate released room stood to applaud, my heart sank. It ation was more important to some last month stated, ‘‘If Coalition forces were was obvious to me at that moment that than victory over evil and the sacrifice withdrawn rapidly... this almost certainly party affiliation was more important to our son and other sons have made. would lead to a significant increase in the some than victory over evil and the sacrifice Well, to Janet and all the other Gold scale and scope of sectarian conflict in Iraq.’’ our son and others have made. Star Mothers, I say, I couldn’t agree Our allies agree. The Ambassadors from To Janet and all of the other Gold Star more. And as Abraham Lincoln said, a Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia recently told Mothers, I say, ‘‘I couldn’t agree more.’’ As house divided cannot stand. me, ‘‘If the U.S. fails it will be catastrophic. We President Lincoln once said, ‘‘A House Divided September 11 changed our lives forever. are in this together . . . they will come after Cannot Stand.’’ But the war on terror started long before that. us and then they will come after you.’’ Mr. SPRATT. Madam Speaker, I The year 1979 changed the world. When Iran How will history judge us then? That when yield five minutes to the gentleman took our embassy hostage, the seeds of Is- we stood at the brink we chose retreat over from Massachusetts (Mr. TIERNEY).

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00212 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4311 Mr. TIERNEY. Madam Speaker, in and direct threat to the United States what I expect will be the first step in just a few weeks, America will begin were hyped up and many rightly fore- charting a new course in Iraq. its fifth year in the Iraq conflict. In saw that an American occupation of Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Madam that time, 3,117 members of the United Iraq would, as one colleague recently Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 min- States military have died, and over said, be of undetermined length, of un- utes to my colleague from California 23,000 American soldiers have been in- determined cost and undetermined con- (Mr. MCCARTHY). jured. $532 billion has been appro- sequences. Mr. MCCARTHY of California. priated by Congress or requested by the Tragically, this administration was Madam Speaker, I thank the administration. not deterred. It has been flat wrong on gentlelady for yielding and for her You only need to talk or read letters pretty much all of its pre-war and sub- service to the country. from many of the returning military sequent judgments with respect to Madam Speaker, I rise today in a dif- personnel or their families to under- Iraq, with its questionable use of intel- ferent position than the majority of stand that the mission in Iraq is un- ligence, its failure to plan, and its fail- this body. You see, I am one of the 54 clear and the goals remain undefined. ure for far too long to protect our newly elected Members of this Con- Our men and women are not certain if troops once they were there. gress. We did not have the opportunity they are fighting Sunnis or Shiites, We knew then what has become pain- to debate and vote on the authority to and often it depends on where they are fully obvious since, that rather than use military force in Iraq. in order to determine the answer to open a new front and destabilize a new Madam Speaker, I want to have an that dilemma. In essence, our military area in Iraq, we should have secured honest debate, not for political gain personnel are in the midst of a civil Afghanistan and addressed terrorism at and not one that questions anyone’s war, the flames of which were fanned its source as it was embodied by Osama patriotism, because I believe everyone by centuries-old animosities. bin Laden and others. The proposed es- in this body wants to move this coun- This week Congress has been address- calation is not the answer. try in the right direction. ing a resolution that reiterates its sup- Why, after such a debacle and such a But I believe the right direction port for the troops and states clearly dismal record, would this administra- means that we move forward, not back- its opposition to escalation. tion even think to follow the advice of wards. On this floor today is a non- The first point could easily go the same people that got us into this binding resolution that I believe moves unspoken. After all, we are exercising situation in the first place? us backwards. This resolution offers no The proposed surge or escalation is the very freedom of speech and debate hope to the American people. It offers as baseless as was going into Iraq in that our Constitution requires, the no plan of action, no new strategy with the first place. public demands, and our men and The latest National Intelligence Esti- the prospect of achieving success. women in uniform serve to protect. mate, even that part that is unclassi- A lot has changed since last Novem- The second point of the resolution fied, which I would imagine or specu- ber’s election. We have a new Defense speaks to the clear determination, as late certainly puts the administra- Secretary, recommendation from the evidenced on November 7, 2006, that tion’s best foot forward, states that bipartisan Iraq Study Group, and a new America does not support the Presi- even if violence is diminished, Iraq’s general, General David Petraeus. He dent’s planned escalation of this con- absence of unifying leaders makes a po- will lead our troops on the ground in flict. litical reconciliation doubtful. Iraq. Three previous troop buildups have Not enough capable Iraqi troops are We have a new plan, a new way for- already proven unsuccessful. In the showing up to fight. Not enough armed ward that addresses the problem of se- first, from November 2004 to January vehicles are available to protect the curity in Iraq through a strategy that 2005, troop levels in Iraq increased by new American deployments. The State requires more ground power. This rein- about 18,000 troops. They did that in Department cannot recruit enough forcement of troops is recommended by advance of the Iraqi elections held on civil officials to manage the latest the study group, and we will also hold January of 2005, and the number of push to turn up the electricity in Iraq the Iraqi Government accountable to daily attacks by insurgents rose to 61 or to help with reconstruction. establish and preserve the peace. from 52 the previous month, an in- And so Congress must, and I think Our Commander in Chief, the mili- crease of 17 percent. they are going to this week, pass a res- tary commanders, and our troops be- On the second troop buildup, from olution that reiterates our support to lieve we can still achieve stability in June 2005 to October 2005, troop levels our troops and opposes the escalation. Iraq. increased by approximately 21,500, and That action, I sincerely hope, will be But this resolution would be the first the number of daily attacks by insur- followed by action which will prohibit step in gutting the very resources nec- gents in October of 2005 rose to 90, from the use of Federal funds to increase the essary to achieve success. This resolu- 70 just 2 months earlier, an increase of number of troops above the number ex- tion offers nothing. 29 percent. isting in Iraq on January 9, 2007. The Commander in Chief, the bipar- And the third troop buildup occurred The large majority of Americans are tisan study group, and General from May 2006 to November 1 of 2006 waiting for action by this Congress to Petraeus offer a new way forward. This when U.S. troop levels in Iraq in- insist that we begin redeploying our resolution offers the status quo. The creased by approximately 17,500 troops, troops from Iraq and complete that re- status quo is a mandate to fail and be- and the number of daily attacks by in- deployment as quickly as possible in a gins the chain of events that lead to a surgents in October of 2006 rose to 180, measure done in months, not years. precipitous withdrawal from Iraq and from 100 just 4 months earlier, an in- In essence, this week’s action should all the consequences that would inevi- crease this time of 80 percent. be the beginning of a relatively short tably follow. Now the President says he wants to process, culminating in the redeploy- And what would those consequences change course, but once again he pro- ment of American troops from Iraq, be? poses to only stay the course as he and energizing diplomatic efforts and Withdrawal makes the young Iraqi seeks to send in more personnel, and international efforts to stabilize that democracy vulnerable to takeover by we still wait for the Iraqi forces to nation and ensure its security, while it extremist elements that hate America. stand up. provides for a platform to redirect the What would withdrawal mean for the Madam Speaker, 132 of my colleagues necessary attention to the unfinished stability in the Middle East? and I exercised the correct judgment in business of Afghanistan and focus, What would generations of Iraqis be- October of 2002 when we voted against Madam Speaker, our efforts on ter- lieve, that Americans will quit before the war in Iraq. We recognized then rorism, both short term and long term. the job is done? that this administration’s claims that I urge my colleagues, Madam Speak- Who will fill the void of our strength, Saddam Hussein posed an imminent er, to support this resolution and take al Qaeda, Syria, or a country like Iran

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00213 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4312 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 that threatens regional stability this war. Sadly, however, this Presi- the President that the time for this through an aggressive nuclear pro- dent is tone-deaf when it comes to the war is over gram, that supports terrorist groups most pressing issue of the day. Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Madam like Hezbollah, and that possibly sup- For the past 4 years, the President Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 min- plies weapons to insurgents killing our repeatedly stated that troop strength utes to my colleague from Florida (Mr. troops? in Iraq would come from recommenda- MARIO DIAZ-BALART). Withdrawal only strengthens ter- tions by generals on the ground. Yet by Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- rorist groups fighting the United moving forward with his escalation ida. Madam Speaker, whether you are States and demoralizes our American plan, the President is ignoring solid for or against the war in Iraq, whether troops. military advice. General Abizaid, you think the administration has done I may be new to this House, but I rec- CENTCOM commander, stated: ‘‘I do a good job or not, none of that, Madam ognize when a simple, nonbinding reso- not believe that more American troops Speaker, is the subject of this resolu- lution has potential to do great dam- right now is the solution to the prob- tion. The issue that we are here debat- age to our Nation and to our men and lem. I believe that the troop levels ing now is whether or not we support women in the military. need to stay where they are.’’ Addi- the reinforcements that the Com- I believe that, by voting for this reso- tionally, according to various reports, mander in Chief has sent to Iraq. lution, the House will send a demor- General Casey repeated to the NSA Di- At the request of the commanders on alizing message to our service men and rector his warnings that to send more the field, the Commander in Chief women who are courageously imple- troops to Iraq would be counter- made the decision to send the re- menting this strategy. By voting for productive. He believed it might make quested reinforcements to Iraq. Many this resolution, the House will the Iraqi Government less likely to de- of them are already there, Madam strengthen our enemies and tell them fend itself. Speaker. Those fine men and women that the end is near; that the Congress That concern was shared by the Iraq have already been sent to Iraq. will continue to undermine our Com- Study Group. In one of their rec- The tragic effect of this resolution is mander in Chief, our military com- ommendations they stated that the to sabotage the morale of our troops manders, like General Petraeus and Iraqi Government must make substan- and to broadcast to our enemies that our troops, by cutting funding or de- tial progress on national reconcili- Congress does not support our soldiers’ manding further retreats. ation, security, and governance. With- mission. out progress, we should reduce our po- Our Nation’s troops are the bravest b 1930 litical, military, and economic support and most dedicated men and women on By voting for this resolution, the for the Iraqi Government. this Earth. They are risking their lives House will snuff out the hope of democ- Tragically, the Iraqi Government has every single day to preserve our free- racy that millions of Iraqi people have. shown no progress on any of these dom and to ensure the safety of all By voting for this resolution, the fronts. We must not be a security blan- Americans. They are not letting us House will begin a process that leads to ket for an ineffectual government. But down. We cannot let them down. the creation of a dangerous power vac- the President’s escalation plan is ex- Again, Madam Speaker, the issue uum in Iraq to be potentially filled by actly that, asking little of Iraq’s Gov- here is not whether you support or you those who mean America great harm. ernment while putting the lives of our oppose the war. It is whether you sup- I ask the Members to join with me in soldiers squarely in the crosshairs of port our troops. voting ‘‘no’’ on this resolution. Sunni extremists and Shiite militias. Every American, Madam Speaker, Mr. SPRATT. Madam Speaker, I Many in the military leadership have every American should agree that it is yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from stated that the solution to the Iraqi in our Nation’s best interest to ensure New Mexico (Mr. UDALL). quagmire at this point must be 80 per- that Iraq does not fall into the hands of Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Madam cent political and 20 percent military. terrorist groups or of a terrorist state Speaker, I rise today in support of this This escalation plan is 100 percent like Iran. The consequences of that important resolution and with great military with no significant political happening, the consequences of that hope that this debate and vote will sig- breakthroughs either having been happening, would be catastrophic for nal an important step towards the end reached or even on the horizon. Rather the region, for our allies in the area of the Iraq war, a war so ill-conceived, than implement a rigorous diplomatic such as Israel, Afghanistan, Jordan, so ill-planned for, and so ill-executed strategy, the administration has in- Egypt, and others, and for the United that it has cost our Nation almost $400 stead begun escalating the rhetoric States of America. We cannot pretend, billion, ignited a civil war, and further with Iran, causing many people we cannot pretend, that this ill-timed destabilized an already fragile Mideast throughout the Nation and the world resolution expresses anything other region. Most importantly, this war has to fear another misguided military ac- than a rejection of our troops’ mission. resulted in the deaths of over 3,000 of tion. Our troops deserve much better than our bravest military men and women. Our soldiers have done everything this. What our troops deserve, Madam These men and women enlist in the that has been asked of them, and more. Speaker, is our unwavering support. I Armed Forces trusting that their Com- They have served bravely and honor- refuse to let them down, and that is mander in Chief will send them into ably. They have trained Iraqi forces to why I will be voting against this reso- harm’s way only as a last resort and the best of their abilities. But they lution. only with a clear plan for victory. cannot be asked to calm the sectarian Mr. SPRATT. Madam Speaker, I Madam Speaker, on both of these violence ripping Iraq apart without yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from counts, the President has failed our leadership from Iraqi politicians. Yet California (Mr. FILNER). soldiers. the President is asking exactly that. Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I It is time for us to redeploy our Last year, after visiting Iraq, I called thank the gentleman for yielding. troops and redeploy them now. We have for a phased redeployment by the end I rise in support of this resolution. an opportunity to send a loud and reso- of 2006. That time has come and gone. Let me just say, as Chair of the Vet- lute message to the President that his Today I call on the President to finally erans’ Affairs Committee of this House misguided judgment must cease, this listen to the American people. Today I of Representatives, no matter where we war must now be subject to intense call on the President to finally listen stand on this war, no matter where we scrutiny and accountability by this to the Congress. It is time to move our vote on this resolution, we are going to Congress; and that he must heed the troops out of the middle of this civil make sure that the brave young men will of the American people, the over- war. and women who come home get all the whelming majority of whom now I urge my colleagues to support this care and all the support they need from strongly disapprove of his handling of resolution and send a clear message to a grateful Nation. We will show what

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00214 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4313 support of the troops means when they tion for peace. We want it now, and we and for our troops to shift our mission do come home. want the United States to be part of to training and support. I want to see Now, those who voted for the war that action. the Iraqi Government stand strong back in 2002 are sometimes asked, I said also in 2002, Madam Speaker: where every group feels respected and Knowing then what you know now, how ‘‘There is a whiff of Vietnam in the air. protected and all feel they have a fu- would you have voted? I had a constituent call me and say, ture of hope. Well, Madam Speaker, we knew then ‘You know, if you enjoyed Vietnam, b 1945 what we know now, and we know now you are really going to love Iraq.’ The There is no time for delay. what you are going to know a year or mail is running 10–1 against this war. I also want Republicans and Demo- two from now. Protests have already begun around Let me read to you what I said 41⁄2 crats to sit down together and discuss the Nation and around the world.’’ how to make these things come to fru- years ago when we had the debate on I said to the President then that Iraq: ‘‘I rise in opposition to this reso- ition. I want us to review the rec- ‘‘you came to the office as a uniter, not ommendations of the bipartisan Iraq lution to grant unilateral authority to a divider. Yet we have gone down the the President. I cannot believe that the Study Group, to talk about which rec- road to division in this Nation. You ommendations are worthy of imple- Members of this body are ceding our can see it. You can smell it. You can constitutional authority to this Presi- mentation. I want us to thoughtfully, hear it. And we are going to get more. carefully and responsibly discuss not dent. And they can give me all the ‘‘So let us not go further down that fancy whereases and phrases and put only what action we should take in road, Mr. President. Rethink this pol- Iraq, but to weigh the full con- all the fig leafs and write all the report icy. A country divided over war is not language they want, but this is a blank sequences of any action and to offer a country that is going to make any real ideas, real strategies and real solu- check. This is a Gulf of Tonkin resolu- progress. Let us have a rethinking of tion. This is a violation not only of our tions. this war.’’ I want this Congress to support our Constitution but will lead to a viola- That is what I said in 2002. You guys soldiers, every one of them; to tell tion of the U.N. charter. didn’t want to listen to us then. The ‘‘Wake up, my colleagues. Why would them we value them and pray for them President didn’t want to listen to us anyone vote to do that? That is not our and their families and will give them then. You really should listen to us constitutional responsibility. And what they need to do their job. I want now and listen to the people of Amer- when we vote on this resolution, will all of them to know that we will stand ica who voted in 2006 to change this with them until the last one returns America be safer? No, I think America policy. home. And I want them to know that will be less safe. We will dilute the war Let us respond to the American peo- policy comes before politics, and that against terrorism. The destabilization ple. Let us vote against escalation. Let no poll, no political plan, no political of the area will lead to the increased us begin to bring the troops home. threat should ever undermine our alle- probability of terrorists getting nu- Vote ‘‘yes’’ on this resolution. giance to doing what is right for our clear weapons. Al Qaeda is probably Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Madam soldiers and our Nation. I want them to cheering the passage of this resolution. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 min- know that their work, their risks, their Now is their chance to get more weap- utes to my colleague from Pennsyl- fighting, has meaning and purpose, and ons.’’ I said that then. must be immune to the politics of Then we talked about the imminent vania (Mr. TIM MURPHY). Mr. TIM MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Washington. threat. You guys threw the imminent I want the soldiers and airmen from threat at us. What a lie. And what are Madam Speaker, I want the American men and women serving in Iraq to the 171st, the 99th and the 911th in you saying now? We are emboldening Pittsburgh, and all our National Guard our enemies and demoralizing our come home. I want this war to end. I want the violence to stop, the injuries and Reservists and active duty to come troops. I heard the word ‘‘sabotage.’’ I home. I want their families to be able heard the word ‘‘retreat.’’ to stop, the deaths to stop, and I also want terrorism to stop. to embrace them, their children to be I will tell you what demoralizes our tucked in at night by them and our troops, my colleagues. What demor- Over the last few weeks, many of my constituents told me these same feel- towns to be able to show the affection alizes our troops will be the failure to of a grateful Nation. But while they provide adequate health care when ings, their strong feelings in support of or against this resolution. are there, while they stand sentry with they get home. What demoralizes our eyes on the horizon, ride in their con- troops is the story of just a couple I hear your concerns. No one can doubt your love of your country. Like voys or walk on patrol, I want their weeks ago when a young marine went minds on the critical task of that mo- to a VA hospital in Minnesota suffering you, I am deeply concerned about the direction of this war. Like you, armed ment. from PTSD, and they said, You have I spoke this week to the mother of a with the knowledge of the present, the got to go on a waiting list. And this soldier who was just killed in Iraq, strategies of the past were too often in- young man committed suicide. That is Russell Kurtz. A finer and a braver complete. The intelligence was mis- what demoralizes our troops. That is man you will not find. I asked her what what we have to prevent here, and that interpreted or inadequate. she thought about this discussion of The comments made here today on is what we are working on to do. sending more troops to Iraq, and she I said back in 2002: ‘‘I have heard all this resolution will be listened to by said, ‘‘I would rather have more troops my colleagues on the other side calling Iraqis and al Qaeda and the soldiers in there helping my son.’’ us appeasers, those who are going to the field right now, the marines on the Dom DeFranco, the Pennsylvania vote against this resolution. We are high seas headed that way, and the Commander of the VFW, wrote this let- wishful thinkers. We have our eyes thousands who already are on the of- ter to the editor of the Almanac News- closed. We sit on our hands.’’ And, of fensive. Here is my message to them: paper. I will submit the whole letter, course, now we want to cut and run. Arab countries have told us that if we but let me read this. He said, ‘‘Even Well, I tell you, Madam Speaker, no left now the results would be cata- with their pride, honor and dedication one on this side is suggesting cutting strophic. I want those Arab countries motivating them patrol after patrol, and running. Making peace is hard to impress upon the Sunnis and the bad morale can bring down even the work. Just ask Dr. Martin Luther Shias the absolute need to work for toughest warrior. As a Vietnam vet- King, Jr. Ask Gandhi. Ask Nelson peace now. I want the United States to eran, trust me, it cuts deep. Regardless Mandela. They didn’t cut and run. actively engage in diplomatic efforts of where you stand on the current war They were peacemakers. And they with all Arab nations. There is no more on terror, troops get the message that changed the history of this world. time for delay. I want the Iraqi mili- they are wasting their time when poli- So let us not hear talk of retreat and tary to step up and take over combat ticians and citizens make headlines sabotage and surrender. We want ac- operations, to be the tip of the spear, criticizing military action.’’

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00215 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4314 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 Madam Speaker, I include the entire Mr. OLVER. Madam Speaker, I sup- for Iraq cannot be secured militarily, letter for the RECORD. port the resolution before us today. In but only politically. Our best chance TO THE EDITOR: Men and women are risking clear and succinct language it says for a positive outcome to this tragic their lives in the Middle East trying to re- what I believe must be said regarding and unnecessary war is outlined and store peace to an oppressed population. Their the war in Iraq that America is en- unanimously recommended by the Iraq military gear and encampment offer some gaged in by the choice of President Study Group, led by former Secretary protection, but the threat of life-changing Bush. physical and mental wounds is constant. So of State James Baker and former Con- is the challenge to always be mission-ready, I support our men and women on the gressman Lee Hamilton. prepared to make life and death decisions in front line with all the training, the We should substitute a robust, multi- a split second. A grueling situation for sure. body and vehicle armor and the equip- faceted diplomatic campaign to dis- However, even with their pride, honor and ment they need to be successful at the courage all of Iraq’s neighbors from en- dedication motivating them patrol after pa- task that they have been given, and I gagement in the growing civil war and trol, bad morale—especially when fueled support them as they return, whether to gain support and assistance for a back home by demonstrations and political safe and sound or scarred by grievous grandstanding—can bring down even the stable, unified Iraq. That diplomatic toughest warrior. As a Vietnam veteran, wounds. Almost 24,000 have been campaign must involve major powers trust me—it cuts deep. wounded, and many returned broken in and regional groups like the European Regardless of where you stand on the cur- body or spirit. Many have suffered per- Union and the Arab league, along with rent War on Terror (The Veterans of Foreign manently disabling wounds. Thousands all of Iraq’s neighbors, without excep- Wars does not take sides in debates about of others, not physically wounded, suf- tion or precondition. The U.S. should military action), troops get the message that fer severe traumatic stress disorders. they are wasting their time when politicians always be willing to talk. In every way, and citizens make headlines criticizing mili- And all will need and must be given the talk is far less costly than war. tary action. care and rehabilitation they have been In a month, the war in Iraq will have As the debate about the War on Terror con- promised. gone on 4 years, well beyond our par- tinues, I urge citizens and politicians to stay America mourns the loss of more ticipation in World War II. It is time to focused on providing our troops with all of than 3,000 of our soldiers since that begin bringing our troops home. the combat equipment, supplies, and per- fateful first day of May in 2003 when sonnel they need to be the most effective Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Madam President George W. Bush trium- Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 min- fighting force possible. Democracy affords phantly proclaimed ‘‘Mission Accom- politicians and citizens effective ways to de- utes to my colleague from Ohio (Mr. bate policies without sending morale busting plished.’’ At no time in the 220 years HOBSON). messages from the home front. Life on the since the founding of our Nation has Mr. HOBSON. Madam Speaker, I front lines is tough enough without taking America suffered such casualties dur- want to begin by saying that last night incoming salvos of negativity from back ing an occupation following war. This when I was watching the floor debate, home. They also need our emotional support. occupation has been spectacularly mis- my colleague from Connecticut, CHRIS Like you, I want our troops home as soon managed, yet Americans are asked to as possible. But as long as they are in harm’s SHAYS, gave one of the best speeches on way, we should back them with the full re- suspend doubt and support an already where we are with regard to the war in sources of our nation—in material, personnel used tactic, placing almost 20,000 addi- Iraq. It was a comprehensive overview and supportive messages. Anything less will tional troops on the ground around the of the current situation, and I agree have a negative impact on their morale and clock, with our young men and women with his views on this debate, and I possible their safety. caught between the combatants in the would like to associate myself with his Madam Speaker, listen to this com- civil war raging in Baghdad’s urban comments. I hope that my colleagues ment from the American Legion re- streets and neighborhoods. and those who are following this debate I oppose this escalation. It is 4 years garding their unanimous support for will take a moment to read his re- too late and more than 100,000 troops the current action in Iraq and the in- marks. too few. The tactic itself has been used crease in troops and their caution or Like Mr. SHAYS, I rise in opposition repeatedly over the last 4 years, with political rhetoric. They said, ‘‘Veterans to this resolution. This is the wrong dangerously counterproductive results. of the Vietnam were remember what it resolution to be considering if we in Each time this tactic has been used, it was like to fight without the support of Congress are supposed to be fulfilling has left behind greater hatred for the the people back home. You couldn’t our responsibility to provide oversight separate the war from the warrior occupation and the occupiers, as well as thousands of new recruits for the in- on how this war is to be conducted. then, any more than we can today.’’ Rather than debating the so-called While our soldiers are there, I will surgency or al Qaeda. I believe that surge, which is actually taking place, support them with everything they this escalation will be remembered for we should be debating how to put pol- need in terms of armor and ammuni- the deaths of many more American sol- icy in place that will bring stability tion, bullets and bread, weapons and diers and Iraqi civilians. and ensure the security of the Amer- words. President George W. Bush has repeat- I will continue to work for all of edly cited the 300,000 strong Iraqi army ican people. these things, but for this point in time, and police force which we have spent Admittedly, the administration has while our soldiers are on the battle- billions of dollars to train and equip. made mistakes in the execution of this field, I want to be able to look them in They should be pacifying their capital war. Many of us, both Democrats and the eye and say at your moment of city. As dysfunctional as it is, the Iraqi Republicans, have been telling them need, I backed you up on the battle- government which we created must de- that from the beginning. Among a field. cide whether they want all-out civil number of things that we have been Mr. CLYBURN. Madam Speaker, pur- war or a stable, unified Iraq, with oil saying has been that they had enough suant to section 2 of House Resolution revenues fairly distributed and with troops to win the war, but they didn’t 157, and as the designee of the majority changes to their Constitution to assure have enough troops to win the peace. leader, I demand that the time for de- the rights of 40 percent of the popu- But we can’t correct those mistakes. bate on the concurrent resolution be lation who are not Shia Muslims. We What we can do now is to find a strat- enlarged by 1 hour equally divided and cannot decide that for them. egy on how best to go forward. controlled by the leaders or their des- The civil war will continue and our So the question becomes, what can ignees. casualties will continue to mount until we do now that gives the Iraqis the The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. we disengage our forces from a direct best chance to take control of their DEGETTE). Under the rule, that will be military role, except to deny haven to country, while also allowing our troops the order. al Qaeda. We must place responsibility to return home with honor? We owe it Mr. SPRATT. Madam Speaker, I directly on the Iraqi government. to the parents and the families of the yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from At this very late date, virtually ev- men and women who have fought and Massachusetts (Mr. OLVER). eryone agrees that peace and stability died in this war to not let their lives be

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00216 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4315 lost in vain. That is the message that I Again, I urge my colleagues to op- and treasure in the war in Iraq? have heard many times when I have pose this resolution. Weren’t the elections that just hap- met with those families in my district Mr. SPRATT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 pened a strong message? Isn’t the loss and one that many of my colleagues minutes to the gentleman from Ari- of confidence by the public in their have also heard. zona (Mr. GRIJALVA). elected officials a strong message? Last month, I went on a bipartisan Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I Isn’t the sacrifice and valor of our men congressional delegation trip to Iraq, am here today to support the resolu- and women fighting this war deserving Afghanistan and Pakistan. While we tion. of the respect of this government? met with the U.S. troops and com- Madam Speaker, I won’t spend a lot Don’t we have a duty to those men and manders, we also had a chance to meet of time assessing the blame and the re- women to protect them, reunite them with the leaders of those countries, in- sponsibility for the quagmire that our with their families immediately, and, cluding the prime minister, al-Maliki. Nation finds itself in in Iraq, but I do above all, share the truth with them, He told us that if his country had the find it curious during this debate that that the question is no longer if we get command and control equipment and the opponents of this resolution want out of Iraq, it’s how and when. our backing, the Iraqis could begin to us to believe that the history of the The answer to that question for me take over their own security in 3 to 6 Iraq war begins today, that it has no and many other families is, the sooner months and that we could begin to re- past, that it has no consequences, just the better. I could stand here and read deploy up to 50,000 of our troops. a doubtful future. This head-in-the- poll after poll that talks about the Madam Speaker, we need to make sand attitude, while politically expe- public’s overwhelming opposition to sure that Prime Minister Maliki has dient, denies reality and truth. this war and even more overwhelming the tools and resources to do just that. Rest assured that history will not be opposition to this escalation. But as I Frankly, the American people would be kind to the decisionmakers and the de- think about it, the most important poll better served if that were this debate, cider of this war, nor will it be kind to for those of us who serve in Congress instead of this nonbinding resolution. a Congress that looked the other way. needs to be our conscience. The resolu- Our focus should be on fixing what The resolution before us today is a tion before us is simple and direct. It needs to be fixed so that the Iraqi peo- first tentative step toward the removal speaks in a very clear way to the frus- ple can take control of their country’s of our troops from Iraq. The escalation tration we all feel about this misadven- fate, like they did 2 years ago when proposed is another desperate act op- ture in Iraq. And I said I would not be- they held their first free elections in 50 posed by the American people and labor the question of who to blame, but years. This action will require several steps. former military leaders. it is important to address the obvious. For example, as several of my col- The resolution does not demoralize Remember weapons of mass destruc- leagues have already mentioned, the our troops nor embolden the insur- tion? None found. bipartisan Iraq Study Group supports a gents. To the contrary, this resolution Remember the links between Iraq short term surge of American combat offers hope to our troops that an end is and the attack on 9/11? It didn’t exist. forces to stabilize Baghdad. This is in sight and that their elected rep- All the misspent funds in Iraq, mis- being done. The group also rec- resentatives in this House are not pass- appropriated dollars. That was ignored ommended that there be more diplo- ing on their authority regarding the by the administration. matic outreach in the region to include most important issue confronting our ‘‘Mission Accomplished.’’ What a pre- countries like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Nation today. mature political hype that was. Kuwait, Syria and even Iran, and this I personally know families whose And a strategy for Iraq. It doesn’t needs to be done by the administration. loved ones have been lost, badly in- exist. Further, it is imperative that our jured or profoundly intangibly affected Funds for education, health care, our U.S. troops begin to transition from a by this war. Our commitment should cities and towns, investments in our combat role to one focused on training, be to those families and veterans who people here in this country, that has counterterrorism, force protection and need our full measure of support. Our all been spent in Iraq. controlling Iraq’s borders. gratitude should be measured in real The litany of failures and untruths My colleagues, the world is watching. resources for veterans, and not empty goes on and on. The lack of leadership Our friends, our enemies are watching platitudes and political rhetoric ex- by this administration requires, no, I and waiting to see what our next move pounded to justify an irreparable fail- think it demands that this Congress as- will be. A retreat from Iraq would lead ure in Iraq. sert its constitutional duty to check and balance this administration by be- to even more instability in the region b 2000 and create a haven for terrorist groups ginning with the important step of who despise freedom and our way of The focus of this debate is not cen- passing this resolution. life. tered on our soldiers who are nobly Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Madam What kind of message are we sending doing their duty and following their or- Speaker, I am pleased to yield 4 min- when we engage in debate that is essen- ders. It is directed at those who set pol- utes to my colleague from Texas (Mr. tially a political exercise, rather than icy and who have produced a war with- HALL). one that is on substantive strategy on out end, with no plan of success or exit, Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, how to bring stability to the region? with no international strategy, who first and foremost, I stand and I hope Madam Speaker, we cannot accept now turn to a desperate and doomed es- we all stand in support of our troops. defeat, but we must insist on making calation that only reinforces the fail- But I also rise today in opposition to the changes necessary so that the Iraqi ure and the desperation of those policy- H. Con. Res. 63. While I believe that we people can take the fate of their future makers. all share the same goal of winning this in their own hands. There is a phrase Rest assured that the civil war in war on terror and bringing our brave that has often been repeated since the Iraq will not end with the influx of young men and women home, I regret war began, and that is as Iraqi forces more American troops. I do believe this that this bill before us today abso- stand up, U.S. forces can begin to stand resolution should have teeth. We must lutely will not lead to that goal. No- down. Defining a workable strategy to send a message that binds all of us to body wants this war to end more than achieve that goal should have been the real action, an unflinching message of those fighting in it and we need now to focus of this week’s debate, rather than opposition to the escalation and a mes- do what it takes to bring our brave this nonbinding resolution that will sage of support for our troops. Today men and women home, but to bring not bring us a step closer to stabilizing marks a step in that direction. them home in victory. If we don’t Iraq and bringing our troops home or And I wonder, how many ways can achieve victory, the consequences are achieving stability in this region of the the American people tell this Congress going to be disastrous for the progres- world. to act to prevent more loss of our blood sion of freedom all over the world, and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00217 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4316 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 instead of taking a step forward, we troops know they already know that in part A, we support the troops and in would be taking multiple steps back- this war is over. It’s not a military de- part B, we don’t support our Presi- ward. feat. To put it that way is ridiculous. dent’s decision, the Commander in So what is the point of this resolu- No one can defeat our military. It is Chief, to send these reinforcements. tion? Is it going to block the troop absolutely undefeatable. It is a polit- Well, if it’s nonbinding, why have the surge? Absolutely not. Will it end the ical defeat. We cannot win, which I am debate? I think it’s commendable that war? Not a chance. Will it help our not even sure what that means, this we are having this debate. I wish it chances of achieving victory? Abso- war. This escalation will do nothing would have had some meat on it. Let’s lutely not. This resolution will demor- but delay the inevitable. America put a real resolution on the floor. But alize our troops who are sacrificing knows it. the Republicans weren’t offered an al- themselves for us today and tonight, To listen to the discussion I have ternative, so we have to vote for or and this resolution will give comfort to heard in the last couple of days, all I against a nonbinding resolution that an enemy. This resolution puts politics can say to myself, if we had this atti- has it both ways in the resolution. I before the lives of our brave soldiers tude in the seventies, we would still be don’t think that is very becoming to and there is no way in the world that I in Vietnam. For what? For what? We this Congress. can support it. The only chance we have done what we could do, and we But when the time comes, I am going have for victory is to support the may have to go back someday, and I to vote ‘‘no’’ because I believe as President’s troop escalation. It’s not a may vote for it under the right cir- Thomas Jefferson believed, and if you sure thing, but it’s our best chance for cumstances. To never say never is ri- go to his monument not too far from victory. These added troops will help diculous. We don’t know where the here and look up around the ceiling, us secure Baghdad, stabilize the area, cards are going to be played. We do Thomas Jefferson says, ‘‘I have sworn and accelerate the training necessary know one thing: that today Iraq is en- upon the eternal altar of God unending for the Iraqis to stand on their own. gaged in a civil war. One of the leaders opposition to all forms of tyranny over Only after these things happen can we of that civil war isn’t even in Iraq. He the mind of man.’’ This Islamic ter- leave Iraq the way we should and that is in Iran. We are only delaying the in- rorist campaign is a direct attack on is victorious. evitable at the cost of our young men our democracy. It is a direct attack on I fully support our Commander in and women. And I am not talking our tolerance. We need to support our Chief, and I think he has much more about money, because if this was the President. We need to vote against this information than I have or any other right war, a moral war, money nonbinding resolution. And then if we Member or combination of Members in wouldn’t be the issue. want to have a real resolution, let’s regard to our war on terrorism, and This war is over. We need to recog- bring it to the floor and have that de- particularly the war in Iraq. I think nize that. We need to stop trying to bate. President Bush is a godly person, intel- play politics with it. Bring our troops I rise today in opposition to H. Con. Res. home and prepare them for the next ligent and educated, and cares for this 63. This nonbinding resolution serves only to battle that we might all join in if it’s country and cares for those who defend degrade and demoralize the troops currently the right place and the right time. engaged in forward operations and those addi- it. I will continue to support him as Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Madam tional troops President Bush has called upon. long as he holds the title of Com- Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 min- mander in Chief of the Armed Forces of utes to my colleague from Texas (Mr. This is not a call for a new direction in Iraq nor the United States of America. I heard is this a call for a new course of action. This BARTON). the President loud and clear in his Mr. BARTON of Texas. Madam is a political distraction and a call to our en- State of the Union address on January Speaker, I attended the Charlie Nor- emies around the world by showing a lack of 23, 2007. What I gleaned from his speech wood funeral today in Augusta, Geor- resolve and fostering the idea of uncertainty is that he is asking for calendar year gia. He was a veteran of Vietnam. I towards support and funding for the men and 2007 to complete the existing plan think it is ironic that because he was a women of our Armed Forces. being implemented by General veteran, we saw at the beginning of the Speaker PELOSI and her fellow Democrats Petraeus and those who serve under funeral the honor guard walk in car- have charged that the previous policy did not him. And at such time, he fully expects rying the flag of the United States work, the new policy will not work, and yet the Iraqis to be in a position to defend Army and the flag of the United States amongst all this rhetoric my colleagues on the their borders and protect their people, and all the battle ribbons on that flag, other side of the aisle do not have a construc- resulting in an executive order hope- that as 70 to 80 of the Members of this tive alternative to put forth. Instead they offer fully to bring the process of withdrawal body were showing respect to Charlie legislation that if enacted would fuel the call of these American forces still defend- and his family, we were having this de- for setting timelines and the withdrawal of our ing our Nation, to bring them home. bate on another war. troops. To leave before the job is finished This resolution will absolutely un- The resolution before us is a sham would leave our country in a weaker position dermine the efforts of our troops in resolution. It is nonbinding. I have globally and leave the Middle East without any Iraq. I strongly oppose it. voted on resolutions of war and peace hope for democracy to ever take hold. The ex- Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam in my time in this Congress. I voted on tremists that oppose us are against freedom Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 min- the first gulf war resolution back in and we are right to be engaged in the fight for utes to the gentleman from Massachu- the early nineties when we thought democracy and tolerance. The stakes are high setts (Mr. CAPUANO). that there might be tens of thousands and our enemies know this. They are not Mr. CAPUANO. I thank the gen- of body bags coming back with our going to quit, but if we pass this resolution it tleman for yielding. troops in them. I voted on the first res- will be the first step in signaling that we will. Madam Speaker, I don’t have pre- olution supporting our President in It is right to support the President as he lays pared remarks. I have been listening to this war after 9/11. Remember 9/11? We out his plan for securing Iraq and is in our na- this debate for the last couple of days, had more American citizens killed in tional interest. and everything that can be said on one day in the Twin Towers and in the The necessary framework for democracy both sides has been said repeatedly. Pentagon than we have had in all the has been established and the labor of our And thus far the only thoughtful argu- years that our troops have been in Iraq brave troops has produced many measurable ment I have heard to not vote for this and Afghanistan. That doesn’t demean results. A constitution was written by the Iraqis resolution is that somehow it will de- their sacrifice. I have attended three resulting in democratic elections where nearly moralize the troops. That pretends funerals in my hometown of young men 12.5 million people braved the threat of vio- that the troops live in a bubble and who have been killed in the line of duty lence to cast their votes. A fair criminal trial don’t know what is going on and just in this current war. was held for Saddam Hussein, the country’s never think. Everybody who has done This nonbinding resolution tries to former dictator, who denied that right to his any discussions or any polling of the have it both ways. It says at the first, own people. I urge my colleagues to let the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00218 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4317 Iraqis lead and give democracy a chance. Es- Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Let me the beginning. There was no collabora- tablishing a secure Iraq, a thriving democracy thank the distinguished gentleman for tion, very minimal, and now the col- and a noticeable reduction in crime will pave yielding. laboration has ended. What is needed the way for numerous infrastructure improve- Madam Speaker, I believe that each now is the declaration of a military ments. and every Member that has come to success, which is what I have expressed Sustainable achievements in the reconstruc- the floor tonight and over the last 2 in H.R. 930. And now we must search tion effort include the building of more than days would never consider any of their for diplomatic and political reconcili- 5,000 schools, the training of more then remarks frivolous, nor would we char- ation, a Special Envoy to Iraq that fo- 60,000 teachers, the training and equipping of acterize this debate as political. Unfor- cuses specifically on bringing together 323,000 police and military forces, the vac- tunately, in 2002, many of those same the Sunnis, the Shiites and the Kurds. cination of 98 percent of Iraqi children, the words were used to characterize a very We know that surges have only gen- ability of more than 7 million people to access needed debate and one that we had erated more insurgents, they have only phone service, the repair of nearly all of Iraq’s hoped that those who had the powers of generated more violence, and it has not railway stations, the restoration of electricity decision would have listened to. brought about the safety that is need- output and oil production to near prewar levels I remember standing in this same lo- ed. and the increased availability of clean water cation and suggesting to my colleagues Of course, the response is that this and sanitation. The milestones that have been that I was proud to accept and to make escalation will bring some sort of secu- reached are a testament to why we should not as my choice life over death and peace rity to Baghdad, and then we can sit abandon our presence in Iraq. Progress is over war. Through these years, mem- down and have reconciliation. One being made and we must continue to support bers of the Progressive Caucus more soldier generates one more vio- our troops and Iraq’s democratic government. thoughtfully have gathered to rein- lent act. So we know that the troop The President’s call for more troops is a de- force the words that we offered during surges do not work. We also know that cision not made in haste. It is made with care- those days when even though the en it strains the readiness. ful consideration and thoughtful advice from masse lobbying and representation of We need a diplomatic surge. More im- his commanders both at home and in the field. mass destruction weapons, we knew portantly, we need not to go over the The additional troops will work with Iraqis to that this was a war that would be ill- steps of Secretary McNamara who indi- solve serious challenges and to find ways to fated and misdirected. In fact, during cated in his words, as I said in the Oc- curb future outbreaks of violence. To achieve that time, we had solutions. We asked tober 2002, Former Defense Secretary success in combating those serious chal- for a continued use of political diplo- Robert McNamara said in his mea lenges it is important that America stands with macy and, as well, the continuation of culpa on the Vietnam War: We were Iraq so they can defend their own soil, create utilizing the U.N. inspectors to deter- wrong, terribly wrong. And he hoped a sound economy and govern themselves ef- mine if there were weapons of mass de- that the suffering, as he quoted one of fectively. The President understands the con- struction. the philosophers, he hoped that what sequences of failure in Iraq, something this b 2015 we had experienced in the suffering of resolution proves the Democrats do not com- Vietnam would give us experience. prehend. But now we have come some 5 years Today this ongoing war in Iraq shows I have been to the funerals of men and and we hear the same refrain. And I we have thrown away that experience. women from my district that lost their lives in know in the hearts of those who have We also throw away the Constitu- this war. I have pinned medals on the chests spoken that they are sincere. But if we tion, because this is not pursuant to of the brave men and women from my district said nothing else but point to those Article I, section 8. This is not a dec- who returned home safely. Visiting with fami- who have fallen, let their faces rep- laration of war that we are in, and we lies at home and troops in Iraq I have seen resent the sacrifice of America. Those therefore need to terminate the power first hand the effects this war has on Ameri- are the faces of those who are always of the President that had been given in cans. This resolution serves to discredit the willing to go into battle, and not one of 2002 to attack Iraq. This document has memories of fallen soldiers, the efforts of us on the floor today will ever say any- not been followed. And so H.R. 930 will those still fighting, and to embolden our en- thing untoward about the United terminate the authorization given in emies. If we remember, our enemies attacked States military through the years and 2002, because for these lives lost al- us on September 11th and instead of living in decades and centuries, because they ready we don’t want to participate in fear and leaving ourselves open to more at- have never faltered in the Commander the foolishness of monies being spent tacks we chose to take the fight to them. In in Chief’s direction to go to war. recklessly, the lack of accountability, the time since, there has not been another But what has really failed in this and a war that already can be claimed major terrorist attack on U.S. soil. That is a Congress in its oversight and responsi- as a military victory by the United testament to the fight our men and women are bility and, as well, the choices being States military who can now come waging to protect the freedoms we so richly made by the leadership that has sent home with honor and dignity. enjoy. I remain committed to supporting our them into war. Let us stand again on this floor and forces serving abroad and ensuring they have And so, as Abraham Lincoln has said, claim that we support life over death the funding they need to complete their mis- ‘‘We wish to honor the soldiers and and we support peace over war and we sion. sailors everywhere who bravely bear want our soldiers to return home in Some of my colleagues misguidedly stand this country’s cause; honor also to the celebration and dignity in honor of to dismiss our efforts in Iraq. I stand with the citizen who cares for his brother. We these who now are fallen on the battle- resolve of former President Thomas Jefferson will never forget.’’ field. who said, ‘‘I have sworn upon the altar of But we now stand in opposition to Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyr- the escalation and support of this reso- H. Con. Res. 63. I stand in strong support of anny over the mind of man.’’ We must not lution because we believe that the Na- our troops who have performed magnificently stand divided and turn our backs on those tion must hear, but also the leaders in battle and with a grace under pressure that fighting for democracy where tyranny threat- who make the decisions must hear this is distinctively American. I stand with the ens to reign. We must be steadfast and sup- is wrong and misdirected. American people, who have placed their trust port them in every way we can. We can not The troops have been magnificent. in the President, the Vice President, and the let the difficulty of the task diminish our sup- We have had 180,000 of them who have former Secretary of Defense, each of whom port for the troops and the cause for which served in Iraq from Texas, we have had abused the public trust and patience. they are so diligently fighting. We must not let 200 or more who have been killed, in- I stand with the American taxpayers who this frivolous resolution pass. cluding the 3,000-plus that have been have paid nearly $400 billion to finance the Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam killed across the Nation. They do have misadventure in Iraq. I stand with the 3,019 Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the a military success. fallen heroes who stand even taller in death gentlelady from Texas (Ms. JACKSON- But we know that the surges do not because they gave the last full measure of de- LEE). work. We know it was ill-fated from votion to their country. For these reasons,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00219 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4318 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 Madam Speaker, I stand fully, strongly, and the United States and its allies. But then Department’s estimate of troops needed for unabashedly in opposition to the President’s again, in that conflict America was led by occupying Iraq is too low and that several unilateral decision to escalate the war in Iraq FDR, a great Commander-in-Chief, who had a hundred thousand soldiers would be needed. by deploying more than 20,000 additional plan to win the war and secure the peace, lis- But instead of heeding the wise counsel of combat troops to Iraq, and at least that many tened to his generals, and sent troops in suffi- General Shinseki, the Bush administration more to provide logistical support. cient numbers and sufficiently trained and cashiered him out of the Army. I wish to make clear, Madam Speaker, that equipped to do the job. Indeed, anyone who questioned the Bush sending more combat troops into Iraq will not My friends, I say with sadness that we have Doctrine of preemptive war was ridiculed and lead to success in Iraq. We cannot achieve not enjoyed that same quality of leadership marginalized as unpatriotic, weak, sympathetic success in Iraq unless we change strategy. throughout the conduct of the Iraq War. The to terrorists, and un-American: Anti-Terrorism But the President’s proposed troop surge is results, not surprisingly, have been disastrous. Chief Richard Clarke, Treasury Secretary Paul not a change in strategy and it does not signal To date, the war in Iraq has claimed the lives O’Neill, Council of Economic Advisors Chair- a new direction; it is simply more of the same. of 3,109 brave servicemen and women (115 in man Laurence Lindsay, Joe Wilson, and con- As our most recent great President, Bill Clin- December and 39 in the first 13 days of this gressional Democrats. ton, once said, ‘‘if you always do what you’ve month). More than 23,400 Americans have But four years later, people like us are now always done, you’ll always get what you’ve al- been wounded, many suffering the most hor- the majority. And we are united in raising our ways got.’’ rific injuries. American taxpayers have paid voices to proclaim: End the war and redeploy In proposing this latest troop surge, Presi- nearly $400 billion to sustain this misadven- our troops out of Iraq. dent Bush seeks to ‘‘cry havoc and let slip the ture. Madam Speaker, it is instructive to review dogs of war.’’ But even Henry V did not exhort The depth, breadth, and scope of the Presi- why the American people have turned against his troops, his band of brothers, to go ‘‘once dent’s misguided, mismanaged, and misrepre- the war in Iraq. more, into the breach’’ for a fifth time. And nei- sented war in Iraq is utterly without precedent The American people were told erroneously ther should we. in American history. It is a tragedy in a league but repeatedly that the gravest threat facing Madam Speaker, instead of a surge in com- all its own. But it was not unforeseeable or un- America was Saddam Hussein and his re- bat troops, the United States needs to launch avoidable. As the President’s intention to gime. The Vice-President assured all who lis- a diplomatic surge for political and national launch a preemptive war against Iraq became tened that he knew that Iraq and Al Qaeda reconciliation in Iraq. That is why I have intro- known back in the fall of 2002, thoughtful had high-level contacts that went back a dec- duced H.R. 930, the ‘‘Military Success in Iraq members in the halls of Congress took to the ade and that Iraq had trained Al Qaeda mem- and Diplomatic Surge for Political and National floor, and concerned citizens in the country- bers in bomb making and deadly gases. He Reconciliation in Iraq Act of 2007.’’ As I will side took to the streets to stop it. Patriots all, was wrong. What’s more, the American people discuss in greater detail later in my remarks, we registered our dissent. We acted not out of were led to believe that the regime in Bagh- my legislation offers a far better chance of dislike of the President but out of love for our dad had long-standing and continuing ties to sustainable success in Iraq than does the country and what it had represented to the terrorist organizations. Wrong again. President President’s escalation. And equally important, world. As Robert Taft, ‘‘Mr. Republican,’’ as he Bush even went so far as to say that you my legislation will go a long way toward ensur- was affectionately known, the late, great Sen- couldn’t distinguish between Al Qaeda and ing that never again will the American people ator from Ohio, stated two weeks after Pearl Saddam when you talked about the war on or the Congress be bamboozled into rubber- Harbor, ‘‘Criticism in a time of war is essential terror. Of course, this claim turned out to be stamping an ill-advised, ill-planned, preemptive to the maintenance of a democratic govern- untrue as well. war. ment.’’ That is not all, Madam Speaker. The cam- Madam Speaker, I am privileged to rep- My friends, in light of the enormous losses paign to persuade Americans that Iraq posed resent the citizens of the 18 Congressional of precious American blood and treasure, it is a clear, present, and mortal danger to us in- District in the great State of Texas. The sons very small consolation to know that those of cluded the false claims that Iraq possessed and daughters of the Lone Star State have al- us who acted on the biblical injunction to ballistic missiles with a likely range of hun- ways answered the call to service. More than speak truth to power have been proven right dreds of miles—far enough to strike Saudi 280 Texans have been made the ultimate sac- in our warnings about the disaster war in Iraq Arabia, Israel, Turkey, and other nations. It rifice for their country. More than 2,200 Tex- would produce. was also falsely represented to Americans that ans have been wounded. Only California has We predicted before the war that ‘‘the out- Iraq had a growing fleet of manned and un- suffered a greater number of dead and come after the conflict is actually going to be manned aerial vehicles that could be used to wounded. Today, Madam Speaker, there are the hardest part, and it is far less certain.’’ We disperse chemical or biological weapons more than 31,000 Texans serving in Iraq, made the point that it was essential for the across broad areas and that Iraq was explor- which is 12,000 more than the next highest Administration to develop ‘‘a plan for rebuild- ing ways of using unmanned aerial vehicles to state. Since the war began in March 2003, ing of the Iraqi government and society, if the target the United States. more than 180,000 Texans have served in worst comes to pass and armed conflict is But the capstone of the administration’s Iraq, some deployed two, even three, in some necessary.’’ We knew the Armed Forces of disinformation campaign was the claim that cases four times. the United States is invincible on the battle- Saddam Hussein was actively pursuing nu- Madam Speaker, it is more than irrespon- field and would decisively defeat Iraq’s forces clear weapons which could be used against sible not to oppose the President’s plan to es- and remove Saddam Hussein. But like the America by Iraq, or by the terrorists to whom calate the war in Iraq. It is unconscionable. In proverbial dog chasing the car down the road, it was giving safe harbor. President Bush even opposing the President’s latest folly, we send we questioned ‘‘whether the President knew went so far to announce to a world-wide audi- a message that is both simple and profound: what to do after we caught it.’’ ence in his 2003 State of the Union address You cannot win the just War on Terror by We warned of the ‘‘postwar challenges,’’ that ‘‘the British government has learned that launching an unjustified War in Iraq. That is particularly the fact that there was no history Saddam Hussein had recently sought signifi- one of the hard and bitter lessons we have of democratic government in Iraq, and that its cant quantities of uranium from Africa.’’ Ac- learned during the 4 years course of the War economy and infrastructure was in ruins after cording to the President, facing such clear evi- in Iraq. years of war and sanctions and that rebuilding dence of peril, we could not wait for ‘‘the final The misguided, mismanaged, and costly de- Iraq would cost hundreds of billions of dollars proof that could come in the form of a mush- bacle that is the Iraq War was preemptively that could be better at home securing the room cloud.’’ We now know for sure that these launched by President Bush in March 2003 homeland and waging the real War on Terror. claims were false. And covering up those false despite the opposition of me and 125 of my And we warned against sending American sol- claims is one of the main reasons that Scooter colleagues in the House of Representatives. diers to war in Iraq without adequate protec- Libby found himself in the predicament that To date, the war in Iraq has lasted longer than tion against biological and unconventional led to his indictment by a grand jury and the America’s involvement in World War II, the weapons. on-going trial in the United States District greatest conflict in all of human history. I am also reminded how General Eric Court for the District of Columbia. But there is a difference. The Second World Shinseki told the Senate Armed Services Regarding the actual conduct of the looming War ended in complete and total victory for Committee in February 2003 that the Defense hostilities, the Administration and its courtiers

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00220 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4319 assured us that ‘‘it would be a cakewalk’’ and essay, ‘‘The Seven Deadly Sins Of Failure In thority for the reconstruction even though the that American troops ‘‘would be greeted as lib- Iraq: A Retrospective Analysis Of The Recon- U.N. had far more expertise and experience in erators.’’ The Secretary of Defense, Donald struction,’’ in Middle East Review of Inter- nation building. Rumsfeld, boldly claimed that ‘‘the war could national Affairs (December 2006), our trust The looting and anarchy, the persistent in- last six days, six weeks. I doubt six months.’’ and patience has been repaid by a record of surgent attacks, the lack of real progress in re- Vice-President CHENEY said, ‘‘I think it will go incompetence unmatched in the annals of storing basic services, and the failure to find relatively quickly . . . [in] weeks rather than American foreign policy. the promised weapons of mass destruction months.’’ There are many things one could The Bush administration disregarded the ad- undercut the administration’s claim that things say about these rose- colored scenarios ped- vice of experts on Iraq, on nation-building, and were going well in Iraq and led it to make the dled by the Administration nearly four long on military operations. It staged both the inva- next set of serious blunders, which was the years ago. But there is one thing you cannot sion and the reconstruction on the cheap. It disbanding of the Iraqi military and security say and that is ‘‘truer words were never spo- did not learn from its mistakes and did not services. ken.’’ commit the resources necessary to accom- Madam Speaker, counterinsurgency experts Finally, Madam Speaker, let us not forget plish its original lofty goals or later pedestrian will tell you that to pacify an occupied country the wildly extravagant claims of this Adminis- objectives. It ignored intelligence that contra- it is essential to disarm, demobilize, and re- tration regarding the cost of this war. The Di- dicted its own views. train (DDR) the local army. The idea behind a rector of the White House OMB was quoted It is clear now that the administration simply DDR program is to entice, cajole, or even co- as saying that ‘‘Iraq will be an affordable en- never believed in the necessity of a major re- erce soldiers back to their own barracks or to deavor that will not require sustained aid and construction in Iraq. To exacerbate matters the other facilities where they can be fed, clothed, will be in the range of $50 billion to $60 bil- Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) and watched, retrained, and prevented from joining lion.’’ At last count, Madam Speaker, the war the White House Office of the Vice President an insurgency movement, organized crime, or has cost the taxpayers $379 billion. That a (OVP) worked together to ensure that the an outlaw militia. cost overrun of more than 600 percent. State Department was excluded from any By disbanding the military and security serv- To put the cost of the war in perspective, meaningful involvement in the reconstruction ices without a DDR program, as many as one consider that we are spending more than $8 of Iraq. million Iraqi men were set at large with no billion a month to sustain the war effort in Iraq. The administration’s chief Iraq hawks money, no means to support their families, Could this money be put to better use? Well, shared a deeply naive view that the fall of and no skills other than how to use a gun. Not consider the following: Saddam and his top henchmen would have surprisingly, many of these humiliated Sunni For $33.1 billion, or 4 months in Iraq, we relatively little impact on the overall Iraqi gov- officers went home and joined the burgeoning could have fully funded the Department of ernmental structure. They assumed that Iraq’s Sunni insurgency. Homeland Security FY 2007 budget. bureaucracy would remain intact and would The next major mistake made in the sum- For $10 billion, just 5 weeks in Iraq, we therefore be capable of running the country mer of 2003 was the decision to create an could equip every commercial airliner with de- and providing Iraqis with basic services. They Iraqi Governing Council (IGC), which laid the fenses against shoulder-fired missiles. likewise assumed that the Iraqi armed forces foundation for many of Iraq’s current political For $8.6 billion, just 30 days in Iraq, we would largely remain cohesive and would sur- woes. Many of the IGC leaders were horribly could finance the shortage of international aid render whole to U.S. forces. The result of all corrupt, and they stole from the public treasury needed to rebuild Afghanistan. this was a fundamental lack of attention to re- and encouraged their subordinates to do the For $5.2 billion, just three weeks in Iraq, we alistic planning for the postwar environment. same. The IGC set the tone for later Iraqi gov- could finance the capital improvements need- As it was assumed that the Iraqis would be ernments, particularly the transitional govern- ed to secure the nation’s public transportation delighted to be liberated little thought was ments of Ayad Allawi and Ibrahim Jaafari that system, including trains, subways, and buses. given to security requirements after Saddam’s followed. For the equivalent of 5 days in Iraq, just fall. The dearth of planning for the provision of Finally, by insisting that all of the problems $1.5 billion, we could provide radiation detec- security and basic services stemmed from the of the country were caused by the insurgency tors at every port in the United States. mistaken belief that Iraqi political institutions rather than recognizing the problems of the For only $1.4 billion, the cost of another 5 would remain largely intact and therefore able country were helping to fuel the insurgency, days in Iraq, we could double the COPS (com- to handle those responsibilities. the Bush Administration set about concen- munity police grants) program. But there were too few Coalition troops, trating its efforts in all the wrong places and For the cost of a mere two days in Iraq, we which meant that long supply lines were vul- on the wrong problems. could fund the $700 million needed to provide nerable to attack by Iraqi irregulars, and the This explains why for nearly all of 2004 and 100% screening of all air cargo. need to mask entire cities at times took so 2005, our troops were disproportionately de- For $350 million, 26 hours in Iraq, we could much combat power that it brought the entire ployed in the Sunni triangle trying to catch and instead make emergency radio systems inter- offensive to a halt. kill insurgents. Although our troops caught and operable. It was not long before these naive assump- killed insurgents by the hundreds and thou- For the cost of 81⁄2 hours in Iraq, $94 mil- tions and inadequate planning conjoined to sands, these missions were not significantly lion, we could restore the cuts in Homeland sow the seeds of the chaos we have wit- advancing our strategic objectives. Indeed, Security funding to cities hit on September 11. nessed in Iraq. they had little long-term impact because insur- Madam Speaker, opponents of the resolu- The lack of sufficient troops to secure the gents are always willing to flee temporarily tion before us contend that it gives comfort to country led to the immediate outbreak of law- rather than fight a leviathan. Second, because the enemy and undermines the President’s lessness resulting in massive looting and de- so many coalition forces were playing ‘‘whack- strategy for success in Iraq. They claim it is struction dealt a stunning psychological blow a-mole’’ with insurgents in the sparsely popu- our patriotic duty to avert our eyes to this Ad- to Iraqi confidence in the United States, from lated areas of western Iraq, the rest of the ministration’s nearly unbroken record of spec- which the country has yet to recover. We re- country was left vulnerable to take over by mi- tacular failure and incompetence and rally moved Saddam Hussein’s regime but we did litias. around the flag. But to paraphrase the old not move to fill the military, political, and eco- Finally, Madam Speaker, a cruel irony is saw: fool me four times, shame on you; fool nomic vacuum. The unintended consequence that because the Iraqi Government brought me a fifth time, shame on me. The truth is, was the birth of a failing state, which provided exiles and militia leaders into the government Madam Speaker, this Congress—and the the opportunity for the insurgency to flourish and gave them positions of power, it is now American people—has not been fickle or im- and prevented the development of govern- virtually impossible to get them out, and even patient. Rather, it has been understanding and mental institutions capable of providing Iraqis more difficult to convince them to make com- generous to a fault, overlooking and excusing with the most basic services such as clean promises because the militia leaders have blunder after blunder committed by the White water, sanitation, electricity, and a minimally learned they can use their government posi- House and the Office of the Secretary of De- functioning economy capable of generating tions to maintain and expand their personal fense (OSD). As Kenneth M. Pollack of the basic employment. power, at the expense both of their rivals who Brookings Institution, and a former senior Making matters worse, the administration ar- are not in the government and of the central member of the NSC, brilliantly describes in his rogantly denied the United Nations overall au- government itself.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00221 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4320 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 All of this was avoidable and the blame for 2005 the Bush administration increased troop staying in Iraq forever or the foreseeable fu- the lack of foresight falls squarely on the levels by 22,000, making a total of 160,000 ture. White House and the Office of the Secretary American troops in Iraq around the constitu- I am talking about a paradigm shift. Rather of Defense. tional referendum and parliamentary elections. than undertaking a misguided and futile surge Madam Speaker, the American people While the elections went off without major vio- in troops, the United States should surge dip- spoke loudly and clearly last November when lence these escalations had little long-term im- lomatically. The Armed Forces of the United they tossed out the Rubber-Stamp Republican pact on quelling sectarian violence or attacks States have performed magnificently. They Congress. They voted for a New Direction in on American troops. won the war they were sent to fight. Their ci- Iraq and for change in America. They voted to 3. Constitutional Elections and Fallujah (No- vilian leadership has not succeeded in winning disentangle American troops from the car- vember 2004–March 2005): As part of an ef- the peace. nage, chaos, and civil war in Iraq. They voted fort to improve counterinsurgency operations That is why I have introduced H.R. 930, for accountability and oversight, which we after the Fallujah offensive in November 2004 which among other things creates a high-level Democrats have begun to deliver on; already and to increase security before the January Special Envoy to launch a new offensive on the new majority has held 52 congressional 2005 constitutional elections U.S. forces were the diplomatic front. My legislation, the ‘‘Mili- hearings related to the Iraq War, investigating increased by 12,000 to 150,000. Again there tary Success in Iraq and Diplomatic Surge for everything from the rampant waste, fraud, and was no long-term security impact. Political and National Reconciliation Act of abuse of Iraq reconstruction funding to troop 4. Massive Troop Rotations (December 2007,’’ implements twelve of the most impor- readiness to the Iraq Study Group Report. 2003–April 2004): As part of a massive rota- tant recommendations of the Iraq Study But President Bush is still not listening to tion of 250,000 troops in the winter and spring Group, headed by former Secretary of State America. He is acting as if nothing has of 2004, troop levels in Iraq were raised from James A. Baker and 911 Co-Chairman Lee changed. He is not offering a way out of Iraq, 122,000 to 137,000. Yet, the increase did Hamilton. only a way forward that will take us deeper nothing to prevent Muqtada al-Sadr’s Najaf Among other things, H.R. 930, would re- into the morass and quagmire. uprising and April of 2004 was the second quire a diplomatic full-court press designed to The troop surge proposed by President deadliest month for American forces. engage all six of Iraq’s neighbors—Iran, Tur- Bush is not a new strategy for success in Iraq; Madam Speaker, by more than 60 percent, key, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Ku- it is just the same old repackaged policy of Americans oppose increasing American troop wait—more constructively in stabilizing Iraq. ‘‘stay the course.’’ This troop surge—this es- levels in Iraq. So do many of the nation’s lead- These countries are already involved in a bi- calation of the war—will not provide lasting se- ing and most knowledgeable military officers. lateral, self-interested and disorganized way. curity for Iraqis. It is not what the American In testimony before the Senate, Gen. John P. While their interests and ours are not iden- people have asked for, nor what the American Abizaid, the former Commander of United tical, none of these countries wants to live with military needs. It will impose excessive and States Central Command, stated: ‘‘I do not be- an Iraq that, after our redeployment, becomes unwarranted burdens on military personnel lieve that more American troops right now is a failed state or a humanitarian catastrophe and their families. It is opposed by the Joint the solution to the problem. I believe that the that could become a haven for terrorists or a Chiefs of Staff. It is opposed by an over- troop levels need to stay where they are.’’ hemorrhage of millions more refugees stream- whelming majority of the American people. It General Abizaid’s view is shared by Gen. ing into their countries. is opposed by a majority in Congress. Colin Powell, the former Secretary of State Madam Speaker, when Congress authorized The architects of the fiasco in Iraq would and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, who the president to use military force in Iraq in have us believe that ‘‘surging’’ at least 20,000 has said ‘‘I am not persuaded that another 2002, it departed from the wisdom of our fore- more soldiers into Baghdad and nearby Anbar surge of troops into Baghdad for the purposes fathers. The Framers understood that while province is a change in military strategy that of suppressing this communitarian violence, the military does the fighting, a nation goes to America must embrace or face future terrorist this civil war, will work.’’ And Gen. Barry war. That is why they lodged the power to de- attacks on American soil. Nothing could be McCaffrey (retired), who commanded the 24th clare war in the Congress, the branch of gov- further from the truth, as we learned last year Infantry Division during the first Gulf War, is ernment closest to the people. They knew that when the ‘‘surge’’ idea first surfaced among even more blunt: ‘‘It’s a fool’s errand . . . Our the decision to go to war was too important to neoconservatives. allies are leaving us . . . Make no mistake be left to the whim of a single person, no mat- The President’s proposed troop surge is not about that. Most will be gone by this summer.’’ ter how wise or well-informed he or she might new and, judging from history, we know it will Even leading members of the Republican be. But the AUMF passed by Congress was not work. It will only succeed in putting more Party are skeptical of the President’s latest not a declaration of war but rather a blank American troops in harm’s way for no good ploy to salvage the mess he has made of Iraq. check for the president to start and wage war reason and without any strategic advantage. According to Sen. CHUCK HAGEL of Nebraska, in Iraq at a time, place, and manner of his The armed forces of the United States are not the President’s escalation plan ‘‘represents the choosing. It is time to rescind that blank check to be used to respond to 911 calls from gov- most dangerous foreign policy blunder in this and return to first principles. ernments like Iraq’s that have done all they country since Vietnam—if it’s carried out. I will That is why H.R. 930 also includes another can to take responsibility for the security of resist it.’’ Senator HAGEL is joined in his skep- important legislative initiative, the ‘‘Military their country and safety of their own people. ticism by Senators OLYMPIA SNOWE, JOHN Success in Iraq Act of 2007 (MSIA).’’ This pro- The United States cannot do for Iraq what WARNER, SUSAN COLLINS, GORDON SMITH, vision of my legislation is crafted to end the Iraqis are not willing to do for themselves. NORM COLEMAN, GEORGE VOINOVICH, SAM American military involvement in Iraq and re- Troop surges have been tried several times BROWNBACK, ARLEN SPECTER, and a growing deploy American troops out of Iraq. in the past. The success of these surges has, list of others. The MSIA declares that the objectives which to put it charitably, been underwhelming. Let’s Madam Speaker, although Americans are led Congress to pass the 2002 AUMF have briefly review the record: right to oppose the President’s troop surge, been achieved. It further declares that when- 1. Operation Together Forward, (June–Octo- stemming the chaos in Iraq will require more ever the objectives set forth in an AUMF have ber 2006): In June the Bush administration an- than opposition to military escalation. It re- been achieved, the AUMF expires automati- nounced a new plan for securing Baghdad by quires us to make hard choices. cally. Then it finds that Congress is the ulti- increasing the presence of Iraqi Security It is past time for a new direction that can mate arbiter as to whether the objectives set Forces. That plan failed, so in July the White lead to success in Iraq. We cannot wait any forth in its AUMF have been achieved. House announced that additional American longer. Too many Americans and Iraqis are Because Congress now finds that the 2002 troops would be sent into Baghdad. By Octo- dying who could otherwise be saved. AUMF objectives have been achieved, my leg- ber, a U.S. military spokesman, Gen. William Since the President still has not seen the islation provides that the authorization to use Caldwell, acknowledged that the operation and light, we need to make him feel the heat. I be- force conferred upon the President by the troop increase was a failure and had ‘‘not met lieve the time has come to debate, adopt, and AUMF has now expired. My bill then makes our overall expectations of sustaining a reduc- implement a plan for strategic redeployment. I clear that the President must obtain a new au- tion in the levels of violence.’’ am not talking about ‘‘immediate withdrawal,’’ thorization to continue the use force in Iraq. 2. Elections and Constitutional Referendum ‘‘cutting and running,’’ or surrendering to ter- Finally, my bill requires that if the Congress (September-December 2005): In the fall of rorists. And I certainly am not talking about does not vote to reauthorize the use of force

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00222 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4321 in Iraq by March 31, 2007, then all American colleagues on the Appropriations Com- sweeping the city, going door to door, armed forces in Iraq must be redeployed out mittee and in the full House think the risking his life so the Iraqis can live of Iraq. Thus, under my legislation, an up-or- war is a lost cause, if they think that their lives with a basic security. And down vote must be held by the House and sending more troops to help secure Iraq do you know what he told his mother Senate to continue waging war in Iraq. is the wrong strategy, they shouldn’t to relate to me? He told her that they Madam Speaker, our domestic national se- hesitate to cut off the funding for the are making a difference, they are see- curity, in fact, rests on redeploying our military operation. I wouldn’t support that ing progress. They need help, they need forces from Iraq in order to build a more se- measure, but at least it would be a these troops, and they will be excited cure Middle East and continue to fight against measure of genuine intent, not a two- when they get them. global terrorist networks elsewhere in the paragraph statement on military tac- If First Lieutenant Stone believes world. Strategic redeployment of our armed tics we have on the floor this week. that these additional troops are vital forces in order to rebuild our nation’s fighting Mistakes have been made. But this is to him completing his mission in Bagh- capabilities and renew our critical fight in Af- a mission that is consistent with our dad, that tells me a lot. And if the ghanistan against the Taliban and al-Qaeda is vital interest and worthy of our sup- Loudons can send their youngest son to not just an alternative strategy. It’s a strategic port. I don’t believe President Bush has West Point knowing that he may some imperative. prosecuted this war flawlessly, and, day be called into service himself, that My legislation requires the Congress to pro- frankly, I don’t believe he has always tells me all I need to know. vide leadership on the most important issue of particularly been well advised. But this Mr. Speaker, no one likes war. No our day. That is what the American people strategy of reinforcement is not always one wants our troops to be in Iraq one want. That is what they voted for last Novem- supported by the President, it is sup- minute longer than they have to be to ber. That is what has been required all along. ported by the military and the political ensure the mission is accomplished. And providing constructive leadership that leadership of Iraq. Reasonable people may disagree on will bring peace, enhance security, and save People have to understand some- strategy, but this resolution is not lives is the task to which I am now, and al- thing. We are facing an enemy like no about alternative viewpoints. There ways have been, dedicated. That is why I other we have faced before, an ideolog- are no different courses offered, no sug- strongly and proudly support our magnificent, ical enemy driven by hate, not reason; gestions, and no responsibility taken. I stand with the Loudon family and heroic, and selfless service men and women. an enemy for whom there can be no Lieutenant Stone, and vote opposed to That is why I strongly support H. Con. Res 63 rest until the freedoms and values that this resolution. and squarely oppose the President’s decision define our civilization are destroyed. Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam to escalate the war in Iraq. I urge all members Victory is the only outcome that can Speaker, I yield 51⁄2 minutes to the gen- to support the resolution before the House. be accepted. But the resolution we are tleman from Oregon (Mr. DEFAZIO). Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Madam debating on the floor this week was not Mr. DEFAZIO. I thank the gen- Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 min- written with ultimate victory in mind; tleman. utes to my colleague from Pennsyl- it was written in expectation of defeat. We are debating a simple, straight- vania (Mr. PETERSON). And, unlike some of my colleagues, I forward resolution. Clause 1 says, Mr. PETERSON of Pennsylvania. am not willing to concede to defeat. ‘‘Congress and the American people Madam Speaker, the situation we are So many families have sacrificed so will continue to support and protect facing in Iraq right now is serious. The that we can be successful in Iraq, and the members of the United States resolution we are debating here to- they are willing to sacrifice even more. Armed Forces who are serving or have night, unfortunately, is not. To cut support for them now would be served bravely and honorably in Iraq.’’ Everyone agrees the situation on the unforgiveable. Every Member of Congress, despite ground is unacceptable. To make it You know, Mr. Speaker, watching outrageous allegations from the Repub- right, we need leadership, resources, the debate on the floor this week, my lican side of the aisle from some, fully and resolve. What we don’t need is 36 thoughts keep going back to the supports our troops and wants them to hours of time trading speeches on a Loudon family who live in my district. have the best equipment available to nonbinding measure, a measure that Their son Christopher, a member of accomplish this mission. The disagree- imparts no new policy, offers no new his college ROTC program, was de- ment is over the strategy that deter- alternatives, and commands no real ef- ployed to Iraq after graduation and mines their mission. fect. came home this fall in a flag-draped The Republicans don’t want to have a Most of the speeches I have heard coffin. debate over that strategy. They are this week are about the war. On that Their son Nicholas is a West Point trying to conflate support for the subject, there is plenty of room for dis- graduate I nominated to the Academy, troops with support for the President’s agreement. But the resolution before who served with his brother in Iraq, failed stay-the-course strategy dressed us isn’t about the war, it is about a and he is heading back to Iraq this up with a little bit of escalation. specific tactical question: the number weekend for another tour of duty. But as President Theodore Roosevelt of troops we need to deploy to finish Their son Jonathan, their youngest, said during World War I, standing by a the job. and another one of my Academy nomi- President, whether right or wrong, is I can’t think of a group that is less nees, is going to West Point this fall. not only unpatriotic and servile, it is qualified to make strategic and tac- The Loudon family had great concern morally treasonable to the American tical decisions on the ground than 535 over whether to send their third and public. Members of Congress, sitting 6,000 youngest son to West Point. In the end, Supporting the troops doesn’t require miles away on Capitol Hill. Congress they were swayed by their son’s com- supporting the failed policies of this shouldn’t be in the business of micro- mitment to serve his country and their President and his administration. The managing war tactics. shared belief that his mission is one Republicans don’t want to debate the Should we debate the war in Iraq? worth fighting for. conduct of the war and the future Certainly. Can we disagree about its If the Loudons can remain strong and strategy in Iraq. The former Repub- goals and purpose? Absolutely. But de- committed in the face of the most dif- lican chairman of the House Intel- cisions on the ground need to be deter- ficult circumstances any family can ligence Committee, PETER HOEKSTRA, mined by our military commanders on endure, why can’t Congress? wrote a letter to his colleagues saying, the scene, and not public opinion polls. I have gotten other calls from fami- ‘‘This debate should not be about the Of course, the other responsibility of lies in my district. One mother called surge or its details. This debate should Congress is, when it comes to wars, the this week to tell me that her son, a not even be about the Iraq war to date, power to fund them. As a member of young man named Nathan Stone whom mistakes that have been made, or the Appropriations Committee, I take I nominated to West Point in 2001, is whether we can or cannot win mili- that responsibility seriously. But if my currently serving in south Baghdad, tarily. If we let the Democrats force us

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00223 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4322 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 into a debate on the surge or the cur- argued such time lines were necessary For all of these rhetorical meander- rent situation in Iraq, we lose.’’ to focus the energy of Iraq’s leaders ings that have occurred lo these many So change the subject. Make things and to force compromises. We need to hours, the responsibility for the cur- up. do the same on the military side. Nego- rent state of affairs in Iraq rests There is a massive propaganda effort tiating a time line for bringing home squarely with the majority of Members on the part of many Republicans to dis- U.S. troops with responsible parties in who serve in this Congress of the tract and dissemble. They have trotted the Iraqi Government would boost the United States. Back on December 17, out the tired and thoroughly discred- Iraqi Government’s legitimacy and 1998, do you recall House Resolution 612 ited catch phrase, ‘‘If we don’t fight claim to self-rule, and force the Iraqi which declared in pertinent part, ‘‘Re- them there, we will fight them here,’’ Government to take responsibility for solved, by the House of Representatives invoking the specter of Osama bin itself and its citizens. Negotiating a that . . . ‘the Congress reaffirms that Laden and al Qaeda. However, U.S. in- withdrawal timeline and strategy with it should be the policy of the United telligence agencies, including military the Iraqi Government could more than States to support efforts to remove the intelligence agencies, have refuted that possibly anything else improve the regime headed by Saddam Hussein claim that the conflict in Iraq is driven standing of the Iraqi Government in from power’ and to promote the emer- by al Qaeda. It is not. The violence is the eyes of its own people, a significant gence of a democratic government to driven by a civil war primarily between achievement in a region where the replace that regime.’ ’’ the Iraqi Sunnis and Shias in a 1,400- standing of rulers and governments is I note that the gentleman who just year-old conflict, and our troops are low, and it could also abate the spoke, along with 400 other Members of caught in the middle of that civil war. insurgencies of both Sunnis and Shias. the Congress, supported that resolution The recent National Intelligence Esti- Too many Iraqis view us as an occu- as the policy of the United States, and mate definitively put that issue to pying force. Large majorities of both thereafter in October of 2002, Congress, rest. The Iraqi Sunnis and Shias have Sunnis and Shia want U.S. troops to both the House and the Senate, ap- no interest in or capability of attack- withdraw, and approve of attacks on proved the resolution approving the ing the United States. our men and women in uniform. use of force and military action nec- Osama bin Laden, al Qaeda, and their essary to effectuate that policy of re- b 2030 Taliban allies are still alive and active gime change. on the border of Afghanistan and Paki- The U.S. must engage, despite the re- Now, deposing the former dictator, in stan, thanks to the Bush administra- luctance of this administration, in ro- relative terms, was the easy part, tion and the massive diversion of our bust diplomacy with all factions in yanking him from his hiding place, a troops and resources from Afghanistan Iraq, except the foreign terrorists and hole in the ground. He eventually stood to an unnecessary war in Iraq. We do domestic al Qaeda elements and work trial in the dock as a common accused, need to reinforce our troops in Afghan- with Iraq’s neighbors in an effort to was judged by his countrymen accord- istan in order to end, once and for all, bring about political reconciliation ing to the rule of law, and held to ac- the threat posed by al Qaeda and the among Sunnis, Shias and Kurds. Our count for the brutality of his many crimes. Taliban leadership. troops have done all that has been A second policy objective, promoting Our Nation and our troops were led asked of them in Iraq. a democratic government has been the into the war in Iraq by the distortion Saddam Hussein is dead. His allies harder path, but though difficult, is it of intelligence, dissembling by the are on the run or in prison. The threat no less important? As my friend and President, and senior members of the from WMDs is nonexistent. The war colleague, my classmate from New administration. It is time for the that has been authorized by Congress is Mexico (Mrs. WILSON) so passionately truth. The Bush administration has won. The troops should come home. Congress should not authorize U.S. and persuasively annunciated yester- saddled our troops with a failed strat- day, America has vital national inter- egy in Iraq. It is that failed strategy troops to referee a civil war in Iraq. Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Madam ests in Iraq. that hurts our troops, not the words of Does anyone argue the contrary? Can Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 min- those of us who have pointed out the we not all agree that we must deny al utes to my colleague from Missouri obvious failures by this administra- Qaeda sanctuary in Iraq? Do we not tion. (Mr. HULSHOF). further agree that Iraq must not be the I don’t believe there is a level of U.S. Mr. HULSHOF. Madam Speaker, on source of instability in the Middle troops that could stabilize Iraq at this November 19 of 1863, President Abra- Eastern region? point and resolve these underlying ham Lincoln rose on the platform at Well, if we can agree on these points, ages-old sectarian conflicts. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, following a can the majority make a legitimate The President remains optimistic. 2-hour oration by Edward Everett, and case that this resolution accomplishes However, optimism is not a strategy. gave a brief but very eloquent dis- either of those important interests? Staying the course and repeating the course that has become a prominent President Bush recently nominated failures of the past is not a new strat- part of our country’s heritage. At the General David Petraeus as the new egy. Vice President DICK CHENEY, de- dedication of the Gettysburg National Commander of Multinational Forces in spite the grim National Intelligence Cemetery he acknowledged, ‘‘The world Iraq. Widely known as a brilliant tacti- Estimate acknowledging the civil war will little note nor long remember cian in the area of counterinsurgency, in Iraq, dismissed suggestions that Iraq what we say here, but it can never for- General Petraeus was unanimously is a disaster, saying, ‘‘The reality on get what they did here. It is, for us, the confirmed by the other body. the ground is that we have made major living, rather, to be dedicated here to Today, however, the majority desires progress.’’ Vice President CHENEY. the unfinished work which they who to deny this extremely capable com- Optimism, stay the course, and delu- fought here have thus far so nobly ad- mander the means to accomplish his sion and denial, those do not serve our vanced.’’ objective. Isn’t it incumbent upon us, troops well. We need a real change in Can we find some poignancy today in as Lincoln urged, to remain dedicated strategy. those simple words uttered 7 score and to the task remaining before us? A better strategy is to announce a 4 years ago? What is the unfinished Haven’t many in this body expressed time line negotiated with the Iraqi work that confronts this body politic, frustration that the Iraqi Government Government to bring our troops home and more to the point, does this resolu- has put limitations on the rules of en- over the next 6 months to a year. tion promulgated unilaterally by the gagement of our troops in our field, not The administration has always set majority advance the cause for free- allowing our military to hunt down the time lines for political developments in dom for which 3,000 of our countrymen enemy because insurgents had escaped Iraq, for the elections, for the drafting have given the last full measure of de- to a safe haven in a region deemed off- of the constitution. The administration votion? limits by the Iraqi Government?

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00224 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4323 Well, isn’t the majority party doing Americans who are without health in- Nation was in the midst of its bloodiest exactly the same thing half a world surance today, and that we should. The civil war, Lincoln said, We here highly away with this resolution? Isn’t deny- promise and the list of promises goes resolve that these dead shall not have ing military additional reinforcements on and on, many unmet domestic needs died in vain, that this Nation under deemed necessary by our generals in that are not getting attention because God shall have a new birth of freedom. the field hampering our last best of the war in Iraq. We have a new Nation trying to grasp chance for success? Some say this resolution is meaning- its first breath of freedom, to form a Two nights ago I was moved by the less. I disagree. It is a promise, and more perfect union of freedom and quiet eloquence of the distinguished promises are important. equality and democracy. gentleman from New York (Mr. If we can support our troops and we Lincoln’s second inaugural address: MCHUGH) when he made the simple yet can support the teachers who are edu- With malice toward none, with charity ironic observation: At no time in our cating their children, we can support for all, with firmness and the right as Nation’s history has this House consid- the health care providers that are car- God gives us to see the right, let us ered a public rebuke of a sitting Com- ing for their loved ones. strive on to finish the work we are in, mander in Chief for the manner in By voting for this resolution, we are to bind up the Nation’s wounds, to care which a war has been conducted that making a promise to the American peo- for him who shall have borne the battle Congress itself has authorized. ple to change United States’ policy on and for his widow and his orphan, to do On that score alone, I find this reso- the war. This resolution doesn’t end all which may achieve and cherish a lution breathtaking in its audacity. If I the war, but it begins a new direction. just and lasting peace among ourselves may be allowed to paraphrase the This is the first time that we have and with all nations. Great Emancipator, it is true, the said ‘‘enough is enough’’ to the Presi- Today I took a couple on a tour of world will little note nor long remem- dent. It is a good start. If we go on this great Capitol, and we walked into ber what we say here, but the world record in opposition to troop surge, we the Rotunda under the magnificent will never forget what we do here. can express our disapproval to the dome, the place where if you put the I urge rejection of this resolution. country’s addiction to oil and to the Statue of Liberty, it would still have Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam rich getting richer and the poor getting room within that dome. The dome was finished and con- Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gen- poorer. We can express our disapproval structed during our Civil War. Abra- tleman from California (Mr. FARR). of the policy that keeps homeless peo- Mr. FARR. Thank you for yielding. ham Lincoln was questioned during ple on the streets, that keeps one in six Madam Speaker, it is a pleasure to that time, Shall we devote our time American children living in poverty, see you in the Chair tonight. and our resources and the labor to the and allows our skies and oceans to con- I would like to thank the new leader- completion of the dome, or should that tinue to be polluted. ship in the House tonight for the op- go to the war effort? And Lincoln said, So to the American people, I thank portunity and the time to allow this No, that is a symbol of our union, and you. I thank you for getting involved, body and the Members of this body to we will complete the work of the dome. go on record about the President’s war because when you do, politicians re- When Lee met Grant at Appomattox, strategy. spond. You have empowered us to chart it is said that Lee’s first question to Of course I would prefer that we were a new course for the war in Iraq, and I Grant was, Have they finished the debating my bill, H.R. 413, which would am proud to cast my vote for this reso- dome yet? They had just finished it in rescind the authority that we gave the lution. the spring of 1865. President to invade Iraq back in Octo- Today we are keeping our promise to Today that dome defines and symbol- ber of 2002. I voted against this war the people, for what we do for our izes the strength of our Nation and of then, and I will continue to do so now. brave troops, we can do for all of God’s our democracy. Many in the world We just cannot thank, though, our children. Yes, Mr. President, we can probably thought during that time leadership. We have to thank the tell you that you are wrong. that we would never survive, and the American people, the people that went In closing, I think what this debate is real question for many of us today as a to the polls in November, who voted for about is to wake up the world. America Nation at war that is spiraling in civil a change and a new direction for this is coming back. It is coming back with war, can that civil war end? Can a na- country. You, our constituents, voted the most powerful force on Earth, the tion be unified? Could the hatred and for this change, and now you are wit- energized electorate. This resolution is the violence be stopped and then rec- nessing the historic debate on the a breath of fresh air in our Nation’s onciliation bring unity? President’s policy in Iraq. Capitol. It is time to get out of Iraq, it There are many on the other side This resolution that we are voting on is time to lead. who believe that it is futile, that all is very simple. It has two sections. The Thank you, Speaker PELOSI, for civil wars will never end, that these an- first section affirms our support for our bringing us this far in just a few short cient hatreds will not stop. But if we troops who are serving and have served weeks. look to our recent history in Bosnia, in Iraq. Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Madam there was a President of the other The second section expresses dis- Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 min- party who stood and said, We can inter- approval over the deployment of 21,000 utes to my colleague from Mississippi vene. We will give our military and our combat troops in Iraq. These two sim- (Mr. PICKERING). diplomatic resources to bring about an ple statements aren’t legally binding. Mr. PICKERING. Madam Speaker, I end to civil war. But they are binding promises to the rise in opposition to this resolution. He was successful, and history judges American people who voted for us to As we look back through our Na- him well for that. To be honest, many change the direction. Promises are im- tion’s history, and we look back at all on this side of the aisle did not stand in portant. When soldiers and their fami- the great chapters, there were mo- support of that President at that time. lies go to war, our government prom- ments, decisive, critical moments, But our Nation remembers and are glad ises to support them, and that we where our Nation could have given up, that we had a leader who intervened should. or given in, could have withdrawn, and brought stability to a critical re- Just think, if we made the same could have surrendered, and those mo- gion of the world, and new democracies promise to the school children when ments that make us most proud are emerged. they go to school, that we would pro- those chapters in our history where we We started this effort together after tect them from school violence and did not give up, retreat, surrender. 9/11. We all remember standing on the fully support their efforts to get an If we had a mission, we completed it. steps and singing ‘‘God bless America.’’ education, and that we should. If we look to Lincoln’s message at one We can remember going to the cathe- Just think, if we made that promise of those turning and tipping points in dral, the National Cathedral, and pray- to provide health care for 47 million our history at Gettysburg, when this ing for our guidance and for our unity.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00225 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4324 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 We authorized the war together. We the Iraqi Government the incentive For those of us who would like to adopted a policy of regime change to- needed to help bring security. If this continue to show our support for the gether, overwhelmingly. assessment is so clearly in opposition funding of the troops, it does nothing. And now, 4 years later, when it is dif- to a long-term deployment in Iraq, why For all of the chest pounding from the ficult and grave doubts rise, will we is the administration doing the exact majority about a new direction or rede- give up, or will we complete the work opposite? ployment, this does nothing. This reso- and finish the work in which we can be They are calling for a bigger commit- lution could pass 435–0 and it still proud? ment of troops, for more expenditure of would do nothing. b 2045 lives and treasure with no end in sight. Madam Speaker, there has been no They speak of victory, but what is vic- opportunity for a free exchange of pro- Lieutenant Joshua Trapp, who flies tory? Was it finding weapons of mass posals this evening that could be useful Apache helicopters in Iraq, deployed destruction? There were none. Was it a in moving us forward. In fact, just this this spring after his marriage to Eliza- nuclear weapons program? There was morning, one of Ohio’s largest news- beth of only 3 weeks. He now believes not one. Was Iraq an imminent threat papers, the Columbus Dispatch, said it and hopes that he can complete his to our security? We were told it was, best in their lead editorial: ‘‘Empty mission. but in fact it was not. gestures. Democrat’s resolution on I rise today in Joshua Trapp’s name, They claimed that they would ex- Bush’s Iraq war policy is political pos- and all of those other Mississippians haust all options before taking mili- turing.’’ who have given their lives, that their tary action. But they did not even wait That says it all. Madam Speaker, life may not have been in vain, and for the weapons inspectors’ final re- your party has the majority in the that their mission may be supported in port. Was our goal to impose democ- House and in the Senate. Yet we have this body in this time and this place racy on the entire Middle East? The tonight before us a resolution that does and that it is a chapter we in this place war has inflamed and destabilized the not do anything. If the majority wants will remember as we age and grow old region. Whatever their justification, to exercise real leadership, let’s have a that we did not walk away, retreat, they have embarked on a policy that is true debate. Let’s make real decisions, surrender, but we finished the mission. dragging America into the mire of an- tough decisions, that is for sure, but Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam other country’s civil war. real decisions. Speaker, I would just first observe that In this civil war we don’t know who’s none of these soldiers who died in Iraq, Madam Speaker, let me tell you shooting. We just know that all sides about a young marine corporal in my no matter what happens from this are shooting at us. We also now know point forward, died in vain. No soldier district. His name is Matt. Matt rep- that there was no al Qaeda connection resents the best and brightest in Amer- who dies fighting for his country and in Iraq before we invaded. The Penta- his comrades dies in vain, regardless of ica. Matt had a scholarship to go to gon’s Inspector General has reported college. He turned it down. He enlisted the politics. I hope we would all under- that Douglas Feith, the Pentagon’s stand that. in the United States Marine Corps Under Secretary, cooked intelligence after Iraq was liberated. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to reports to make a case to go to war Matt was on his second tour of duty the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. based on al Qaeda. It is tragically iron- just last month when he was shot. He MALONEY). ic that now by invading we have actu- returned home a few weeks ago. Matt Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam ally made Iraq fertile territory for al will receive a Purple Heart. Weeks be- Speaker, for almost 4 years the admin- Qaeda recruitment. istration has been saying, just give us Madam Speaker, on top of their rush fore he was shot, Matt sent an e-mail more time, just give us more money, to war and their insufficient planning, back to his family and friends in Ohio. our plan will bring peace. And now their mismanagement is legendary. In it he says: ‘‘We have done a lot of they are saying, we need more troops, They initially estimated that the war good in Iraq, but on the homefront we 48,000 of them. But we have already had would cost 50 to $60 billion. But by the likely will not see that reported.’’ Matt four troop increases since we went into end of this year, Congress will have said he has watched his fellow marines’ Iraq and none of them have brought spent about half a trillion dollars, ten hearts grow heavy when they talk to stability. times the original estimate. their family and friends, and that this Tragically, this war has cost more Last week, we had a hearing on $12 is a tough part of war and a tough part than 3,100 American lives, 143 from my billion that was airlifted into the war of fighting for freedom. home State of New York, and thou- zone and now $8.8 billion is unac- I spoke with Matt a few days ago as sands of Iraqi lives, as well as more counted for, completely missing. we began debate on this resolution. than 20,000 injured American soldiers Madam Speaker, how much mis- Matt asked me to oppose the resolution who will carry their wounds for the management and misdirection can this and give him and his fellow soldiers the rest of their lives. country tolerate? tools and the support that they need to The bipartisan Hamilton-Baker Com- In November, Americans voted for a help Iraqis help themselves take con- mission called for a different approach. new direction for the war, a new direc- trol of their own country, and together They said: ‘‘The situation in Iraq is tion for Congress. I rise in support of fight and defeat radical extremists. grave and deteriorating.’’ As Mr. Ham- this new direction and against this es- Matt supports the mission. Matt does ilton said: ‘‘The current approach is calation in Iraq. not want to see his children and grand- not working. And the ability of the Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Madam children going back to Iraq to handle U.S. to influence events is dimin- Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to my col- what can and should be done now. Our ishing.’’ league from Ohio (Mr. TIBERI). constituents elected us to lead, Madam The commission called for greater Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, I rise Speaker. Our brave servicemen and use of diplomacy. And the commis- in opposition to this resolution this -women look to us for leadership. We sion’s report stated clearly that we evening. must not disappoint them. must not make an open-ended commit- The resolution we are debating this Matt, God bless you and your fellow ment to keep large numbers of Amer- evening is a nonbinding resolution. It troops for your great and wonderful ican troops in Iraq. They warned that has no effect of law. It does nothing to service to our country. I will vote doing so would continue to stretch our change our direction in the war on ter- against this resolution, this non- troops too thin, hampering our abili- ror. For those who oppose the war, this binding resolution tomorrow, and will ties to simultaneously face other resolution does nothing to end it. For do all I can to support you and your threats in the world. those of us who would like to debate fellow soldiers in your mission to fight It would severely affect America’s the recommendations of the Iraq Study and defeat radical extremists who seek army readiness, and it would not give Group, this does nothing. to destroy our way of life.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00226 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4325 Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Their repeated and sustained deploy- Mrs. BACHMANN. Madam Speaker, Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gen- ments turn lives upside down, some- the morning of September 11, 2001, I tleman from Hawaii (Mr. ABER- times permanently, and have a pro- was a Minnesota State senator meeting CROMBIE), a senior member of the found impact on families, businesses with a group of local educators at a House Armed Services Committee. and whole communities. Perkins Restaurant in Woodbury, Min- Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Madam Speak- Why have they been so misused? Be- nesota. Because you can’t find a baby- er, as chairman of the Armed Services cause there is not anyone else. Because sitter at 7 o’clock in the morning, I had Committee on Air and Land Forces, my our active duty force is too small to my three daughters with me at the res- overriding concern on every issue that sustain our engagement in Iraq and Af- taurant when I learned of the attacks. comes before us is whether and how it ghanistan. To have acted to ensure the After that meeting, I dropped our girls supports our men and women in uni- burden of this war would be more off at school and then, together with form. broadly shared, that the industrial sec- millions of Americans, in horror I Every decision about equipment, pro- tor would be mobilized, and the mili- watched my television as the terror un- curement, training, end strength or tary equipment, supply and mainte- folded. Thousands of innocent Ameri- budget authorization must meet this nance and repair systems put on a war- cans were targeted for death that test: Does it support our troops? The time footing would have been expen- morning by an evil regime of radical question before us today, increasing sive and an admission of a reality the jihadists. Then came the challenge of U.S. forces in Iraq by some 21,000 com- Bush administration did not want to explaining to our children the mag- bat troops and somewhere between 3 confront. nitude of the tragedy that had just be- and 28,000 support personnel fails this The real and immediate concern is fallen our Nation. As a mother, I can test in every respect. that forces now being deployed as part tell you it was one the most difficult Both the immediate and long-term of this surge will not have the equip- conversations that I have ever had. effects of the war in Iraq on our Na- ment they need when they get there. September 11 galvanized Americans. tion’s military preparedness are evi- They will have to borrow it. We are not We knew without a doubt that we had dent and drastic. Extended deploy- fully prepared to respond effectively. an enemy, but America fought back, ments, premature redeployments, and The House then is considering an ex- united. We were attacked on Sep- tember 11, but the radical Islamic sustained combat under unbelievably pression of support or opposition to an- jihadists declared war on innocent harsh conditions have taken a terrible other failure of leadership. Nearly 23 Americans long before that morning toll on our forces and their equipment. years ago, President Ronald Reagan’s and, chillingly, that war continues The results are an overstretched U.S. Secretary of Defense, Caspar Wein- even today. Their brand of evil chooses Army and Marine Corps with no fully berger, outlined in a speech entitled to kill the greatest number of innocent mission-capable Reserve forces, and an ‘‘The Uses of Military Power,’’ six tests civilians. They are a cruel enemy. They urgent need for billions of dollars to re- that need to be applied whenever com- are unwavering in their resolve to seek pair or replace worn and damaged heli- bat forces are contemplated. the total annihilation of the United copters, tanks, other armored vehicles, One: never commit forces unless the States of America and of our freedoms, including up-armored Humvees and particular situation is vital to our na- other equipment. and of our Western allies especially. tional interest or that of our allies. They seek to destroy our friend, the I recently returned from an inspec- Two: if we are willing to commit the tion of two of the Army’s busiest repair State of Israel. force or resources necessary to win, we Today, Iraq is the central front in depots in Corpus Christi, Texas, and should commit them all. this war, and that is according to the Anniston, Alabama. What we saw there Three: we should have clearly defined radical Islamists themselves. Some in were skilled and dedicated employees political and military objectives. Four: this Chamber may want to deny that working feverishly to make sure that the relationship between the objectives fact. However, it is the jihadists who our men and women in uniform, par- and forces, size, composition, disposi- chose Iraq as the central front in the ticularly those in Iraq and Afghani- tion, must be continually reassessed war on terror. It wasn’t the United stan, have every piece of equipment and adjusted. States. And we fight them on their they need to do their jobs and keep Five: we must have the support of turf. Al-Zawahiri has said many times themselves safe from harm. the American people and their elected that Iraq is one of the crucial fields in What we saw were the results of an representatives in Congress. Six: the the Islamist war. The radical Islamists administration’s abject failure to mo- commitment of U.S. troops to combat know that they cannot beat us with bilize this country’s industrial base for should be a last resort. President guns and with bullets alone. They can this war of choice. Only now are we Bush’s policies have failed every one of only beat us in one way, and that is if ramping up America’s manufacturing then-Secretary Weinberger’s tests. they crumple the resolve of America to capacity to fully support our troops at What then are the consequences of fight and to win this war. home and overseas. this failure? Our troops are in peril. To American soldiers, I want to say Smugly self-righteous in its belief Our credibility is shattered and the les- to you specifically tonight, know that that U.S. troops would be targeted with sons of the past are submerged in many of us here in the United States nothing more lethal than rose petals, empty rhetoric and political dribble. Congress support you and your mis- this administration has been compla- b 2100 sion. We pray for you. We love you. We cent in leaving the burden of the war appreciate you and your sacrifices on on the men and women of our Armed Make no mistake, we are engaged in behalf of our freedoms. It is because of Forces, active, Reserve and National a war of choice, a catastrophe con- your bravery that we will defeat the Guard. The impact of this attitude hit ceived in ideological zeal, cloaked in radical jihadists. Surrender is not an home for me in Corpus Christi when I misinformation and administered with option, not if our goal is the mainte- read recently about the death in Iraq of breathtaking incompetence. nance of freedom. a 48-year-old Army sergeant with five It is an outrage that we have not had It is very telling, I think, that the children. a single policy in Iraq worthy of our resolution that we are debating this Newspaper Columnist Dan men and women in uniform. This surge evening only states what those on the Thomasson asked: What in the world is yet another misstep in this tragic other side of the aisle oppose. After all was a 48-year-old man with five chil- journey to disaster. We need to end it these hours of debate, the American dren doing in the military in Iraq? The and end it now. people have yet to hear a plan from the answer is obvious, he was a member ei- Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Madam Democrats for victory in this war ther of the National Guard or the Re- Speaker, I am pleased to yield 41⁄2 min- against terror. serve. The Guard and Reserve are being utes to my colleague from Minnesota I believe, and you, our troops, know used in a way never contemplated. (Mrs. BACHMANN). that victory against the evil people

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00227 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4326 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 who want to kill Americans transcends which could not be discovered by the were told. I don’t know what the real politics. Victory in this war means U.N. peacekeepers. Now we know bet- reasons were. Maybe we will never that no mother will have to explain to ter. know. But we do know better now and, their children the death of thousands Some thought that Saddam Hussein knowing better, we must do better. of innocent Americans. tried to purchase yellow cake uranium That is why I support this resolution, American soldiers, please know that from Niger. Now we know better. why I support our troops, why I oppose many of us in this Congress stand Some thought that we did not need the escalation, and why we must follow strong in our resolve to support you the support of the free world to enter the recommendations of the Baker- and our fight to preserve America’s into war. Now we know better. Hamilton Commission and shift from freedoms. On my watch, I pledge to you Some thought we would never send the war zone to the diplomatic arena. during this, my term in Congress, that our troops into harm’s way without We have gone from shock and awe to I will stand for you, and I will vote to proper equipment. Now we know bet- aw shucks. preserve America’s freedom. ter. And escalating this war by putting And I want to say to you this evening Some people thought the people of 20,000 Americans into the streets of that it is American soldiers, Minneso- Iraq would welcome us with open arms, Baghdad, ala Mogadishu, aka tans, who are in the National Guard. It and that the war would be won swiftly. Blackhawk Down, is inviting a 21st is members of the Minnesota National Now we know better. century Pickett’s Charge or a Charge Guard who make up over 10 percent of Some thought on May 1, 2003, some 4 of the Light Brigade. this increase in troops. Minnesota is years ago, that the mission was accom- May God save us if the President of supplying over 10 percent of those plished. Our President told us so on an the United States will not. troops. aircraft carrier in a photo-op. Now we Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Madam I had the brigadier general of the know better. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 min- Minnesota Guard in my office yester- Most importantly, we know that utes to my colleague from Texas (Mr. young Americans have heeded their day, and I asked him, What is the mo- NEUGEBAUER). country’s call and have placed them- rale? What is the message that these Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Madam Speaker, selves in harm’s way to serve America. troops want me to know? And he said, I rise tonight in strong opposition to There is nothing nobler than the sac- They want you to know that they this resolution and in strong support of rifice made by our men and women in stand ready to fight, and their morale our troops in the mission as they fight uniform. But such sacrifice should is high. the global war on terror. I say thank you to the Minnesota Na- never be secured through deception. I am really disappointed in the hol- tional Guard. Thank you for your sac- Now we know better, and we must do low resolution that does not match the rifice. Thank you for your bravery. I better. seriousness of this issue that we are de- will stand with you. Just as the Min- Early on, many of my colleagues in bating. It appears politics, not the safe- nesotans who stood first in line in the the Progressive Caucus did not believe ty of our Nation, is leading the way. battle to fight for our Union, it is Min- all they were being told about the con- Not long ago, several of my Demo- nesota who is standing strong in this nection between 9/11 and the terrorists cratic colleagues were arguing we need battle to fight. It is the battle of our and Iraq. We were all very concerned additional troops in Iraq. But now the time, the balance of our generation, that pursuing an invasion of Iraq would President and the Iraqi Study Group and I stand with you. be an act of aggression unheard of in say, send more troops, and now the Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam our Nation’s history. Democrats are against it. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gen- What makes America unique is we So when they say, now that they tleman from Tennessee (Mr. COHEN). believe that our Nation is founded on Mr. COHEN. Madam Speaker, the the rule of law, and that is what has have the ability to and the responsi- great poet, Maya Angelou said, ‘‘When made our country great and why we bility to govern, the majority has no I knew better, I did better.’’ have been respected all over the world. plan for success. In fact, the only plan I am a member of the Progressive Millions of Americans put faith in is to cut funding for our troops on the Caucus, proudly so, because I believe the administration. Many could not ground in Iraq. that we must always strive to do better have imagined that such a disastrous Statement after statement from to truly make progress. course would be pursued without truth Members on the other side of the aisle A sign of intelligence and learning is beyond the assurances that were given. paint a very clear picture. This week’s to take the knowledge that we have ac- But now we know. debate is merely paving the way for fu- quired and adjust our goals accord- We know we have lost the goodwill of ture cuts in funding for Iraq. The reali- ingly. For some, it seems to be a badge many of our allies. We know we have ties of the current global conflict de- of honor to stay the course, no matter no exit strategy. We know that more mand a more responsible approach what facts have come to light to con- Americans will sacrifice their lives. We from this body. tradict that course. know that mothers, fathers, wives, We know that terrorist enemies are So what did some think they knew husbands and children will weep. Chil- patient. They are calculating, and they then, and what do we actually know dren will be orphaned, and young peo- intend on attacking us again. They now? ple will spend their lives maimed. And have stated that Iraq is the central Some thought Iraq played a part in for what? front for the global jihad, yet expelling the attacks of 9/11. Now we know bet- We can choose enlightenment or we America from Iraq is merely the first ter. can choose blind ignorance. We can step in their strategy. Some thought that invading Iraq choose to wrap ourselves in the Amer- We also know that leaders of the ter- would not diminish our ability to con- ican flag and claim that anyone who rorist organizations have ordered their tinue our mission in Afghanistan, de- demands answers about the reasons for followers to extend their jihad feat the Taliban, and find Osama bin sending our troops into harm’s way is throughout the region and the world. Laden, the mastermind of the terrorist unpatriotic and does not support our So it is clear that the attacks on our attacks in America. Now we know bet- troops. country and the citizens will not stop ter, but we still don’t know where We can choose to use the knowledge if the troops pack up their bags and re- Osama bin Laden is. we now have, or we can cling irration- turn from Iraq. The terrorists will fol- Some thought that the intelligence ally to the President’s failed policies low us back to our America. used by the President to lead us to war that led us to war. A long list of terror attacks took was accurate. Now we know better. The Earth is not flat. The sun does place long before 9/11 and long before Some thought that Saddam Hussein not resolve around the Earth, and we we entered Iraq and overthrew Saddam had weapons of mass destruction, did not go to war for the reasons we Hussein.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00228 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4327 I, like everyone else, want our troops I respect the gentleman from Texas, and there were no weapons of mass de- to come home as soon as possible. How- but I have only been here for an hour struction. ever, with shortsighted political cal- and 15 minutes and I have heard count- We cannot ask our troops to win culations made in this body that may less alternatives from many Demo- military victory when the administra- cause us to lose that war, terrorist cratic speakers. May not like those al- tion’s reason for invasion were false- groups will only be encouraged to ex- ternatives, may not think they are the hoods and debased our Nation through- pand their efforts. best course, but it is wrong to say that out the world. In addition to the terrorist groups the Democrats have not offered alter- The intelligence was not faulty. No who are watching this debate and our native courses of action in Iraq. They one should be allowed to blame this on actions in Iraq, we also know that Iran have offered a good many. the Central Intelligence Agency. Our will see that America is buckling to Madam Speaker, I yield 51⁄2 minutes intelligence community, including the our political reactions to this issue. to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. CIA, tried to tell President Bush and Not only does Iran stand to benefit KAPTUR). Vice President CHENEY, but they re- from increased instability in the re- Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I fused to listen. gion, but seeing America retreat in the thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, though I voted for face of military obstacles will only em- With this resolution, Congress puts the NATO mission in Afghanistan, I bolden that rogue regime to question the Bush administration on notice we spoke out strongly against the resolu- America’s resolve. take the first step toward a course cor- tion authorizing President Bush to While we can disagree on whether to rection in Iraq that the American peo- wage preemptive war against Iraq be- send reinforcements, we must all agree ple voted last November. cause I feared what would happen: that the consequences of losing the We also put the leaders of Iraq on no- more terrorism, not less; more insta- battle on the global war on terrorism is tice that our troop strength there will bility, not less. catastrophic and far-reaching. America must not be a Nation where be redeploying, not escalating. Since that vote I have supported our our school buses, our malls, our neigh- This House cannot stand by and ex- troops at every turn and will continue borhoods, become the battlefields for pect our courageous troops to win the to support them. And I do not regret the war on terrorism. Therefore, we war against terrorism militarily while my vote against the war in Iraq, and I should be saying we will not retreat, the Commander in Chief loses it strate- do not apologize for my support of our we will not back down from this fight. gically and ideologically. troops. But now is the time to take the We should stand 100 percent behind our Some have said passage will make first step toward course correction to troops and give them the tools and sup- bin Laden smile. They are mistaken. redeploy them more effectively. port necessary to get the job done. Our He is already smiling due to the de- The roots of terrorism did not spring security depends on it. volving chaos in Iraq. He is achieving from Iraq. Terrorism sprang from dip- Unfortunately, this resolution fails exactly what he set out to do: forcing lomatic and political failures in un- on each front. This resolution does not us to destroy a nation to save it, while democratic states, from an Afghani- put forth a successful strategy for vic- embroiling our military in an unending stan that was let fester after the So- tory, and the resolution does not show Islamic civil war of attrition that pro- viet defeat. Terrorism springs from an our troops that they have our full sup- duces more terrorism and anger toward Iran whose Shia majority our Nation port. America. has isolated for the last quarter cen- In fact, for the last 2 or 3 days, you Our mission in Iraq is struggling, but tury and tried to throttle for the prior have not heard one solution offered by it is not due to a shortage of supplies quarter century. the other side. You have not heard one or a lack of will or poorly trained Terrorism springs from Saudi fami- solution offered of what happens if the forces. To the contrary, we have the lies who pay to promote the most rad- President is right. This is too impor- best military in the world, with every ical form of Islam in other nations to tant of an issue for us to be backing dollar appropriated by this very House. hold onto power in their homeland, one down from and to be having silly polit- Our mission is faltering because the of the most undemocratic places on ical debates. President misjudged the field of battle. Earth. Terrorism springs from the To the contrary, this resolution only Our troops are poised against a border- unaddressed Israeli-Palestinian stand- serves to score political points and em- less political movement determined to off. Terrorism springs from a Lebanon barrass the Commander in Chief during mobilize downtrodden people. where the Shia majority has been a time of war. It does so while, at the That idea emboldens its adherence to underrepresented in the institutions of same time, weakening the morale of confront the largest military force in government. our troops. Fighting and winning the the world. That idea enlists the weak Terrorism springs from a view, fair war is serious business. It requires our to confront the powerful. It pits puri- or not, that the United States allies President, our military leaders, our tanical religious followers against with the rich but not the poor across elected officials to make important de- kingdoms, against the superrich, and the undemocratic Islamic world. How cisions, tough decisions. Yet making against corrupt regimes they deem to can America stand for democracy in tough decisions is what the American be unfaithful. And in Iraq it propels Iraq but not in all of the oil kingdoms people expect their Representatives to Sunni against Shia. and theocracies to which this Nation do. Despite the heroic efforts of our has been unfortunately tethered for Therefore, I call on my colleagues to troops, the paradox is that the war in our entire adult lifetimes? reject this resolution, end the political Iraq cannot be won in Iraq. Indeed, the How can we ask our troops to bear stunts, take seriously our responsi- war in Iraq becomes counterproductive the brunt of war in the most oil rich bility to govern and to ensure the safe- in winning the war of ideas across the region of the world when we have re- ty and the security of the American region. fused to become energy independent people. We cannot ask our troops to bear the here at home? This has been a rock fight. This is burden of winning a ground war when Madam Speaker, we cannot ask our not a place for a rock fight. This is a the President’s policies have lost the troops to bear the burden of war when place for serious deliberation to make idea war. real diplomacy has been absent and po- sure that we keep America safe, both We know the truth. There were no litical coalitions for victory are miss- today and in the future. I urge my colleagues to reject this chemical labs, as pictured here, when ing in action. In the end, war is the resolution. Secretary Powell laid out the case breakdown of diplomacy. against Iraq before the U.N. and said Now is the time for a course correc- b 2115 there were chemical labs in Iraq. There tion: redeloyment of U.S. forces, bench- Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam were no such chemical labs. There was marks to measure strategic achieve- Speaker, I would just argue, first of all, no yellow cake uranium from Niger, ments, diplomatic alternatives such as

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00229 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4328 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 a soft partition of Iraq enforced by the This is not Cuba. This isn’t Ven- Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Madam world community to quell the rising ezuela. This is not North Korea or Speaker, I rise today in defense of our Sunni-Shia-Kurd standoff. some Third World country. This is the national security, in support of our Chances are the violence in Iraq Congress of the United States. troops, and in favor of this resolution. could continue for years to come. The But let me congratulate the authors This measure is a first and important danger now is that our actions to date of what history will surely record as a step in preventing the President’s ill- exacerbate it and encourage this vio- very dark chapter in the conduct of the conceived escalation plan; reversing lence to spill over into Jordan, Turkey, House leadership and the House of Rep- our present, perilous course; and ulti- Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, and even resentatives, leadership, in fact, en- mately bringing our brave troops home Saudi Arabia. trusted to them by the American peo- from Iraq. This resolution begins to resurrect ple. Mr. President, when in a deep hole, America’s reputation among the free- Let me congratulate the authors on stop digging. dom-loving nations of world. America the clever wording of a resolution to But rather than searching for a way has always been a nation that believes praise our Armed Forces and at the out, the President proposes to dig down in containment, not preemption. We same time undermine our Commander deeper, plunging further into a dark have always known defense, not of- in Chief. Very clever. abyss. Blinded by ideology and steeped fense, is the best war strategy. We have I also want to congratulate the very in delusion, the administration’s an- always been strong enough to ferret clever timing of the floor discussion of swer to the chaos in Iraq is to send an out, wait out, outsmart, and counter- this worthless measure that disregards additional 21,500 troops into the middle weight the enemy. the fact that American troops have al- of it. 3,117 U.S. dead numbering; 23,000 in- ready been deployed for this mission. I do not support the President’s Congratulations are also in order for jured; hundreds of thousands of Iraqis shortsighted, wrong-headed, reckless duping the public and the media into dead; the rejection of the world com- approach. And on behalf of the Amer- creating the illusion that Congress is munity. These facts should lead us to ican people, this House must act now really doing something about the con- face a future of a new possibility. to stop the continuation of an ambig- This resolution opens that door. I flict in Iraq. And again congratulations on mak- uous, constantly changing, open-ended urge my colleagues to vote ‘‘yes.’’ ing people think that this is bipartisan engagement in Iraq. Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Madam support, that this is going to be bipar- During the last 4 years, our men and Speaker, I am pleased to yield 51⁄2 min- tisan support for a resolution that, in women in uniform have answered the utes to my colleague from Florida (Mr. fact, achieves nothing but the discred- call of duty. They have demonstrated MICA). iting of a President of the United true courage and bravery and honor. Mr. MICA. Madam Speaker, first let States in a time of war. So I also want They have served our Nation valiantly, me say to those who question our going to extend congratulations to the even as many civilian leaders have into Iraq, I voted to go into Iraq and I crafters of this illegitimately drafted failed them. would vote the same way again. We nonbinding resolution. Your accom- I mourn the loss of 3,100 Americans have found 300,000 mass graves to date, plishments will be lauded by Hamas, al who died, 95 of whom are from my and standing right at this podium, the Qaeda, touted by Al Jazeera, and high- home State of Illinois. I pray for the Iraqi leader told us that Saddam Hus- ly praised by America and Bush haters thousands who have been seriously sein slaughtered 1 million of his fellow throughout the world. wounded and permanently disabled. citizens. Ironically, I pulled this up. Google it And I have voted again and again to The question before us tonight, and yourself. This is tomorrow, 8:17 Mecca ensure that our troops in Iraq had the what Congress is now considering, is a time, Al Jazeera: ‘‘Democrats Attack body armor and the equipment that nonbinding resolution that makes two Bush War Policy,’’ and the lead quote they need to protect their lives and dis- points. The first point is it praises our is from Speaker PELOSI. charge their duties. troops. The second point is it speaks Again, congratulations on your Tragically, the war in Iraq is a case against the President’s decision to in- achievement. study in ‘‘mission creep.’’ And the fact crease or surge our U.S. troop numbers Fortunately, though, folks, through- is no amount of troops can successfully in our current attempt to end the civil out history great Presidents have ig- complete a mission that is unclear, and terrorist conflict in Iraq. nored Congress and have not wavered. that is ill-defined, that is muddled and Let me say at this point that I do not George Washington was nearly recalled mutable. fault individual Members and their by Congress in the darkest hours of the During the run-up to the first gulf choice made tonight or tomorrow to American Revolution. He fought on for war, then-Chairman of the Joint Chiefs support or oppose the arbitrary non- nearly 8 years to gain our independence of Staff, General Colin Powell, put binding resolution that is before us. I and freedom. Abraham Lincoln endured forth eight criteria to be met for mili- do, however, fault the failed Democrat untold criticism in Congress in his tary action. Among the critical ques- leaders who crafted this resolution be- fight to ensure freedom for those once tions posed by the Powell doctrine hind closed doors, written in the dark enslaved. Ronald Reagan never flinched were the following: Do we have a clear of night. in his quest to bring down the Iron Cur- attainable objective? Is there a plau- The people should know that this is tain and free millions. And George sible exit strategy to avoid endless en- not a true debate. In fact, this exercise Bush will be remembered for freeing tanglement? Have the consequences of is a 3-day politically hatched farce. In Iraq, giving women and the oppressed our actions been fully considered? fact, this exercise is absent of any le- the right to vote, for conducting free The answer to each question when gitimate legislative process. It is also, elections, helping Iraq adopt a con- applied to Iraq today is the same as it in fact, vacant of the two options pro- stitution, and combating terrorism and has been since the start of this war: no, vided Congress under our Constitution: extremists. no, and no. first, to declare war or, second, to ap- The 110th Congress, however, will go b 2130 propriate funds for the conduct of war. down in history for adopting a non- In fact, this is a stealth resolution binding resolution. Think about it. With the help of its author, the Pow- brought to the floor absolutely void of Yes, we all want our troops home. We ell Doctrine was shredded to bits and the democratic process; that our men all want our children to live in a world the mission in Iraq is adrift. and women are fighting, as we are here of peace. And this resolution will not Consider this: On September 12, 2002, tonight, to preserve our freedoms at help us achieve either of those goals. President Bush challenged world lead- home and the rights at home and ex- Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam ers at the U.N. General Assembly ses- tend those rights to oppressed people Speaker, I now yield 5 minutes to the sion to confront the grave and gath- abroad. gentleman from Illinois (Mr. JACKSON). ering danger posed by Iraq’s weapons of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00230 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4329 mass destruction. However, no weapons bers that remarks in debate should be pleted action on the first 100 hours, we of mass destruction were found there. addressed to the Chair and not to the now begin a critical 100 days for the fu- Then President Bush shifted his jus- President. ture of our engagement in Iraq, United tification, arguing that the war was Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, I yield States policy in the Middle East and about liberating Iraqis from a brutal myself such time as I may consume. our struggle against violent fundamen- dictator. But in December 2003, 4 years Madam Speaker, I recall March 6, talism. Between now and the Memorial ago, Saddam Hussein was found and 2003. I came to this floor and spent an Day recess, 100 days for Congress to re- captured. He has since been tried and hour and outlined the 17 resolutions be- assert itself as a coequal branch of gov- hanged for crimes against humanity. fore the United Nations in which Sad- ernment, as envisioned by the framers After Saddam was taken into cus- dam Hussein continued his open defi- of the Constitution, to change the tody, President Bush claimed that the ance. That is what was also discussed. course in Iraq. mission was to spread democracy So what is lost from this debate is Sad- This is a decisive moment. It is time throughout the Middle East. Yet Iraq dam Hussein’s recalcitrance unto the for every one of us who would be a has deteriorated into sectarian vio- world. As a veteran of the Gulf War, leader to lay our cards on the table. lence erupting into a bloody civil war. that was ended by a ceasefire, where Each must be true to our own con- Now, with the violence increasing, Saddam Hussein did not uphold his end science and to the responsibility of of- the President says our mission is to of that agreement. fice by letting the American people confront the terrorists in Iraq so we To the last speaker, he spoke about know honestly and directly what we don’t have to face them here at home. the political and economic, but in stand for and what we would do in Iraq. However, according to government in- order for an infancy government to be This resolution gives clear and con- telligence, the war in Iraq has helped able to survive, you have to be able to cise voice to the desires of the Amer- recruit more terrorists, not vanquish establish its political apparatus, you ican people. It expresses support for them. have to be able to give it its economic our troops and demands that we not Madam Speaker, now is not the time goals and a means to achieve them, but place more of them at risk without a to close our eyes, cross our fingers and you also need to establish security. reason or a plan. And I strongly sup- stay the course. We cannot continue to Therein lies the President’s plan. He port it. engage in the same action and expect a met with the leaders of Iraq and he got Along with this resolution, the Con- different result. We should not send some concessions from Iraq. ‘‘In fact, gress under Speaker PELOSI’s Demo- more of our soldiers to the desert on a you will take the lead, you will work cratic leadership has already done mission that shifts like the sands be- with your parliament, you will achieve more to provide oversight and account- neath their boots. these political and economic goals as ability than Republicans over the last 5 The President’s plan attempts to im- we work together to establish your se- years. We have held 50 hearings on the pose a half-baked, unworkable military curity.’’ That is the plan. conduct of the war, fraud and failure in solution, when Iraq needs a political The Democrats only want to focus on reconstruction efforts, and the outrage one. Rather than a military escalation, one small portion of the plan, which is of our troops being sent into harm’s this situation in Iraq requires a diplo- called a surge, which is disrespectful to way without the equipment they need. matic and political intensification. The the plan. But it makes good politics, I applaud the efforts of our leadership American military must stand down, and that is what is disheartening to on the Appropriations Committee to so the Iraqi people can stand up and me. end the practice of giving too much to Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to seek a political settlement and assume the wrong people to do the wrong the gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. responsibility for their own future. The thing. SCHMIDT). However, these are only the first Iraqi government must engage in nego- Mrs. SCHMIDT. Madam Speaker, I steps. We should not only oppose esca- tiations and compromises that balance rise tonight after another long day out lation of the war, but we should pass the power of provincial and central of disappointment—disappointed that legislation to bring the war to an end governments, share oil revenues and we are not having a real debate about responsibly. Investigations must be fol- protect the rights of every Iraqi cit- how we win in Iraq. We have spent lowed by specific and personal account- izen. countless hours in what is little more ability for crimes that have been per- The Iraq Study Group, co-chaired by than political theater. mitted in the conduct of this war. James Baker and Lee Hamilton, re- This body is scheduled to meet 145 We should use the power of the purse leased a report in December stating the days this year. Just to open our doors, to ensure that funds go specifically to same. They said the security situation we spend over $8 million for each legis- keep our soldiers safe, rebuild badly cannot improve unless leaders act in lative day. This debate will cost some damaged military readiness, undertake support of national reconciliation. $30 million, yet it will yield nothing new diplomatic efforts and support the There is no action the American mili- but a partisan vote on a nonbinding Iraqi people, not an open-ended occupa- tary can take by itself that can bring resolution after literally hundreds of tion. about success in Iraq. speeches designed to do no more than For the last 2 years, I have been As Democrats, we support our troops, charge up one’s own political base. working with concerned citizens in Or- but we don’t support the Commander I am deeply disappointed. The people egon to develop a responsible plan to in Chief squandering billions of our tax expect more from us. They expect solu- end the war and provide the best hope dollars and recklessly putting our tions, not grandstanding. They expect for a better future in Iraq. Last month, brave soldiers in the cross-hairs of both parties to work together. There I introduced comprehensive legislation, someone else’s civil war. I believe our will be no victory when our votes are the New Direction For Iraq, H.R. 663, as domestic national security rests on re- tallied. We will have every problem we a model for the kind of legislation that deploying our military forces from Iraq began with, but be even further apart Congress should enact, and I am con- in order to build more consensus in the politically. fident will enact. Middle East. Tonight, I believe we embarrass our- This legislation would bring the To conclude, Madam Speaker, I sup- selves before our brave men and women troops home, require a comprehensive port this resolution opposing President in uniform, before the American people diplomatic effort, redirect reconstruc- Bush’s failed policy of escalation. It is and before our enemies. tion assistance, promote international time to bring a responsible end to this Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam efforts to disarm militias, investigate war, to bring our troops home, and to Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gen- and punish war profiteering and deal bring them home right now. tleman from Oregon (Mr. BLUMEN- with the 2 million Iraqi refugees who ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE AUER). have been forced to flee their country, The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, people the administration has only re- CAPPS). The Chair must remind Mem- after Congress has successfully com- cently been able to recognize.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00231 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4330 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 A word about Iran. It is a complex ceeds to go to regional leaders. It will and intolerant distortion of the Islamic puzzle, more difficult than any of us only empower them and then weaken faith, that is, to deny all political and imagine and one that poses real chal- the unity Federal Government. religious freedoms and aim to establish lenges. But as the President marches With regard to the debt relief agree- sanctuaries for violence and additional us closer and closer to a major provo- ments, much has been negotiated, but attacks. They have no centralized com- cation, maybe a new war, whether in- the neighboring Gulf States need to mand structure or place to call home. tentionally or not, Congress should not step forward, and upcoming meetings Instead, they exploit local conflicts to let itself be steamrolled or lied to, as it are at hand. build a culture of victimization. They was with Iraq; Congress must assert The debate seems to be on the secu- mobilize resentful, disillusioned, and itself with real diplomacy and a real rity piece. There are those saying well, underemployed young men and women strategy. let’s just back out completely. They and have mastered technology to aid It is also time that America lived up use words such as ‘‘withdraw to the them in their bidding. to our ideals. No more torture, kidnap- United States’’ and ‘‘redeploy.’’ But is Abu Masab al-Zarqawi, the former ping and unauthorized wiretaps; no that a plan? I haven’t heard any form leader of al Qaeda in Iraq, explicitly more lying and unnecessary secrecy; of military plan. They say what, we warned that the establishment of a not treating the Constitution as a sug- will just turn it over to them? Wow. democratic Iraq is the death of al gestion or using false claims about na- As we listen to the neighboring lead- Qaeda there. Think about that. The tional security to score political points ers, they express caution of cata- leader of al Qaeda in Iraq says to estab- against those of us who have been right clysmic consequences. I fear how lish a democratic Iraq is the death of al about this war from the beginning. America will be defined by our friends. Qaeda. Yet, what does the new major- We must start treating the public Do you reach out to a child as you are ity want? Pull-out of our troops, weak- like a partner and recognize that they teaching it how to walk, let go of the en the stability of that country, to be are far ahead of the President and the hand and let them fall and say it is up overtaken then by al Qaeda, instead of Republican leadership. I am just frus- to you, and leave them alone? You are strengthening the democratic govern- trated to hear false analogies to the going to have to find your way to the ment, ensuring that they have an econ- dark days of World War II or to the kitchen. Or do you go back and help omy political apparatus and have the Civil War. We are bogged down in them walk? security to prevail, which is the death I am concerned about how cold and somebody else’s civil war, and we have of al Qaeda. been doing it longer than World War II callous the new majority is to this new Our resolve should be to succeed in or the Civil War, with no end in sight, infant democratic government. But I this struggle, and we must be stronger until now. guess even more disconcerting to me is in our resolve than their resolve to in- They should join us in taking this the politics behind this resolution. flict terror. At every step they are conversation to coffee shops, churches, While the majority tells the American watching our move, waiting for us to campuses and conference rooms, work- public that change must occur, that we falter, fail, drop our guard, or just walk ing with the American people. are going on the wrong course, this away. Over the next 100 days, I will con- amendment basically opts for the sta- General John Abizaid, the former tinue to fight for a comprehensive plan tus quo, the same status quo for which commander of U.S. CENTCOM, de- that I am confident will come forward. they have attacked the administration, scribed well the ramifications of let- It is in the honor of Travis Bradach which they campaigned against last ting Iraq fall to terrorism in his testi- Nall, a constituent of mine who was fall. mony before the United States Senate: killed in Iraq the very day the Presi- They offer no solution, only acting as ‘‘The enemy’s vision of the future dent taunted the insurgents to ‘‘bring the critic, and being a critic is the easi- would create a region-wide zone that it on.’’ est role in the world. would look like Afghanistan under the For Travis and over 3,000 of his brave b 2145 Taliban. Music would be banned, comrades who have given their lives, I Just sit back and just bark at some- women ostracized, basic liberties ban- urge support of this resolution as a one, yet offer no plan of resolution for ished, and soccer stadiums used for critical first step to bringing this trag- stability within the region. What is the public executions. The people of the re- ic war to a close. plan of success for them? Silence. gion do not want the future these ex- Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, I yield Let us also address the undemocratic tremists desire. The more we talk myself such time as I may consume. process under which their resolution about this enemy, the more its bank- Madam Speaker, I stand before you was brought to the floor here. We stand rupt ideology will become known.’’ in opposition to this resolution. It here and debate how best to bring This enemy uses suicide bombings, champions a dismally irresponsible and democratic government to Iraq, yet beheadings and other atrocities against dangerous course of action. On its face, this majority in Congress shows the the innocent citizens of the world to the resolution merely addresses the leaders in Iraq how to be undemocratic pursue its objectives. They are the troop surge, ignoring the President’s and deny a Republican minority a enemy of freedom and wanting nothing plan in its totality, as I said earlier. chance to bring a substitute resolution. more than to disrupt peaceful, civilized I will now address our efforts to move I find that quite ironic that this Cap- people everywhere. No one is safe from forward on the diplomatic and eco- itol that is supposed to be the most this hatred, and it is not restricted to nomic front. With regard to the estab- democratic process in the world is now the Middle East. Just ask those in Lon- lishment of government capacities, the undemocratic. don and Italy and other places around establishment of the rule of law is a ne- I beg of my colleagues not to play the world. This is a global threat. Iraq cessity, for to have Iraq address the na- politics with the safety and security of is not the limit of this beast’s haven. tional plan of reconciliation, to have this Nation. I must remind this body It is the challenge of our generation them pass enabling legislation for the and the American people the threat we to destroy this enemy wherever it Constitution and amendment process, face. lurks. We cannot do it without the re- and to set provincial elections, is ex- Iraq is a critical front in the larger solve, cunning, and above all vigilance. tremely important. global war on terror. We are en- The price that we pay for freedom is With regard to the economic piece, trenched in a fight against masters of eternal vigilance from those who seek the concession whereby the Iraqi gov- intimidation, bound together by an ex- to steal it away. ernment will seek to have a quasi-Alas- treme, perverted ideology which they While we have not been attacked on kan model with regard to the revenue claim is a legitimate interpretation of our homeland since September 11, 2001, sharing of its precious assets is ex- Islam. it is not for the lack of the terrorists’ tremely important, because you do not Our enemies seek to establish re- efforts. We have been fortunate to have want the distribution of the oil pro- gimes that rule according to a violent spoiled and foiled several plots here in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00232 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4331 this country and around the globe. Yet, This war began on a flawed premise, our troops and their families to con- the fight is far from over. Chances are that Iraq had weapons of mass destruc- tinue sending them into harm’s way that today you feel safe in your neigh- tion and posed an imminent threat to without a winning strategy. borhood. You can walk to the store. the world. After months of fruitless And we are not doing right for Amer- You can play with your children at the searches, it became clear that there ica. Our continued presence in Iraq is local park or in your backyard without were no weapons of mass destruction; breeding new recruits for terror groups having the fear of being blown up by a but 3 years after coming to that con- and eroding the readiness of our own roadside bomb or being shot by a snip- clusion, we are still in Iraq. Armed Forces. er. You allow your children to go to Then we captured Saddam Hussein We are increasingly vulnerable to de- the malls without fear of a suicide and more than 3 years later we are still fending our interests in other parts of bomber. in Iraq. We were told we needed to be the world, such as Afghanistan, where It is that peace of mind, this feeling there to fight the terrorists who at- just yesterday The Washington Post of safety that we are endowed as the tacked us, but we all knew that al reports that NATO lacks enough troops elected leaders of this country to pre- Qaeda was based in Afghanistan, not in to fight the Taliban and al Qaeda. serve at all costs. Iraq. It is time to change our tactics and I remind you that these extremists Vice President CHENEY said the in- bring an end to our current mission in want to disrupt and destroy our every surgency was in its last throes; and 20 Iraq. This resolution is not going to do way of life. They are not equipped to do months later, our troops are still in that, but it is a first step in articu- battle on a conventional battlefield. combat in Iraq. lating to this President that staying Instead, they look to disrupt our most We were told we were in Iraq to es- the course is not working and it is not basic freedoms, our securities and our tablish democracy and freedom. Iraq acceptable to the American people. institutions, public and private. The now has a Constitution and an elected I urge all my colleagues to join me in world is their battlefield. Their hope government, but over 1 year later we voting ‘‘yes’’ on the resolution. and their goal is to outlast our resolve. are still in Iraq. Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, I yield It was 3 years, 9 months and 2 weeks It is our burden to bear, our genera- myself such time as I may consume. ago that President Bush declared mis- tion’s great challenge to defeat their Thinking about this debate, I re- sion accomplished, but our troops are hopes and objectives. We cannot cower flected back to when this House voted still in Iraq. on the resolution to go to war and so and seek the sanctity of security in We in this House and the American thought I would better look up what I this challenge. You are not free when public have been continuously misled said, because I remembered something you cower. You have given in to the de- about this war. Enough is enough. If I that was very serious to me and what signs of the terrorists if you do. really believed that sending another was very curious was the years before This debate began with the Speaker 20,000 troops would end the war and 2001. asking whether or not this resolution bring stability to Iraq, I would support I had watched a lot of people vote will make our troops safer. The answer it. It would be worth the sacrifice. But against the defense bill. Yet coming off I believe is no. This resolution lacks the war in Iraq cannot be solved mili- of September 11, there was this bravado courage. It lacks leadership and it tarily because it is a political problem. lacks a forward way of thought. This So when the President wants to send about going to war, and I felt a sense of resolution, to me, is pure political the- even more troops, we really need to unease. So I thought I would go back ater. The administration has given us a take stock of what that means for our and see what I said when I came to the legitimate plan to work with, and the country and the lasting impact that it floor on that day, and I would like to majority in this House has given us will have. share it with everyone. nothing but criticism and a path for an We all know the statistics: 3,124 I said: ‘‘I have seen great resolve ut- easy way out that virtually holds the American troops killed; over 20,000 tered in this Chamber and the swag- door open for terrorists to destroy an wounded; and over $379 billion spent. gering display of courage. infant democratic government and to And I have seen the costs beyond the ‘‘I can share with my colleagues, as a open a way of access to the U.S. and numbers, and I am sure my colleagues veteran of the gulf war, that war may our allies for terror. have as well. be glorious in verse or prose, but in re- I close with a thought from a past Each visit that I have made to Wal- ality it is not. We are about to send President who faced the trials of war in ter Reed, every wounded veteran that I America’s finest, and that means men his lifetime. President Kennedy said, have met in my district and each con- and women will die. It will be a noble ‘‘Let us resolve to be the masters, not dolence letter I write to the widow or cause, but we must remember the re- the victims, of our history, controlling the parent of a fallen soldier painfully solve of this moment, because in war it our own destiny without giving way to reminds me of the great sacrifice we is chaotic. Not everything is going to blind suspicions and emotions.’’ are asking from our men and women in go right. We cannot be 400 and 500 gen- Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- uniform and their families. erals between the House and the Sen- ance of my time. There are also costs that we don’t ate.’’ Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam have numbers for, but they are worth Now, I said that back on September Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gen- considering. How many children will 14, 2001, trying to caution all of my col- tlewoman from California (Ms. LINDA grow up without a parent because of leagues, many of whom had voted T. SA´ NCHEZ). this war? How many veterans’ lives against defense bills, now rattling sa- Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- will be forever altered because of the bers, feeling this bravado of let us go to fornia. Madam Speaker, I join my col- injuries they have endured? How are we war. leagues today to add my support to being perceived throughout the world, Now I have to ask, was that a false this resolution. and has it made us more vulnerable to bravado because now, as war has got- This resolution is straightforward terrorism? ten chaotic and has gotten hard and and simple: we support our troops and As we consider the President’s deci- difficult, now they cower, and I have oppose President Bush’s plan to send sion to send yet more troops and to es- great concern. more than 20,000 additional combat calate the costs we are bearing, we So I ended with: ‘‘We cannot have the troops to Iraq. need to ask ourselves whether the cost bravado of today and then run at the I support this resolution because we of sending more troops to fulfilled a first sound of the guns.’’ need a new direction in our Iraq policy. flawed policy is justified. I don’t think Please remember this day when it This war has been going on for almost it is, and most Americans don’t think gets hard. my entire service in this House, and it is either. The gentleman I am about to yield during that time, I have heard one mis- As far as I am concerned, this is a to, the gentleman from California (Mr. representation after another. moral issue. We are not doing right by LEWIS), was chairman of the Defense

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00233 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4332 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 Appropriations Committee, and I re- The second section challenges the threatened. The French came to our member him well because I had served President’s, actually the Commander rescue, our assistance, and indeed as the chairman on the House Armed in Chief’s, request for a surge in Iraq. played a major role in our future Com- Services Committee at the time and Much has been said about our going mander in Chief himself being success- served with Mr. SMITH, and when we to Iraq because of the prospect of weap- ful. came out after Oklahoma City, then- ons of mass destruction in the hands of Americans should never forget that. President Clinton, very concerned the madman Saddam Hussein. We pre- The Statue of Liberty stands on Ellis about terrorism, and we passed our sumed their presence, as most of the Island as a reminder of the French view first anti-terrorism bill here in the leaders of the world and most of the in- of that young America, its potential, a House and many people were like, wait telligence communities of the world so land of hope where freedom could reign a minute, that was a domestic act of presumed. Not finding weapons of mass and opportunity indeed might abound. terror. destruction does not set aside the im- For that and many other reasons we No, President Clinton began to focus portance of eliminating the force of love France, and the French people are abroad, not only upon the Russian Saddam Hussein from the face of the our friends. Mafia, but he was also focusing on Earth. But France is not entirely the same Osama bin Laden and other terror. It It was my honor to lead one of the country at this point in its history. can be debated whether or not he took early trips to Iraq following the fall of She no longer provides such a leading great vigilance on that front or not, Saddam. We were about to consider an light for the world. No longer is it pre- but let me post a real compliment to $87 billion supplemental to help finance sumed that the French language should Mr. Clinton because he turned to Hugh our presence in Iraq. I wanted to take be the language of the international Shelton. a team of Members who would reflect world. Today, about 10 percent of the General Shelton was at the time the much of the Congress, so that trip in- French population is Muslim. Much of commander of Special Operations. I cluded conservatives and moderates that population is middle class and was very upset coming out of the and liberals. It also included within us something less than a middle-class op- House conference on the anti-terrorism Members who had voted to support portunity. bill because JOE BIDEN and I were try- going to war and those who had voted Within that group, there abounds the ing to bring the country to roving against it. voice of Islamic extreme. There are wiretaps, but the country was not We visited most of Iraq, Mosul, those who advocate jihad and who ready for it. So then it was defeated. Tikrit. We spent time in Baghdad. We would wipe France as we know it off I then get on the phone and call Gen- visited the killing fields where over the face of the Earth. We should not consider withdrawing eral Shelton and bring him up to Wash- 500,000 bodies of Iraqis lie, Iraqis who now, because a stable Iraq is vital to ington, D.C., and I asked him a simple were murdered by Saddam Hussein. We our national interests and is an impor- question: What are the top ten un- saw the golden palaces and visited the tant part of our ability to promote funded requirements that you have industrial sites suffering under Saddam peace and economic opportunity in the given Special Operations, the missions Hussein’s neglect. We saw the eco- that you have to do in the dark world entire world. It is a critical battle- nomic conditions, the handbasket con- ground in our war against terrorism. to secure America but you don’t have ditions left by Saddam Hussein. the resources to accomplish them? If we succeed in Iraq, we will have We stopped out of country on our taken a gigantic step towards stamping b 2200 way home to consider the fact that out the source of terrorism that exists He sat down and he detailed them. there was this supplemental appropria- in that part of the world. If we are not More importantly, as President Clinton tions before us when we returned, some successful in Iraq, we will meet ex- then named him, appropriately and $87 billion, discussing what we had ex- tremist Islamic activism elsewhere. 9/ wisely, the Chairman of the Joint perienced. And the experience had a 11 was only a part of a beginning. If we Chiefs, he worked then with JERRY tremendous effect upon all of our col- do not stop extreme Islamic jihadists LEWIS and prepared the force. So when leagues. It is properly summarized by in the Middle East, we will see it again, America was hit on September 11 and the statement of one of our Members and most likely we will see it again we immediately sent those special op- who said: ‘‘You all know where I have here at home. erators into Afghanistan, they were been coming from. I voted against the Review with me for a moment where prepared, they were equipped, they war. But after we have seen what we we have been in Afghanistan and Iraq were trained to fight in the dark world have seen over this long stay in Iraq, I and where it may take us. Al Qaeda and special operations, and JERRY am afraid what I am about to do is was nurtured and gained strength in LEWIS, his leadership, was responsible going to be very, very unpopular at Afghanistan. America had played a key for that. home but I don’t know how we can do role in forcing the former Soviet Union Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman anything else. Sometimes,’’ he said, to cease its incursion in Afghanistan. from California such time as he may ‘‘you have to be ahead of your people; The Islamic extremists who surround consume. sometimes we are elected actually to the likes of Osama bin Laden took ad- Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- lead.’’ vantage of the vacuum of Afghanistan, er, I thank my colleague for those That was almost 4 years ago. And and used it as a training ground that very, very poignant remarks laying the fast forward to today. Saddam Hussein would provide the terrorists an oppor- foundation for all of us to understand is gone, he is dead, and he is buried. tunity to spread their jihad around the just how serious this challenge is that But the extremists jihadi Islamic ter- world and spread terrorism with it. we are about. rorists remain and continue to impact America cannot allow the likes of Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose the res- the entire Middle East. That is why we Osama bin Laden to have places like olution before us and urge those who must succeed in Iraq. That is why we Afghanistan to serve as training are voting for it, or considering it, to cannot afford to withdraw troops now. grounds. It is in our vital interests to carefully reconsider their decision. Watching our floor debate last night, see that Iraq, for example, does not Section 1 simply expresses all of our my wife turned to me and said, ‘‘They serve as a recruitment and training support for our troops who are fighting want us to redeploy or withdraw. They ground for the forces who oppose free- for our freedom and freedom in the want us to retreat.’’ She said, ‘‘George dom and oppose our very way of life. world in Iraq. Washington did not retreat when our Make no mistake about it, there are All of us agree with that piece of the country was in danger.’’ She ques- forces in the Islamic world who do not statement, and each of us has ex- tioned why we find ourselves in this believe we should exist. They may be pressed our support and encouragement kind of circumstance today. relatively new or small in number, but to our troops in our own way and our I was reminiscent of that early time there are those of Islamic jihadist ex- own time. in our history when our Nation was treme who are committed to the death

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00234 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4333 of the nonbelievers. There are those on north would do all it could to provide important public policy issue facing the extreme Imam fringe who teach ha- for its own protection. The prospects of our Nation today is irrelevant. The tred for the infidels in mosques all independent Kurdish region or state opinion of the people’s House doesn’t around the world. would create major tension between matter. We do not want to believe in such ex- Turkey and Baghdad and that new re- Now, that explains a lot for the last tremism as a country or a people, but gion in northern Iraq. Beyond that, 4 years while the minority party was in the true believers want all of us to be Sunni Iran would look upon the new di- the majority, when they did not ques- dead, all Englishmen, all Germans, all rection of Iraq with great concern be- tion this President, when they did not French people, all Americans who are cause of sectarian differences. express their opinion in a way that not committed to their belief. The hea- b 2215 would move us in a more positive direc- thens should be dead. How else would tion. Fourth, the jihadist extremists of one be able to convince men, women, I feel very strongly that it is abso- Islam would have increased sway in the and children to strap themselves with lutely the responsibility of those of us entire region. The threat of terrorism bombs and kill the innocents by the in Congress who represent people, our all over the world would be a reality to thousands? If not death to all infidels, constituents, to express our opinion. In those who would but look. Indeed, the how else would a mother praise Allah a way we are expressing their opinion. prospects, to say the least, should be as her young child explodes as a bomb That is what we are supposed to be frightening to anybody who will but in a crowded train station? here in the House, the most directly re- The war on terror goes well beyond look. flective voice of the people of this Iraq. But make no mistake, that war Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Speaker, country. will not be won by walking away from all of our country, please realize that Iraq. this is not the time to walk away. This So to say that this is irrelevant is The President has called for a surge is the time for the only remaining su- just an absolute attack on the Con- of just over 20,000 troops. That request perpower in the world, America, to lead stitution and the way this country is does not flow from a naive presumption on behalf of freedom, to lead on behalf supposed to be set up. We must express that maybe, just maybe the battle for of people who are looking for oppor- our opinion on the most important Baghdad can be won by a few brave tunity and change for the entire world. issues of the day. men. Mr. BUYER, I very much appreciate Then we come to the next issue, The call for these troops is a change your extending me this time. which is, you cannot question the Com- in strategy, a strategy that suggests Mr. BUYER. Reclaiming my time, I mander in Chief. He is the guy in that, with the leadership of such brave thank the gentleman for his contribu- charge, he knows more than the rest of men committed to taking the Iraqis tion. us. You cannot question him. It under- out front, can lead the way to a suc- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of mines everything. cessful change in Baghdad, indeed, a my time. Let me say I express a certain change throughout Iraq; a strategy Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. amount of sympathy for the view that that the President would suggest in- Speaker, I yield myself such time as I we should place faith in the Com- volves clearing areas of Baghdad, clear- may consume. mander in Chief. That is a good part of ing other areas throughout Iraq, stabi- I guess the first thing I want to point the reason why I voted for this resolu- lizing them, and then providing the out, and there are other arguments I tion 4 years ago. A little more than a real opportunity for democratic growth want to make, but during Mr. LEWIS’ year after 9/11, our President was say- and change in Iraq. comments, and I have a great deal of ing to us, To prosecute the broader war A successful stabilization of Baghdad respect for the gentleman from Cali- on terror I need this authority. And I indeed is only the beginning point in fornia, he mentioned that, you know, had my doubts, but, by and large, I Iraq. To me, this kind of change is the George Washington never retreated. want to be supportive of the Com- real hope for the people, not just of Well, as it happens, I just read a biog- mander in Chief, recognizing the power Iraq, but of the entire region. To me, raphy of Mr. Washington, and not to go he has. that is the definition of success in Iraq. But the question I have for the mi- If we are successful, we will have puncturing holes in the midst of our nority is for how long? How many mis- changed the face of the Middle East. A great Nation, he retreated a fair takes does this President have to make successful Iraq will send a great mes- amount, actually. before we don’t have an obligation, not sage to the likes of Iran, Syria, Yemen, In fact, I don’t know where we got just a right, but an obligation to ex- and Indonesia. this idea that the great leaders of our The chance for a long-term peace and time only went forward. We have heard press our disapproval and try to get the chance for stability in the entire about President Kennedy and President him to move in a different direction? Middle East is the great strategic in- Truman. At one time or another, they Books have been written, more than I terest of the United States saving tens retreated from a fair number of battles. can count, about all of mistakes that of thousands of lives are worth a great Now, sometimes that was a wise and this President has made in Iraq; books commitment by the world’s only re- tactical maneuver to win the larger not written just by opponents of the maining superpower. The economic war. Sometimes it was a mistake. war, many of them written by pro- values that are to be gained from stabi- History judges, but I think it does ponents, outraged that they took their lizing the region are impossible to esti- sort of portray the thinking of the idea, the President took their idea and mate, but they can be measured in President that the only way is forward, made such a hash of it. multiple trillions of dollars. regardless of the details. A little more We have an obligation at some point But what happens if we walk away thought, I think, might help us. I will to stand up and say, enough. Mr. Com- now? Also difficult to estimate, but return to that point at the end of my mander in Chief, I am sorry, but based here are but a few of the possibilities. remarks. on 4 years, we do not trust you enough And listen to the possibilities: But the first thing I want to say, I to give you a blank check anymore. We First, instability is replaced by a new think this is by and large a very good have to express our opinion, and that is kind of centralized authoritarian con- debate on a very important issue facing what this resolution does. trol potentially, perhaps an arbitrary our Nation. The only time I become Let me also assure you, we want to government with Saddam-like con- troubled in this debate is when speak- win. We, on this side of the aisle, recog- trols. Shia would very likely be in ers on the other side say that this is nize everything that has been said on charge, and force would be exercised in just political, and that this resolution that side about the threat that al the name of stability. is irrelevant. What they are saying is Qaeda and their followers present. We Beyond that, Kurdistan in the offing; that the opinion of the United States will fight them anywhere, anytime, be- an insecure Kurdish population to the House of Representatives on the most cause we recognize that threat.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00235 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4334 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 In fact, I believe that there is al It is way past time for this Congress to white picture on a situation that is far, far more Qaeda in Iraq, and we should fight stand up and say enough. We disapprove of complex. Baghdad is caught in a sectarian them. what President Bush is doing in Iraq. civil war. Both Shia and Sunni militias are bat- But what we are talking about spe- But our friends on the other side of the aisle tling each other as well as United States cifically today, and Mr. BUYER men- claim that such a statement is meaningless. forces and the Iraqi government. It is a com- tioned the 21,000 troops, that is the as- This is an astounding assertion. The United plex web of frequently changing alliances and pect of the plan that we focused on, States House of Representatives—the elected interests that makes it impossible for our precisely because that is the aspect of voice of the people of our Nation—stating troops to separate good guys from bad guys. the plan that is most wrong, that does clearly and on the record how they feel about This is why our troops cannot stop or even re- the exact wrong thing, sending 21,000 the single most important policy issue of our duce the violence. And the Maliki government U.S. troops to fight in a civil war that time is meaningless? This opinion, expressed we are being asked to support spends as has been better described by some of by the minority party, perhaps explains the much time acting like they are supporting the my colleagues, so I won’t go into it any utter lack of oversight and accountability that Shia side of the civil war as they do acting like further, that they cannot possibly sort they employed when they were in charge— they want to bring Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds out the bad gays from the good guys is standing by and acting as mere cheerleaders together to form a stable Iraq. the exact wrong thing to do. for the President’s actions in Iraq as he made Al Qaeda is in Iraq and we should continue mistake after mistake. The other side of the Given that feeling, and I have person- to target them, but that effort will require a far, aisle at least has a consistent record of believ- ally thought about this a great deal, I far smaller U.S. military presence than we ing that the opinion of Congress, a body our have there today. Currently we are expending met with the President on a couple of Constitution set up as a coequal branch of an enormous amount of resources in Iraq, occasions as he outlined this plan. I government with the Executive, is meaning- most of which is going towards putting our talked with many soldiers who served, less. forces in the middle of a chaotic civil war gotten many opinions on this, and have As much as I disagree with this conclusion where our efforts do not advance and may come to the honest conclusion that it as to the proper role of Congress in express- even retard our fight against al Qaeda. That is a mistake, that it undermines our ing its opinion on the Iraq War, I do under- massive military commitment reduces our abil- ability to win that larger war against stand this initial reluctance to pressure Presi- ity to pursue al Qaeda in the dozens of other al Qaeda, which is the war we are fight- dent Bush to change course. In a time of war nations where they have influence—most glar- ing. we all want to stand behind our Commander- ingly in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Given the fact that I feel that way, I in-Chief as a first option, and the powers of This larger, more important fight is not sole- would be betraying everything that I the presidency make it difficult for Congress ly or even primarily military. Diplomacy and said I was going to do when I got elect- to, in a clear-cut straightforward manner, direct other efforts to move disaffected Muslim popu- ed if I didn’t on the RECORD express the President in the conduct of war. But the lations away from joining al Qaeda are a huge that opinion. That is what this resolu- President’s record of mistakes in Iraq makes it part of our battle, and we need to enhance tion does. clear we can no longer cling to this first option, those efforts. But we can’t, because we’re So I know this hope will go and, difficulties notwithstanding, the cost of hamstrung both by a lack of resources—finan- unfulfilled, but I would hope at a min- continuing down the same path the President cial and strategic—that are tied down in Iraq, imum that the minority can stop say- has been pursuing in Iraq has reached the and because our open-ended occupation of ing that the opinion of this House is ir- point where Congress must at least try to Iraq continues to undermine America’s stand- relevant. If they feel that way, they force a change in direction. ing in the world. should all just go home. All right, it This effort should logically begin with a clear Instead of sending more troops to Baghdad matters. You may disagree with the statement from the House that we disapprove the United States policy in Iraq should be to opinion we are expressing. I urge you of the way the President is conducting the war instruct our military leaders there to put to- to vote ‘‘no’’ if you feel that way, but in Iraq. That is what this resolution does. With gether plans to as quickly and responsibly as I don’t feel that way. this vote members can no longer hide behind, possible reduce the number of U.S. troops in I feel we need to tell the Commander ‘‘on the one hand, but then again on the Iraq. We need our troops to focus on al in Chief that he has led us down one other’’ statements. We can all mutter about Qaeda and its supporters, not to be bogged too many blind alleys. We disagree things we don’t like in Iraq, but an official on down in a sectarian civil war that is only tan- with him. We want him to change the record vote is required to make that dis- gentially related to the larger fight against al course, and that is the will of the peo- approval clear. Do you support the way Presi- Qaeda. ple’s House, being expressed by us. dent Bush is conducting the war in Iraq? Yes The first, critical step in this process of That is not just our right. It is our or no. changing our policy in Iraq is this resolution. duty as Members of Congress. And make no mistake about it the Presi- Congress must make its disapproval of the dent’s plan to increase the number of U.S President’s policy in Iraq clear and on the Mr. Speaker, it has been nearly four years troops in Baghdad represents no change in record. since the war in Iraq began—four-and-a-half policy. It is stay the course, more of the same. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the since President Bush and his team in the In the last year we made large increases in gentleman from Maine (Mr. ALLEN). White House started the effort to launch our the number of our troops in Baghdad twice al- Mr. ALLEN. I thank the gentleman nation on the path to this war. We learned a ready. Both times violence went up in the city, for yielding. lot during that time frame, but two things stand and as we have begun the current increase in Mr. Speaker, I thank our Speaker out. First, the war effort has failed to achieve troops that violence has once again increased. and the majority leader for scheduling the outcome the President hoped for, instead The lesson should be clear at this point— this long overdue debate on Iraq. For 4 creating problems he clearly felt would not United States military might will not stop or years we have suffered from a Congress come to pass. Even he admitted that he is dis- even reduce the violence in that city. that was unwilling to lead, and content satisfied with the way the war has gone. Sec- Listening to the arguments against this reso- simply to follow on Iraq. The previous ond, at every step along the way, beginning lution helps to understand why our President majority gave the President a blank with the way the President got us into the war, insists on making some of the same mistakes check for the war and rubber-stamped right up to the President’s latest plan to once over and over again in Iraq. We are told that the funding. They ignored oversight, again increase the number of U.S. troops in our fight in Iraq is a clear-cut battle against the avoided investigations, and stifled de- Baghdad, President Bush and his administra- same type of al Qaeda-backed extremists who bate. tion made mistake after mistake—failing to an attacked our Nation on 9/11 and that we are Today in Iraq, the price of this ne- almost incomprehensible level to learn from defending a worthy Iraqi government against glect is the loss of too many American past errors or to demonstrate even a modest these evil forces. If this were true, I would lives caught in the crossfire of a sec- level of competence in prosecuting this war. support whatever increase in troops was nec- tarian civil war. Countless books from all points on the political essary to defeat that evil force. Now our new Democratic leaders and spectrum lay out in painful detail all the mis- But it is not even close to true—it is instead committee chairs are asserting Con- takes this administration made in Iraq. a dangerous attempt to paint a black and gress’ constitutional responsibilities on

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00236 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4335 war and peace. We are reclaiming a mit a plan and timetable for phasing tional interests at stake. Democrats congressional role in foreign policy in out troop deployments by December 31, then said, oh, that doesn’t matter, this order to bring a responsible end to the 2007. It prohibits funding for permanent is a humanitarian cause. U.S. military involvement in Iraq. One U.S. bases in Iraq. It authorizes fund- Democrats said, it is okay to take step is this resolution, which sends a ing for employment, democracy, and U.S. troops, put them on the ground to vital signal of disapproval of the Presi- governance programs in that country, stop the fighting for a humanitarian dent’s escalation plan. Another is the and it creates a Special Envoy for Iraq purpose. That is what Democrats said ambitious list of long overdue over- regional security. in the 1990s. Republicans were curious sight hearings. America’s servicemen and women about all of this because it was against In the first 5 weeks of this Congress, who have been sent to Iraq have served the Weinberg Doctrine. As a matter of we held more hearings on Iraq than the with skill, determination, and courage. fact, there were 315 votes. I brought a Republicans held in all of 2006. The We owe them and their families our resolution to the floor, 315 Repub- next step, we should use the appropria- gratitude and our unwavering support. licans; Democrats then said, oh, no, no, tions bills to shape policy in Iraq. Like every Member of Congress, I no, no. Don’t put U.S. ground troops on I strongly support the Skelton-Lan- have been to too many funerals not to the floor, and that was in the middle of tos resolution, which expresses support understand the sacrifice of those who the Dayton Peace Accords. for the troops and disapproval of the have served, and their families. Neither Bill Clinton was very upset with me. President’s escalation. Only a political H. Con. Res. 63 nor H.R. 645 cuts our So the President brings me down to the solution, not a military one, will ad- funding for armor and protective equip- White House and says, hey, work with dress the sectarian conflict in Iraq. Yet ment still needed by troops in the war me. So I said, I will, and we drafted President Bush has rejected the wis- zone. Congress must take a long over- benchmarks for the success of the civil dom of his military commanders, the due leadership role in ending this war. implementation of the Dayton Accords. Iraq Study Group, and many other ex- This resolution is an important first I worked with President Clinton. perts by choosing to send more troops step, and I urge all Members to support Where do I hear you working for a so- into a Sunni-Shia conflict that we can- it. lution in Iraq? Don’t just be the critic. not control. Mr. SMITH of Washington. Thank I ask of my colleagues, where is your Escalation, we know, is opposed by you, I just want to add, before reserv- consistency and your policies? If you the majority of the American people. ing the balance of my time, I want to are as consistent as you were for a Democratic President, it was a human- More telling, it is opposed by a major- thank Mr. ALLEN for offering a very ity of the Iraqi people. When the White specific plan and to once again remind itarian cause in Bosnia, I don’t hear House war plans diverge from the wish- all of you who are watching the debate you talking at all about the atrocities es of the people and leaders of Iraq, we that to charge the Democrats don’t that occurred under Saddam Hussein. must question the relevance of the mis- have a plan simply isn’t true. We have b 2230 sion. Our statement on the escalation a large number of them. We are just The murders, the ethnic cleansing, a is important, but our constituents also trying to get the Commander in Chief humanitarian cause, the effect it has deserve to know our position on an exit to start paying attention to them. not only upon the neighbors, the sta- strategy. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of bility of the Middle East, but what We cannot make needed investments my time. about Israel? Do you want to turn your in our future until we put our involve- Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- back on Israel? ment in Iraq in the past. This war is self such time as I may consume. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE straining our military and under- The mission here is to develop a The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. mining our ability to deal with domes- country that can govern, sustain and HODES). The gentleman’s remarks tic challenges. We must force Iraqis to defend itself, govern, sustain and de- should be directed to the Chair, rather take responsibility for their own secu- fend. So under that, under govern, you than to others in the second person. rity by directing an orderly redeploy- have political. Under sustain, you have Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, do you ment of the troops and promoting a po- economic. And under defend, you have want to turn your back on Israel? If litical solution in Iraq with a focus on security. that is what you are asking me, Mr. transition to Iraqi control. So as I listened to my colleagues Speaker, do you want to turn your Recent experience shows that the come to the floor and say it only re- back on Israel? U.S. must impose deadlines with con- quires a political solution, really? I am stunned. I just ask for people to sequences so that Iraqi leaders will be These are not inextricable. I also ap- remain consistent, or if you change compelled to take responsibility. An peal for consistency. I just heard the your beliefs, say that you change your indefinite U.S. military experience in last speaker talk about the necessity beliefs, or if you don’t want to say that Iraq creates a climate of dependency for national interests, so he said it is you changed your beliefs, then we must that undermines the goal of having the not in our national interests to be in assume that you changed your beliefs. Iraqi Government control internal se- Iraq. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the curity. It is not in our national inter- Let’s stop and think about that for a gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. BOOZ- ests to have U.S. troops placed between second. Let’s be consistent. In the MAN). warring factions in a sectarian war. 1990s, Republicans operated under what Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise To achieve this goal, I support H.R. was called the Weinberg Doctrine, that tonight to ask my colleagues to vote 645, a bill introduced by Representative only commit U.S. ground troops if against House Concurrent Resolution DAVID PRICE and Representative BRAD there is a national vital security inter- 63. I ask this despite the fact that I am MILLER. The bill terminates, by De- est. And that is how we kind of were very much in favor of the first part of cember 31, 2007, the authorization for guiding ourselves based off the the resolution before us. The first part military operations in Iraq that passed, Weinberg Doctrine. Then what hap- says: Congress will and should continue over my objection, in 2002. The original pens? We have got Bosnia. We said oh, to support and protect the members of mission, eliminating weapons of mass that is a European problem. Then the the United States Armed Forces who destruction and ousting Saddam Hus- U.N. came in, the U.N. was ineffective. are serving or who have served bravely sein, is no longer operative. President Clinton made a judgment, and honorably in Iraq. If the resolution If the President believes troops and he upset Republicans. He made a stopped there, it would be great. should remain in Iraq beyond 2007, he judgment that because of the atrocities We would be sending a message that must come to Congress and justify a in Bosnia, the ethnic cleansing that we unequivocally support our troops in new mission, and Congress would have was occurring, that it took U.S. ground Iraq, our troops who are preparing to to vote to approve a new mission. H.R. troops, a presence of them. Republicans go there, and General Petraeus is being 645 also requires the President to sub- at the time said there are not vital na- confirmed to lead those troops.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00237 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4336 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 But the resolution does not stop a strong message to our allies, the in- area that this resolution comes for- there. It goes on and by its words takes surgents and most importantly the ward. that support away. How do you support men and women in uniform who iron- Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the the troops without supporting the ically are in combat tonight attempt- gentleman from Colorado (Mr. PERL- plans of those troops? General David ing to execute the plan that is being MUTTER). Petraeus was confirmed just a scant 20 railed against on the House floor as we Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, it days ago with much praise and fanfare. speak. is good to see you in that chair, Mr. He is probably one of the most re- The message that we should send Speaker, because you and I, I think, spected men to ever wear the uniform. should be our will to not jeopardize the are here because people in this country Congress said to him, you are great, safety of those in Iraq by emboldening wanted a new direction. They had had go get the job done. Now, less than a our enemies. We can show this by our enough. They wanted a change. And week after he took over in Baghdad, we will tonight of defeating this resolu- they want a new direction in how this are in the throes of the process which tion. country is being run. And if there is a will essentially tell the general, sorry, The other thing I would like to say is single subject where they want a new we don’t approve of the plan you cre- that reference was made to Wash- direction, it is on Iraq. ated or are currently undertaking. ington. And I also am reading a book Now, we have a resolution before us Most of those criticizing this plan on John Adams that is related, cer- tonight that is a vote of confidence for offer no alternative, and I say most. tainly. And Washington did at times our troops and a vote of no confidence Some have offered an alternative, but have to pull back. He was facing the for our President’s policies in Iraq. most of those criticizing this plan have greatest army of the time. First and foremost, I want to say that offered no alternative. But he did pull back. And Wash- I support our troops and will fight to Even the Iraq Study Group, a bipar- ington also was under tremendous pres- make sure they have the equipment tisan commission of statesmen who sure from Congress, under tremendous they need and deserve. What they re- have been heralded and quoted by the criticism. And I am certainly glad that quire on the battlefield they must many who support this resolution, Washington did not listen to that criti- have. What they need when they come have indeed said that they support the cism, that he fought on. If he had not, home we must provide. However, our troops are entitled to short-term surge. This was later con- we would probably be under British sound public policy with a realistic firmed by Mr. Hamilton, the Demo- rule today. mission that strengthens America’s na- cratic co-chair of the group when he Mr. BUYER. Reclaiming my time, tional security interests. I am opposed appeared in front of the Foreign Affairs Mr. Speaker, this past fall I had an op- to the President’s proposed surge of Committee of which I am a member. portunity to meet with 18 representa- sending 21,000 additional troops to Iraq. I visited Iraq five times, the last with tives of the European Union. The Euro- I was opposed to the invasion of Iraq, my friend from Indiana (Mr. BUYER). I pean Union is quick to say that we are and I believe that we have taken our met with the troops from my State and not necessarily with you on Iraq. But eyes off the necessary war in Afghani- from others across America, thanking boy, we are with you in Syria and stan and against terrorism by the cost- them for their service in combating standing tough on Iran. ly distraction of nation-building in radical Islam and the insurgency and Do you know what the message is? It Iraq. liberating a people from tyranny. is inextricable. You cannot pick and We must be seeking Osama bin I have sat down with the President choose. The Middle East is so complex. Laden. That is where our attention and the Prime Minister of Iraq. I have So, Mr. Speaker, when you begged of must be focused. But this surge is not told them that the Americans and the me to address you the question, it is a change in direction, but it is more of coalition forces would soon be leaving this: If we were to follow the Pelosi- the same. Iraq in the not-too-distant future. Murtha plan, what happens to Israel if The President has not listened to the Their response has always been, we we leave a vacuum that is quickly American people. He has not listened want you to leave but we need your filled by Islamic extremists in Iraq? to the bipartisan Iraq Study Group or help now until we can train our forces Therein lies the question. even to our senior officers such as Gen- to provide our own security. I believe we jeopardize the safety and erals Powell, Abizaid, and Hoar. America will one day hand over re- security of a lone democracy called Now, my opponent and I in this last sponsibilities to the Iraqis, but it must Israel, and we leave them to defend election debated the issue of a surge. be on terms which are beneficial to the against a region filled with vipers who How my opponent knew that there interests of America, Iraq and the re- seek their annihilation. would be a surge, that is beyond me. gion, while not sacrificing the progress Now, our friends who are also of Arab But he supported the escalation and I we have made or the security that we nations, they are partners in our coali- opposed it. And I still oppose this have earned. We must do right by the tion to help on the political and eco- surge, because in my opinion it is too Iraqi people. We must do right by our nomic success of Iraq, and they are little too late. troops in Iraq tonight, and we must do eager for us to also help Israel and the The people of the Seventh Congres- right by the men and women in uni- Palestinians resolve those differences. sional District of Colorado spoke loud form and their families who have It is all inextricable. and clear. They questioned the Presi- served and sacrificed so much. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of dent’s policies in Iraq. Americans Our allies, countries in the region, in my time. elected a new majority in Congress to fact most of the world, agrees that if Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- act as a check and balance, and not a we pull out before the Iraqis are ready, er, may I ask how much time remains rubber stamp of the President’s poli- it will create tremendous instability in on both sides. cies, especially those in Iraq. the region, leading to the possibility of The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- It is time to turn over security to the war and nuclear proliferation in the tlewoman from California has 1 hour Iraqi people, press forward with diplo- Arab states. and 10 minutes. The gentleman from matic efforts, create a multinational I had the opportunity to successfully Indiana has 1 hour and 19 minutes. reconstruction effort and redeploy our play sports at a fairly high level. Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- troops from Iraq by the spring of 2008, Whether it was on a Boys Club team, a er, I yield myself such time as I may as recommended by the Iraq Study high school team or a major college consume. I just wanted to mention to Group. football team, nothing emboldened our my colleagues on the other side of the It is time for Iraq to take responsi- team more or made us work harder to aisle that it is concern for our allies in bility for its future. Mr. Speaker, I defeat the other team than when we the region, it is concern for our friends urge the Congress and all of the Mem- saw dissension on the other team. We there that we have chosen and speak to bers to vote in favor of the resolution have an opportunity this week to send escalating our diplomatic efforts in the that is before us tonight.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00238 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4337 Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- Only together can we ensure the safe This week the House is debating a er, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman return of our brave and dedicated useless resolution that’s only purpose from Texas (Mr. CUELLAR). American troops. is to weaken and divide. The American Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 9 people are not stupid. They can see support of this resolution. While I be- minutes to the gentlewoman from through this charade for exactly what lieve that the President as the Com- Florida (Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE). it is. It is a toothless effort to provide mander in Chief has the inherent au- b 2245 political cover for Democrats. thority to manage the conduct of con- As a matter of fact, the Orlando Sen- Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Flor- gressionally approved military action, tinel, certainly not a conservative ida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gen- I have serious concerns that a surge in newspaper, has said that this is an tleman, who is also the ranking mem- the number of U.S. combat troops in empty measure. It says the pointless ber of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee Iraq is not the best course of action at House Resolution on Iraq fails to set and obviously, very, very passionate this time. goals. It goes on to say, The U.S. House and articulate on this issue. The deployment of 21,500 additional launched a welcome debate this week combat troops to Iraq is not the an- Mr. Speaker, my constituents know that I vote my conscience. I voted on the Iraq war. It is too bad 3 days of swer. I agree with former Secretary of points and counterpoints will end in a State Colin Powell when he stated: ‘‘I against my party and our President when I thought that they were wrong. vote on a pointless resolution. This am not persuaded that another surge of isn’t thoughtless policy, it is political troops into Baghdad for the purposes of I have stood up to my leadership when my constituents knew Congress could cover. suppressing this communitarian vio- Believe me, the Orlando Sentinel is, lence, this civil war, will work.’’ do better. But, Mr. Speaker, my vote on the by far, not a very conservative news- Secretary Powell is not alone in his paper. belief. Generals Wesley Clark, Barry resolution before us isn’t about my party or about the President. Unfortu- My constituents know that over McCaffrey, John Abizaid, and James these 3 days we have debated a resolu- Conway have also made statements to nately, this vote and this debate is all about politics and providing some po- tion with no teeth, no enforcement, this same effect. and it is delivered in a way that has no I have traveled to Iraq and I have litical cover. This vote does nothing to guts, no character and provides no met with our military forces. And I be- help our soldiers win. What I see here leadership. lieve our foremost commitment must is this liberal leadership pandering to Mr. Speaker, if this debate were be to their safety. I strongly believe the vitriolic left wing of the Democrat about policy, we would be talking that we must concentrate our efforts Party. about changing or creating law. If the on preparing the Iraqi Government for How do I know this? Democrats believed what they were the task of providing security to their At the opening of this debate, Speak- saying, this House would be debating own citizens. Our forces in Iraq should er PELOSI asked the only real relevant spending and funding, not wasteful be primarily focused on training and question: Will this resolution make our supporting Iraq’s own military and po- troops safer? In her remarks, and I rhetoric. If my colleagues on the other lice. have read and reread them, she didn’t side of the aisle were genuine, we We must continue working to shift say how her resolution did that. I have would be talking about benchmarks for the responsibility for security from the pored over the remarks and the text of Iraq, the Iraqi Government, and strict U.S. forces to those of the Iraqi Gov- this resolution to find all the instances guidelines for appropriations. ernment. It is only through this path where the House will be giving greater I have heard some on the other side that we will ensure the safe and or- resources to the troops, and it doesn’t. of the aisle say that this debate is derly return of our brave men and After I read all 60 words many, many about preventing an escalation. Is the women. times, I can tell you, not one single Democrat majority so powerless that it Empowering the Iraqi people and the word in the resolution offers any more cannot stop a deployment? Iraqi Government must be our primary equipment, not any more diplomacy, or Before I got elected, Congress author- goal. I will continue fighting to ensure any more security for our troops. ized this war, and with the force of law, that our service men and women have And guess what? this Congress could stop it. Congress’ every tool and every resource that they It also does not bring one soldier concern should be for our troops, not need to carry out their duties and re- home sooner. It doesn’t demand the the Presidential and political ambi- turn home safely. Iraqis take the lead in the fight. These tions of the Democrat Party. We must all dedicate ourselves to en- omissions make it startlingly clear to It is rare when I stand on the floor suring that our brave men and women me that the answer to Speaker and say that the Senate actually got it in uniform have all of the uncondi- PELOSI’s questions, will this resolution right, but I must commend them for tional support and thanks. Their sac- make our troops safer, is absolutely no, their more thoughtful and less politi- rifices and bravery must never be for- it will not. cally attuned resolution, because their gotten. We should also be mindful of The Democrats have this resolution resolution states the long-term secu- those who have served and serve in our all wrong. To be more specific, there is rity interests of the United States are National Guard and Reserve units, and not a single mention in this resolution best served by an Iraq that can sustain, those that are not yet American citi- of how we will send more body armor govern and defend itself and serve as an zens but who still serve our country for the troops, not a single mention of ally in the war against extremists. with distinction. new tools to detect IED explosives, not That statement acknowledges the bat- Let us always remember the lives of one word dedicated to up-armored tle that we are waging and the even- more than 3,000 dedicated Americans Humvees, and, Mr. Speaker, not one tual victory that we must achieve in who have lost their lives in this con- mention of the method to fund the the Middle East. flict, and the thousands and thousands health care needs of those veterans The 60-word resolution before this of American soldiers that have been in- who will come home. Not one word. Chamber makes no such statement or jured. I invite the Speaker to come back recognition and sets absolutely no It is time to be bipartisan and move into the Chamber and tell this House benchmarks. forward with a comprehensive plan for where is the additional money to make My sole concern is for our troops. handing over responsibility to the Iraqi our soldiers safer and our Army strong- The litmus test for my vote is whether Government and stabilizing the region. er, because if she can’t show me the or not this resolution makes our troops Iraq must become the responsibility of substance in these 60 words, then they safer. the Iraqis. Let’s surge forward only in are nothing but rhetoric, and this reso- Mr. Speaker, I believe every Member the commitment to transfer responsi- lution cannot and will not help our of this House should ask themselves bility for Iraq to the Iraqis. troops. the following questions:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00239 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4338 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 Will this resolution protect one of Levin and Virginia Republican John Warner, sider this national debate. They should our soldiers? the chairman and former chairman, respec- ask themselves what this means to Will this resolution make one piece tively, of the Armed Services Committee, is them personally, their families and of armor thicker? a more constructive response to the presi- their neighbors. Is it worth the expense dent’s troop surge. Will these empty words make a sin- While the Senate resolution declares sup- and sacrifice of war now in order to es- gle IED less lethal? port for U.S. troops and opposition to the tablish a secure and lasting peace? Or Will this resolution stop one sniper surge, it also points out ‘‘the long-term secu- should our Nation take momentary re- or one suicide bomber from attacking rity interests of the United States are best lief and retreat as we wait for our our troops in the field? served by an Iraq that can sustain, govern, newly emboldened enemies to strike Sadly, the answer is no. This resolu- and defend itself, and serve as an ally in the our homeland with even more fierce tion is not being debated in a vacuum. war against extremists.’’ It advocates reach- and deadly attacks? We must ask the question, Could this ing that goal by encouraging Iraq’s leaders Mr. Speaker, we must all realize that to make the political compromises critical resolution encourage our adversaries? September 11, 2001 was not the end of Could this debate put one of our sol- to promote reconciliation and security. The resolution places the responsibility for the radical Islamic jihad against the diers in further harm’s way? dealing with Iraq’s civil war where it be- United States. It was just the begin- Might some Islamic terrorist believe longs, on Iraq’s armed forces. But it ac- ning. September 11 was a declaration of that the more of our troops that they knowledges a role for U.S. forces in battling war. The fact is, we are not at war with kill, the quicker the U.S. will withdraw terrorists, and in training and supporting Iraq. Iraq is an ally in our war against our forces? Iraqi forces. the radical Islamic jihadists. Iraq is If the answer to these questions is The resolution echoes an assertion Mr. only one among many battlegrounds Bush made in announcing the surge: The even possibly ‘‘maybe,’’ then I cannot where we are fighting jihadists who are vote for this resolution. We should not U.S. commitment to Iraq is not ‘‘open- ended.’’ But the measure goes a step further committed to the destruction of West- risk encouraging those who would at- by declaring U.S. help should depend on get- ern civilization and replacing it with tack our troops just for the empty ges- ting Iraq’s government to agree formally to theocratic Taliban-style rule. ture of partisanship. meet benchmarks. These include sending all Mr. Speaker, if we cut and run, if we Let’s call this for what it is. This res- the troops it has promised to Baghdad, fairly retreat from Iraq, we will forfeit our olution puts our troops at risk for the distributing the country’s oil revenues ability to lead the world against the Presidential aspirations of some Mem- among all its people, and letting the coun- enemies of peace. Iraq, in all likeli- bers of the opposite party. try’s military operate without political in- terference. hood, would fall to Iranian dominance Many Members have noticed that on and would become a launching pad for the 11th day of every month I wear this Unfortunately, parliamentary maneu- vering between Democrats and Republicans terror attacks against the United pin. This was given to me by fire- over the Levin-Warner measure and two States and Israel. Islamic jihadists will fighters. It is a depiction of firefighters other Iraq resolutions doomed a debate and be emboldened in Afghanistan, Paki- putting up our flag in New York City vote last week in the Senate. The chamber’s stan, and the greater Middle East. The after it was attacked. This is why we leaders need to work out a compromise that world oil supply could be vulnerable to have very brave young men and women will allow a full discussion and roll call on jihadist control, and nuclear armed out there fighting today. all three resolutions. We share the misgivings of many members missiles in Pakistan could turn into a I am not a blind supporter of the hellish nightmare. President’s policies. And if we wanted of both parties in Congress about the presi- dent’s latest war strategy. But with the And Israel, Mr. Speaker, one of our to make this debate about policy, I troop surge under way, and Mr. Bush vowing closest and most faithful allies, could would be there to work with them. to push ahead, it’s better at this point for see its very existence perilously close The President knows all well my Congress to raise the pressure on Iraq’s lead- to total annihilation. World War III strong reservations about some of the ers to meet their obligations to reconcile and could even be the final consequence of policies in Iraq. But, Mr. Speaker, it secure their country. the misguided actions of this Congress has not been a perfect war. Mr. Bush insisted this week that he would not be closely following the House debate. A if we retreat from Iraq. But sadly, Mr. I stand here today to let our troops Speaker, there are some in this Con- know that I will hold the President’s vote for the House resolution will be easy for him to dismiss. But a bipartisan endorse- gress who are more concerned about feet to the fire to ensure that our sol- ment of the Senate’s constructive measure is the next election than the next genera- diers have the tools for our victory. more likely to get the attention of the presi- tion. That is what our soldiers want. dent, as well as Iraq’s leaders. So where are the FDRs, the Church- In the South, we have a wonderful Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming ills, the Pattons, the MacArthurs, the saying and it goes like this: ‘‘Git ’er my time, I yield 4 minutes to the gen- Trumans, the John F. Kennedys, and done.’’ Our soldiers want to get it done tleman from Kentucky, RON LEWIS. the men and women of the Greatest and come home. And our President Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speak- Generation in this hour of our great wants the same thing. And this Con- er, this debate is a sad moment in our peril? They are in Iraq and Afghanistan gress should also demand the exact Nation’s history. If there was ever a fighting for our safety and our secu- same thing. Let’s get out there and time when Americans should be stand- rity. But the self-centered generation, ‘‘Git ’er done.’’ ing together, this is the time. This res- the politicians, the media types and [From the Orlando Sentinel, Feb. 14, 2007] olution does nothing but divide. the whiners and complainers are sit- EMPTY MEASURE—OUR POSITION: THE POINT- Throughout our country’s illustrious ting in the safety of their homes com- LESS HOUSE RESOLUTION ON IRAQ FAILS TO history, we have been confronted with plaining about the unpleasantries of SET GOALS many challenges, but challenges met war. This generation of the self-cen- The U.S. House launched a welcome debate with unity of purpose, unflinching tered and indulgent, if successful in this week on the Iraq war. It’s too bad three days of points and counterpoints will end in courage and unyielding resolve to be their defeatism, will condemn untold a vote on a pointless resolution. victorious against all odds. numbers to horrors never imagined by The non-binding measure simply declares This debate, disguised as a no-con- the most creative writers of horror fic- that Congress supports U.S. troops, but dis- fidence vote against the President, is tion. agrees with President George W. Bush’s deci- really about defeat, about surrender, Mr. Speaker, I cannot, will not be- sion to send another 20,000 to Iraq. Members about retreating from an enemy deter- lieve, as a Nation, that we have become who vote for it can say they made clear their mined to destroy our very existence. so preoccupied with our own personal opposition to escalating an unpopular war, Mr. Speaker, the obvious truth of our and political agendas that we have fall- but didn’t sell out the troops. This isn’t thoughtful policy; it’s political situation is that we may run, but we en asleep to the dangers before our Na- cover. can’t hide. They know where we live. tion. The hour of decision is upon us. In the Senate, a detailed resolution whose Today, Americans all over this great Will we rally from our slumber and sponsors include Michigan Democrat Carl land should stop for a moment and con- awaken to reality? We are at war. Or

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00240 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4339 will we close our eyes in self-deception We have tried so-called ‘‘surges’’ be- is about the future of Iraq, our strategy and hide ourselves under the blanket of fore, and they have not stopped the vi- abroad, and our welfare for our troops. a cowardly resolution? Tomorrow we olence. And as with these previous Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- must choose. Will it be commitment surges, when we leave, the same prob- self such time as I may consume. over retreat, freedom over slavery, lems will return, and perhaps even I would ask the last speaker if he courage over fear, democracy over the- worse. could remain for a moment. I have ocratic fascism, security over terror, The reality is that United States such great respect for my colleague, life over death? military strength cannot solve the Mr. MICHAUD of Maine. We have worked Mr. Speaker, our brave men and problems in Iraq nor should it. The fu- together on the Veterans’ Affairs Com- women serving in our Armed Forces ture rests on the capability and the mittee. We deal with the consequences have already chosen. They have will- will of the Iraqi people. Our continued of war. And so out of my respect for ingly volunteered to put their lives on dominance only prevents Iraqis from Mr. MICHAUD, I would like for us to the line and, at this very moment, are taking control of their country and clarify what may be a potential con- fighting for all that we cherish. It is their destiny. The military mission of tradiction. they who represent today’s greatest toppling Saddam Hussein is over. The The gentleman said that, and correct generation. political mission, the reconstruction me if I am wrong here, unanimously Tomorrow we can honor these brave mission, the nation-building that this commanders did not ask for an in- souls by choosing their values, by de- administration said it would never do crease in troops. According to General feating this disgraceful resolution, or has all but failed. Peter Pace, the Chairman of the Joint we can pass this vile legislation and But that is what we must now ad- Chiefs, and this was in his testimony have it recorded to our eternal shame. dress, not our strength of arms but our before the House Armed Services Com- Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I reserve strength of diplomacy and our power to mittee on January 11, 2007: ‘‘So, collec- the balance of my time. rebuild. tively, the military commanders, both Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- Our new strategy should be to with- U.S. and Iraqi, have asked for this in- er, I am now very happy to yield 51⁄4 draw and redeploy our soldiers quickly crease. And those of us in advisory po- minutes to my colleague from Maine, while empowering the Iraqi security sitions agree with their request. Mr. MICHAUD. forces. We can help to rebuild and cre- ‘‘General Casey and his Iraqi coun- Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise ate economic opportunity, to train terparts have determined that there tonight in support of this resolution Iraqis and perform other assistance as are more forces needed . . . that expresses our unwavering support asked, but we cannot remain the domi- ‘‘To do this, we’re going to need addi- of our troops and our opposition to the nant force in Iraq. tional U.S. forces. General Casey and escalation in Iraq. This is an extremely It is time for Iraqis to take control of General Abizaid have asked for those important debate and it is one that is their own country. A stabilized, secure additional forces, as have the com- long overdue. and free Iraq can only be achieved manders below them. We have lost over 3,100 brave Ameri- when Iraqis take full control. Until ‘‘In addition, to reinforce success at cans. Many more will return home with that time our forces will be stuck in Anbar province, the Marine com- mental health and physical wounds the middle of an increasingly violent mander out there has asked for, and that will stay with them for the rest of civil war and all the while Afghanistan General Casey and General Abizaid their lives. sliding back into danger and violence have asked for, an increase of about We have spent hundreds of billions of and al Qaeda continues to plot while 4,000 troops out there . . . dollars. Hundreds of thousands of our attention is being diverted. ‘‘So, collectively, the military com- Iraqis have lost their lives or fled their I have spoken with many people in manders, both U.S. and Iraqi, have homes as their country has fallen into Maine about this war. I have spoken asked for this increase.’’ deeper civil war. with current military personnel, many That was our testimony of our Chair- Regardless of one’s opinion on how who have served in Iraq, their families, man of the Joints Chiefs before the we got into Iraq, we are there, and the veterans, and concerned citizens of all Armed Services Committee. So I will situation is deteriorating. So the sim- political stripes. Everyone agrees there yield to the gentleman and ask if he ple question before us is, What is the is no simple solution to the challenges was aware of General Pace’s comments best plan for the future? The President has called for an esca- we face in Iraq and how to solve it. before the Armed Services Committee There is one opinion that is unani- lation of troops; in other words, more because it appears contradictory to the mous. We all support our men and of the same approach. gentleman’s statement. I oppose an escalation of U.S. troops women in uniform. They, like the gen- Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I thank in Iraq. I will not support funding for erations before them, are heroes. They the gentleman for yielding. Yes, that the President’s plan or blank checks heard their country’s call and they did was a quote in a paper from General for an open-ended commitment. not hesitate to answer. I am glad this Abizaid where he said that they re- resolution makes that support clear. quested no additional troops, and I will b 2300 We owe it to our military personnel to try to find that article for the good We need a new plan, and escalation is provide them with the very best when gentleman to get it hopefully to him not what the Iraq Study Group called they are in harm’s way and when they tomorrow. for. It is not what our top generals come home. Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I just want have advised, and it is not what the I have heard from many Vietnam-era to make sure our record is clear be- American or Iraqi people want. When veterans who fear that our new vet- cause we have got the Chairman of the General John Abizaid, former top com- erans may face many of the hardships Joint Chiefs quoting General Abizaid. mander in Iraq, asked his commanders that they faced. This cannot happen. So I want to work with the gentleman. in the field if more U.S. troops would As a member of the Veterans Affairs’ Thank you. help, the unanimous answer was no. As Committee, I am committed to ad- Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I thank he said: ‘‘And the reason is because we dressing the mental health and phys- the gentleman very much. And I will want the Iraqis to do more. It’s easy ical needs of our returning heroes, and find that quote, because you know for the Iraqis to rely upon us to do this I know the American people are willing sometimes quotes get misquoted; so I work. I believe that more American to do that as well. And as we discuss will get that for the gentleman. forces prevent the Iraqis from doing alternative strategies, it must be clear Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I now yield more, from taking more responsibility that we must do something that fully 8 minutes to the gentleman from Flor- for their own future.’’ supports our military personnel. ida (Mr. BILIRAKIS). U.S. forces cannot clear and hold This resolution is not about politics. Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, failure neighborhoods in Baghdad indefinitely. This issue should unite all of us. This in Iraq is not an option. We enjoy our

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00241 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4340 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 freedom today only because we have stead of allowing the terrorists to at- major missteps by the Bush adminis- been willing to fight for it in the past. tack our homeland. tration. We must win the war on terror that has I am concerned that the resolution It is painfully clear that a change in been thrust upon us. we are debating this week is a pre- strategy in Iraq is needed now. We need Before going any further, let me first cursor to cutting off funds for our a plan for bringing stability to Iraq and clearly state that I do not believe we troops. The Democrats have even bringing our troops home. Unfortu- should have an open-ended commit- called it a first step. I have heard it nately, the President’s plan to add over ment in Iraq. I believe a new strategy several times tonight. Our troops must 20,000 additional troops does not pro- is needed. America has a proud history have all the resources they need to ac- vide this, and, therefore, I must sup- of promoting and fighting for democ- complish their mission. I support our port this resolution. racy around the globe. I don’t believe troops in the field. Therefore, I will I see three main flaws in the Presi- now is the time to abandon that com- vote ‘‘no’’ on this resolution. dent’s plan. mitment. General Petraeus has indicated that First, the administration has not While a new strategy is needed, the reinforcements will hasten the end of provided convincing evidence that this resolution that we are debating does the Iraq battle, allowing us to direct surge will succeed after many similar not present us with any new policy op- our efforts elsewhere in this greater plans have failed. After almost 4 years tions. Instead, we are voting on a non- war on radical Islamic terrorists. in Iraq, the American people are ask- binding status quo resolution which The national commander of the VFW, ing, why should we have faith in this will not do anything to change the sit- the Nation’s largest organizations of plan and place more troops in harm’s uation in Iraq. It smacks of political combat veterans, issued a statement way? Second, by failing to provide clear posturing. Americans expect more of earlier this week which says, ‘‘We need benchmarks for success or a time the world’s greatest legislative body. to send a message to our troops that frame by which we can expect the Let us not debase the honor and tra- America wants them to succeed in Iraq surge to yield positive results, the dition of the great men and women who by giving the buildup a chance to suc- President’s plan appears to commit our ceed.’’ have served before us. We are duty country to a ‘‘stay the course’’ strat- As a Member of Congress, I will al- bound to serve the public and engage in egy with no clear end in sight. Aid ways do whatever possible to support serious lawmaking, not political pan- should be tied to a deadline for our brave men and women in uniform. dering. This resolution does nothing. progress by the Iraqi Government. Worse, it endorses the status quo of the As such, I will actively oppose efforts Third, and most importantly, the violence and bloodshed. Maintaining to cut off funding to our troops. President continues to place too much the status quo is what ultimately re- I cannot support this resolution, but emphasis on a military solution, when sulted in the situation we find our- I am committed to working with the it is clear that force alone will not selves in today. President and my colleagues in Con- solve this crisis. Solutions must sup- The debate before is more consequen- gress to ensure that the actions taken port broad international engagement tial than the question of should we en- in the war accomplish the following: to promote stability and reconstruc- gage in a troop surge or not. None of us Moves Iraq closer to a peaceful and sta- tion in Iraq and must address political, want to see Americans unnecessarily ble democracy; improves America’s se- economic and religious issues. be put in harm’s way. The debate be- curity; ensures the utmost safety and Because of the need for such a plan, fore us is about the global threats fac- best equipment for our soldiers; and earlier this year I laid out a set of rec- ing the United States and how we provides the shortest feasible time ommendations, and this week I intro- choose to respond to them. Failure to frame for their return to their families. duced H.Res. 152 based on these. My forcibly respond to previous acts of ter- Failure in Iraq will lead to Iraq be- proposal consists of three core rec- rorism has undermined America’s coming a training and staging ground ommendations. credibility around the world and pro- for terrorist groups intent on desta- First, encourage achievement of im- jected us as weak to our enemies. bilizing the entire Middle East and de- portant goals and national reconcili- Some examples of these attacks in- stroying the United States and our al- ation, security and governance by ar- clude: the World Trade Center in 1993; lies. ranging a peace conference for Iraq’s U.S. troops in the barracks in Saudi In closing, I thank and offer my pray- ethnic and religious factions, similar Arabia; sailors on the USS Cole; and ers for all our troops, including those to the conference that led to the Day- the bombings of the U.S. embassies in brave men and women in the Ninth ton Accords. One venue for this would Kenya and Tanzania. Unfortunately, Congressional District and throughout be El Salvador, which has shown a Americans were too quick to forget the State of Florida who have answered strong commitment to stabilizing and these terrible acts. their Nation’s call to duty. rebuilding Iraq and has gone through God bless our troops, and keep them b 2310 its own recent history of a bloody civil safe. war and ensuing reconciliation. Like many Members of Congress, I Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- But wherever and however it is done, believe there should be strategic er, I am now pleased to yield 5 minutes the political, economic and religious benchmarks that are designed to hold to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. issues must be addressed if peace and both the administration and the Iraqi LIPINSKI). security are to be established in Iraq. Government accountable for success in Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I thank And it is essential that more pressure Iraq. These benchmarks should meas- the gentlelady for yielding. be put on the Iraqi Government and all ure whether sufficient progress is being Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support interested parties in Iraq to find and made. Unfortunately, under the re- of this resolution and in support of a accept real solutions so the American strictive rules imposed upon this de- new policy in Iraq. Up until this point, forces can begin withdrawal. bate, we will not have an opportunity the Bush administration’s Iraq policy The second recommendation is to to vote on other proposals which would over the last 31⁄2 years appears to be seek international cooperation to de- institute benchmarks for success. one of America’s worst foreign policy velop solutions for Iraq. This should in- I am compelled to vote against this blunders. More than 3,100 of our brave clude calling an international con- status quo resolution. Americans de- men and women in uniform have been ference that will work on putting to- serve a real debate with multiple op- killed and more than 24,000 have been gether a peacekeeping force and set- tions for success in Iraq, not closed wounded, many very seriously, and ting up an international reconstruction proceedings that are intended to be a hundreds of billions of dollars have program. political ploy. been spent and in some cases wasted. Iraq’s strategic position in the vola- I would rather America fight the ter- This has resulted from the tactical tile Middle East, its potential to be- rorists on the streets of Baghdad, in- mistakes, errors in judgment and other come a terrorist safe haven, its large

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00242 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4341 supply of oil and the great potential for House. Everything gets said and seems being done. We have got troops already a humanitarian catastrophe make se- like gets said over and over again. arriving and more arriving all the curity in Iraq a critical international Nothing goes without being said. time. issue. It is time for America to engage But let us talk about that. It goes I heard another one make reference the nations of the world to encourage without saying we support our troops. to Vietnam, and one in indignation them to address this international cri- That has stirred up a great deal of de- said, have we not learned anything sis. bate and animosity at one point, and from Vietnam? I would submit, I be- The final recommendation is to re- led usually into things about the lies lieve, Mr. Speaker, apparently not, be- quire the administration to give Con- the President told before this war, lies cause some people want to rewrite his- gress detailed reports on the situation the President told before this war. tory; but the fact is, if you go back, the in Iraq so that we can make informed Well, look, some of us believe in for- people were saying get out of Vietnam, decisions regarding funding for recon- giveness. get out of Vietnam are the same people struction and deciding when American I think there is still potential dis- saying this now in Iraq, and so Presi- forces can be redeployed. This new Con- agreement. Obviously we know that dent Nixon tried to get folks out. For gress has been vigorously conducting Saddam had weapons of mass destruc- all his faults, and he did have plenty, oversight after 31⁄2 years of congres- tion. He killed thousands of Kurds, and you will not hear me say I think he sional neglect, but we must have the gassed thousands of people. Certainly was a great President because he lied, full cooperation of the administration. he was killing with mass destruction, but one of the things he did try to do, If the recommendations laid out in but if you happen to believe really, he saw the polls and started trying to my resolution are followed, I believe honestly, truthfully that the President get people out of Vietnam. American troops can begin redeploy- lied, then it is time to forgive Presi- When we started the Paris peace ment in 2007, leaving a secure, stable dent Clinton for all those lies. Forgive talks, things broke down. It was not Iraq. Madeleine Albright for all those lies. going well. He decided to bomb North As the U.S. Conference of Catholic All the time, Madeleine Albright and Vietnam. He went on the attack. He Bishops stated, ‘‘The search for gen- Bill Clinton told us over and over again was carpet-bombing Hanoi, and as SAM uine justice and peace in Iraq requires that there were weapons of mass de- JOHNSON and those who were in the moral urgency, substantive dialogue struction, and if President Bush hap- Hanoi Hilton said, they were worried and new direction.’’ Unfortunately, the pened to have believed President Clin- they might be hit by the bombs, but President does not give us this. That is ton and Madeleine Albright and those they were so glad, finally the United why his plan is discouraging to many people that were saying there were States was reacting and responding, Americans who are weary of this war. weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, and as SAM says, when he left, to get But no one is wearier than our troops well, I guess they just should not have the chronology correct, the bombing and their families. This past weekend I believed the Clinton administration. went on. They came back to the peace spoke to a soldier who spent 13 months But there were things that the Clin- talks, and we reached terms, and the in Iraq and will likely be returning. He ton administration could base that on, POWs, most of them were coming told me that it is important to make but we have got to get past that. It just home. Sam said one of the leaders at sure that we let our troops know that seems to engender so much hatred. the prison said, you know, if you guys they have our complete support. We I have heard people say over and over had just kept bombing a little longer, cannot let anything in this debate be this is a historic debate because the we would have had to surrender com- construed otherwise. If this surge oc- Republicans never allowed this debate pletely. curs even after we pass this resolution, when they were in the majority. I re- That was a winnable war, but people we must continue to support our troops member having discussions like this were not doing what it took to win so and pray for them every day, so that by twice in the last Congress. We voted on that we could have a good reputation. God’s grace they can succeed in their a couple of resolutions, and people If you go look at our enemies and al mission. would say one thing and then end up Qaeda’s, the rhetoric now in Iraq, Af- Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 8 voting another on the resolution. ghanistan, around the Middle East, minutes to the gentleman from Texas Now, I did hear one of my friends they are saying look at what they did (Mr. GOHMERT), a former Army captain. across the aisle say something I do in Vietnam. They promised their allies Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, I thank agree with. He said he did not believe it they were going to stick with them. my friend from Indiana. I appreciate was appropriate to tell troops they Gerald Ford has been quoted re- the opportunity to engage in this de- were coming home on a certain date cently. What a fine man. I hear people bate. and then change that. I agree, and a on both sides of the aisle at his funeral Mr. Speaker, like many others here, number of us have been pointing that and after his death. He begged this previously I typed up different poten- out to those in the military and to the Congress and this House please do not tial remarks for this debate. But as I White House. That needs to stop. When cut off the funding; we promised them have listened to the debate over the you tell somebody who is in harm’s funding even after we pulled our troops last couple of days, I kept hearing way you are coming home on a certain out. But this Congress said, no, we are some things being said over and over date, they need to come home. We can cutting the funding, and we have been again, and I started making notes of agree on that. harmed ever since. some of the things I just really need to But then I heard another say, we So in 1979, in Iran, they were bold address. need to avoid a constitutional crisis by enough to attack. An act of war, that As the old saying goes, we are all en- shocking this President into a new is what attacking an embassy is, and I titled to our own opinion, but we are course of action. You shocked him into was at Fort Benning at that time. No- not entitled to our own set of facts. a new course of action. He said we are body was dying to go to Iran, but ev- Facts are facts. going to send 21,000 troops over there, erybody I knew was willing to go and 21,500. In fact, people like HARRY REID die because we had been attacked, and b 2320 down in the Senate have been calling that was the first act of war in this war One of the things I have heard over for that last fall, maybe even as re- involving terror, and we did not re- and over the last couple of days, well, cently as December, but oh, wait, as spond. it goes without saying. Normally in soon as the President calls for it, then We did not respond in 1983 when our reference to we support our troops, it it is a terrible thing; we cannot believe barracks were attacked and our ma- goes without saying. If there is any- that he is doing this. rines were killed. We withdrew 1991, on thing I have noticed since I left the So the President has proposed some- through the 1990s. We have not re- bench and came to Congress is that thing new. His commanders in the field sponded, but I want to touch on one nothing goes without saying in this have said we need this, and so it is other thing.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00243 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4342 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 I saw the majority leader come down. flates as a punctured international the U.S. military action in Iraq, I concluded I saw it replayed in the wee hours this image. We can salvage our image not that my visit to this well must somehow echo morning. I did not realize it went on, only by de-escalating in Iraq but also the fret and frustration of the people who sent and he came down and challenged what by reestablishing desperately needed me to represent them in The People’s House. HEATHER WILSON, who had left the dialogue with all the sovereign nations For more than 132 years, the steamboat floor, said, and ultimately said basi- in the neighborhood with Iraq. It takes Arabia lay beneath the fathoms of the waters cally, that anybody that would come many, many people, and not just one to of the mighty Missouri River. Not until Bob and and say, as she did, that there might be put a policy together. Florence Howley committed their life savings a problem with Democrats being will- Now, with regard to peace in the Mid- to a massive salvaging operation, did the rust- ing to support and fund the troops as dle East, it has become crystal clear ing of this once stately riverboat cease. Today, needed, and he said to come and say that the United States cannot whistle the salvaged cargo of this retrieved vessel is anything of that nature was just not a symphony. on display in Kansas City’s Historic River Mar- honest. I think it comes close to vio- b 2330 ket. Since I first walked into the Arabia Steam- lating the rules if it does not, but the boat Museum in 1992, I have become a seri- fact is HEATHER WILSON had stood right It will take an orchestra of many ous supporter of salvage operations. Anything here and she had asked her Democratic international players willing to make of great value that is lost or damaged is worth friends across the aisle, look, if you are music in the same key. The days of the salvaging. really willing to say that, if you are international soloist or a conductor Tomorrow, the United States of America saying that this resolution means we without an orchestra are past. We must should begin a massive and voter-mandated will always provide everything that is salvage our relationship with the fam- salvaging operation in Iraq. Yes, as bad as needed to our troops in harm’s way, let ily of nations. We must salvage what is conditions have gotten, there are important us put it in the resolution. We will left of our Treasury. and valuable things that can be salvaged. have a unanimous-consent amendment, Mr. Speaker, for most Americans war A tarnished international image clings to a we will both agree, and it was not does not pay, but it must be paid for. nation like a shadow to a human being. It fol- agreed. The Democratic majority And, to date, we have spent billions lows a nation to the next world crisis, it cannot would not agree. The Rules Committee and billions of dollars that could have be blamed for faulty intelligence, and it spoils did not agree. The Democratic leader- been spent for valuable programs to set opportunities to influence a world desperate ship did not want that in there. this Nation on the right course. We for direction. Henceforth, we must conduct our So, to say it goes without saying must salvage soldiers. Yes, thousands foreign policy in a manner which salvages our ain’t the way it should be. It ought to of brave young U.S. soldiers have been sunken international image. Because of the be in print. It ought to be here said in killed, and Iraqis are dying weekly by way we launched a Lone Ranger military ac- black and white because HEATHER WIL- the hundreds. If this conflict continues, tion in Iraq, our prestige among the community SON was right: if you really believe there will be only two classes of young of nations has surely suffered. Nothing de- that, put it in black and white where people, one half in graves, the other flates as fast as a punctured international our troops can see, and I would just in half in hospitals. image. We can salvage our image not only by conclusion leave you with this: this Some have said this conflict will last de-escalating in Iraq, but also by re-estab- resolution for what it does and does for decades. Nevertheless, that kind of lishing desperately needed dialogue with all not do, it is a stay the course, stiffen policy or lack thereof has caused young the sovereign nations in the neighborhood of the enemy, start our collapse, and you Americans to ask: Will we ever see the Iraq. With regard to peace in the Middle East, look at our friend Mr. MURTHA’s com- last of this war, or will it see the last it has become crystal clear that the U.S. can- ments to say, that is what this starts of us? not whistle a symphony. It will take an orches- the process for doing. The Kansas City Chiefs is my team. tra of many international players willing to Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I am very The general manager, Carl Peterson, make music in the same key. The days of the happy to yield 5 minutes to my col- would never go to the sports editors of international soloist, or a conductor without an league from Missouri (Mr. CLEAVER). the local media and admonish them not orchestra, are past. We must salvage our rela- Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, as I to criticize the game plan of Coach tionship with the family of nations. began to consider the comments I Herman Edwards, because to do so We must salvage what is left of our treas- would make during this debate tonight would demoralize the players. Such a ury. Mr. Speaker, for most Americans, war on the occupation, escalation and warning by the general manager would does not pay, but it must be paid for. To date, gravitation of the U.S. military action be ludicrous, if not loony. Why? Be- we have appropriated $380 billion for the in Iraq, I concluded that my visit to cause the players of the Kansas City armed conflict in Iraq, and the President has this well must somehow echo the Chiefs are professionals who cannot be requested an additional $142 billion in the threat and frustration of the people so easily defamed. And, friends, neither FY08 supplemental. With this amount of who sent me to represent them in the can the men and women who form the money, we could have fully funded No Child people’s House. fiercest fighting force in the history of Left Behind and the COPS program (which Tomorrow, the United States of this planet. places badly needed police on the streets in America should begin a massive and After all the ethnic and sectarian high crime neighborhoods). We must salvage voter-mandated salvaging operation in human butchering, after all the bil- respect from our noble veterans who, today, Iraq. Yes, as bad as conditions have lions spent, after all the children of are outraged that they are showered with gotten, there are important and valu- God killed, after all the maimed who praise when they are in battle but blasted with able things that could be salvaged. A have been hospitalized, after all the neglect when they return home. Soon enough, tarnished international image clings to dissenters who have been heard, after they will discover that the President’s recently a nation like a shadow to a human all the purple thumbs that have been submitted budget raises fees on veterans for being. It follows a nation to the next raised, the war drum still throbs, the their health costs by $355 million in FY08, world crisis. It cannot be blamed for sabers still rattle, and the blood still $2.3 billion over 5 years, and $4.9 billion over faulty intelligence, and it spoils oppor- flows. Yet, we can salvage the soul of 10 years. Those who serve—deserve! tunities to influence a world desperate the Nation, even though at this hour We must salvage soldiers. Yes, thousands for direction. Henceforth, we must con- we seem to have lost our way. of brave young U.S. soldiers have been killed, duct our foreign policy in a manner Tomorrow, this Congress must adopt and Iraqis are dying weekly by the hundreds. which salvages our sunken inter- House Concurrent Resolution 63 as bold If this conflict continues, there will be only two national image. and beckoning to begin salvage oper- classes of young people: one half in graves Because of the way we launched a ations. and the other half in hospitals. Some have long-range military action in Iraq, our Mr. Speaker, as I began to consider the said that this conflict will last for decades. prestige among the community of na- comments I would make during the debate on Nevertheless, that kind of policy, or lack there- tions has surely suffered. Nothing de- the occupation, escalation, and gravitation of of, has caused young Americans to ask, ‘‘Will

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00244 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4343 we ever see the last of this war, or will it see So where are we? We are thankful for opposite effect: that we will give the last of us?’’ the incredible work of our military in breathing room to the death squads; Let me address a part of this debate which winning phase one and two. We are that our servicemen and women will be has frustrated me because of its defective aware, and I think all of us are aware, caught in the crossfire; and that the logic. Over and over again, many of my honor- that only the Iraqi people can win surge will end right where it began. In able colleagues have stood behind this distin- phase three. fact, that is what happened in Baghdad guished desk and warned that the debate on It is a neocon mistake to charge our in August and September of 2006. House Concurrent Resolution 63 will demor- warfighters with building an Iraqi na- I am concerned that a surge sends a alize our troops in Iraq. Nothing could be fur- tional consensus. Iraqis must decide for conflicting message. On the one hand, ther from the truth. I will never accept the themselves if they want to live in a we are telling the Iraqi leadership, premise that U.S. troops are demoralized by unified, pluralistic, and peaceful Iraq. ‘‘Hurry up, you don’t have forever.’’ On the debate in a democracy. The President’s No amount of American military might the other hand we are saying, ‘‘No, not stated goal in Iraq is to aid in creating a nation can compel that result. to worry. We are increasing the size of where citizens and public officials can debate So where are we? Thankful for the the American security umbrella.’’ in a robust democracy. And then to denounce successes and the outcomes that we I want all Iraqi factions and all lead- debate in The People’s House as demeaning can control; aware of the outcomes ers of Iraqi factions to worry. I want or damaging? My friends, that denigrates the that we cannot control. them to see us reaching for the button democracy we so proudly extol and that our Where do we want to be? We want the that would bring down that security troops valiantly fight to defend. We cannot Iraqis to take responsibility for their umbrella. I want them to imagine the lead others to the light while we stand in the own country. The President is wisely click of the button and the feel of the dark. pressing them to do so. We want the wind from that descending umbrella. The Kansas City Chiefs is my team. The Iraqi leadership to make some key po- The resolution before us isn’t written General Manager, Carl Peterson, would never litical decisions that can bring rec- the way I would have written it, but it is the resolution before us. Resolutions go to the sports editors of the local media and onciliation. We want them to divide up are the way that Congress discharges admonish them not to criticize the game plan the oil fairly, to allow banned its constitutional responsibility to of Coach Herman Edwards because it will de- Baathists back into positions of public communicate with the President. This moralize the players. Such a warning by the trust, and to develop a working model resolution says we disapprove of the General Manager would be ludicrous if not of pluralism. We want the Iraqi leader- surge. Parties on both sides have added loonie. Why? Because the players of the Kan- ship to know that they don’t have for- additional and conflicting meaning to sas City Chiefs are professionals who cannot ever, and that they should settle these those words. In the end, I just have to be so easily defanged. And friends, neither reconciliation questions quickly. And vote on the basis of the words. That is can the men and women who form the fiercest we want to avoid the error of nation why I am going to vote in favor of the fighting force in the history of Planet Earth. building. After all the ethnic and sectarian human The job of the U.S. military is to resolution and express my concern butchering, after all the billions spent, after all crush, kill, and destroy the enemies of about the effectiveness of the surge. Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- the children of God killed, after all the maimed the United States. They are not nation er, I am very happy to yield 5 minutes who have been hospitalized, after all the dis- builders; they are warriors, and they do to the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania senters who have been heard, after all the their jobs very, very well. As commanded, our military entered (Ms. SCHWARTZ). purple thumbs have been raised, the war Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, on Iraq to destroy what we understand- drum is still throbbing, the sabers are still rat- Monday morning of this week I had the ably believed were threats to our na- tling and the blood is still flowing. Yet, we can opportunity to recognize and honor 53 tional security. We were successful in salvage the soul of the nation even though at elderly widows of veterans of World destroying those threats and, there- this hour we seem to have lost our way. To- War II and the Korean War. morrow, this Congress must adopt House after, in interrupting terrorist net- The sacrifices of that Great Genera- Concurrent Resolution 63 as a bold beckoning works. Those were outcomes that we tion are legendary, and they are a re- to begin salvage operation. could control. minder of the sacrifice of the current Now, we are rightly asked for inputs Mr. BUYER. I would say to the gen- generation of our military men and that we can control, but we are faced tleman that just spoke, that in 3 years women who have heeded the call to with outcomes that only the Iraqi peo- Iraq has gone from a repressive dicta- service in defense of our Nation. Their ple can control. It is right to evaluate torship who enslaved his people to an patriotism, their willingness to put the quality of our force’s inputs, but inclusive government chosen by a free- themselves in harm’s way, possibly to wrong to hold them accountable for ly elected Parliament under a popular pay the ultimate price for our Nation, outcomes beyond their control. ratified constitution. That is a fact. should give us all pause. I would like to yield 5 minutes to the Diplomats, statesmen, peacemakers, So, Mr. Speaker, I stand here with gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. and everyday Iraqis must work to de- deep gratitude and respect for the sac- INGLIS). velop a path to progress, a path that rifices of all of our troops, but espe- Mr. INGLIS of South Carolina. I has milestones along the way, and cially for the 3,124 Americans killed in thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. which has rewards for meeting those Iraq and those tens of thousands in- Speaker, we face three questions here milestones and consequences for fail- jured. tonight: Where are we? Where do we ure. I stand here with great sympathy for want to be? And how do we get there? If the Iraqi people follow the path to the mothers and fathers, sons and First, where are we? We are in phase progress to a peaceful, pluralistic, and daughters, whose loss is irreplaceable. I three of a conflict in Iraq. In phase one, unified Iraq, they will have been suc- stand here tonight firmly and strongly we overran Iraq in response to an cessful. The path may lead to some- in support of this resolution, in support American national security threat. We thing less. Any lesser outcome is the of the troops, and in opposition to the won. responsibility of the Iraqi people. So President’s escalation of our military Then came phase two. We were for- we want a path to progress, and we involvement in the war in Iraq. wardly deployed; the terrorists brought hope for the blessings of liberty for the fight to us; we busted up terrorist Iraq. b 2340 networks. America was protected from Now, how do we get there? The Presi- Let there be no misunderstanding. further attacks. We won. dent has ordered an increase in troop The men and women serving our Na- Now comes phase three. At best, Iraq strength in Iraq. He thinks a surge in tion in our Armed Forces will continue is engulfed in a sectarian killing spree. troops will give breathing room for the to receive the support they require dur- At worst, Iraq has descended into a development of a path to progress. I am ing their training, while they are in civil war. concerned that a surge will have the theater and when they return home.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00245 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4344 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 It is in honor of their service and the costs that will take years to repay. So anybody say they are, that they can do sacrifices of their family, and the love it is timely and right that we take ac- it alone. of our country that we share that I tion now to change direction and strat- The Iraqis in turn said we still need stand to make it clear that the Presi- egy in Iraq. coalition assistance, and so the com- dent’s plan for Iraq to escalate the I stand with the majority of Congress manders on the ground say we need number of troops and to continue his in support of this resolution, in support these more troops to do this. We are failed conduct of this war is wrong. of our troops, and in opposition to the sending General Petraeus, our best Escalation of this war will not make escalation of U.S. combat troops in commander, to the field. our Nation safer. Escalation of this war Iraq. This resolution sends the Presi- Mr. Speaker, a father-in-law of a sol- will not stabilize Iraq. Escalation of dent a very strong message. It is our dier wrote this 10 days ago: ‘‘From this war will not move us closer to hope and the hope of the American peo- where I am sitting, it seems that bringing our troops home, and esca- ple that he heeds it. threatening loss of funding for oper- lation of this war will not better pro- Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- ations in Iraq, tying the hands of sen- tect Americans from those terrorists self such time as I may consume. ior officers, to say nothing of the Com- who would stop at nothing to bring As a good listener of the gentlelady’s mander in Chief, and proposing to leg- grave danger to our Nation and our al- remarks, I would think she would be in islate the conduct of this war, looks lies. It is for these reasons that the support of the President’s plan. I agree worse than cut and run. It feels like be- President’s escalation of the war in with her when she was talking about trayal of the families who bear the bur- Iraq is wrong. what is necessary for Iraq to govern dens.’’ At a time when so many current and itself, but in order for this country to I can remember being in the desert in former military leaders, as well as the begin to govern itself, it also needs to the first gulf war while this body de- bipartisan Iraq Study Group, recognize have security, and the Iraqi people bated a resolution on the utilization of the need for political, rather than mili- themselves must have a belief in the force. I know what it was like to lose a tary solutions to the ever increasing support of that new unity government. friend in war. I shed the tears of my fa- violence, that the President is so Now, with regard to the Iraqis them- ther when he lost buddies for his Army gravely misguided in sending more of selves, whom we have been training, service in Korea. Challenged by my own Member of our men and women into combat in that is, the Iraqi Army and the Iraqi Congress who voted against that reso- Iraq. police force, that is exactly what the lution, I felt betrayed. While I was in Mr. Speaker, this resolution is the plan is. The plan is for the Iraqis to the desert, I felt betrayed, so much so answer to a simple question: Do you take the lead. that I vowed while I stood at that cem- believe that an escalation of this war So the gentlelady’s remarks confuse etery in Lafayette, Indiana, the funeral will bring our troops home sooner, and me, because as she says, I want the po- of my friend, that I felt I still had a will it help the Iraqis achieve the na- litical apparatus to do this, but I define mission left, and it was to come help Petraeus’ need for additional troops as tional reconciliation needed to bring a the country again. lasting peace to their nation? I and the an escalation. Therefore, she advocates So I ran against that incumbent majority of Americans do not think so. for the status quo, and everybody Member of Congress who I felt betrayed We believe the facts are clear. Esca- knows the status quo is for failure. The me while I was in the desert in the gulf lation of this war fails to address the remarks confuse me. war. I had never run for any political administration’s strategic and diplo- The commander on the ground of our office in my life. I was elected in this matic failures. It does not move us forces in Baghdad just said on January body at the age of 32 with so much to closer to success. 26, that this is about Iraqis taking learn. What we now need to succeed in Iraq charge of their own security. In order But I have never forgotten about the is an overwhelming political and diplo- for them to do that, we have to buy soldier, the sailor, the airman, the ma- matic force, not more American com- them time to continue to train and for rine and the coast guardsman. I am so bat troops. Instead, the President the government to become more legiti- proud of them and what they do. should be working to end U.S. combat mate in the eyes of the Iraqi people. The world of an American soldier is involvement in Iraq. To do so, he must Earlier what I said, the mission is to more complex today than ever before, demand that the Iraqis take charge of govern, sustain and defend. You have with technology, intricate rules of en- their internal security, should demand the political, economic and security gagement designed to eliminate the that the Iraqi President take the lead necessities to accomplish that mission. loss of noncombatant life and a tough, in national reconciliation, he should I think everybody in this body is going innovative and savvy enemy. Our sol- engage all the regional parties to pre- to agree. diers who are in the fight are watching vent this war from escalating region- When I met with President Talabani and listening. ally and to explore every diplomatic in August, we talked about the estab- One wrote from Iraq 2 weeks ago: and political solution to end this war. lishment of the rule of law, we talked ‘‘Until victory or until the persever- Finally, the President must be ac- about the implementation of the na- ance and the spirit of the American countable for his actions to this Con- tional plan of reconciliation, the dis- will arose, victory in Iraq is achievable gress and to the American people. tribution of the oil revenue, the mod- by our amazingly capable and deter- Mr. Speaker, over the first 6 weeks of ernization of their electrical grid. Pro- mined Armed Forces. Their effort will the Democratic control of Congress, we moting Iraqi unity was really deep on only be undercut by self-serving poli- have begun to move our Nation in a the President’s mind. ticking and pointless impatience. If we new direction, to restore credibility I wrote a note here after I met with decide we want victory, we will have it. and ethics in this Chamber and to put him. The note I wrote was I believe the If we quit on our effort, we will have the interests of everyday Americans in unity federal government has a real defeat.’’ the forefront. There is so much more to challenge. Their challenge is to con- Contending with the complexity of do, here at home, and in our relations vince the Iraqi political, religious and today’s battlefield and the ripple ef- internationally, to better ensure the civil society leaders to compromise for fects of politics 6,000 miles away, our security and opportunity for all Ameri- a sustainable settlement to support the soldiers live and measure value by sim- cans. new federalism. That is the challenge. ple enduring imperatives. They place a The war in Iraq overshadows all that So I am challenged when I hear indi- lot of value in loyalty. They count on we do. The war has already cost this viduals say, well, on the security appa- each other, loyal to each other, to Nation so much, young lives lost, ratus, let’s just get U.S. forces out of their commanders and to their oath to greater uncertainty and instability in there, we’ll let the Iraqis take care of defend the Constitution, and their love the Middle East, greater hostility to- this. The question is, are the Iraqis of country helps them do their duty. A wards our own Nation and financial prepared to do it alone? I haven’t heard warrior bears true faith and allegiance.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00246 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4345 b 2350 about in the Senate. Instead use your home to my district almost every sin- Members of our Armed Forces live brilliance to conduct a feckless cam- gle weekend to meet with concerned and die by the readiness of their bud- paign of status quo. citizens. dies to express their loyalty in the con- The resolution before us disavows the Recently I attended a returning war- duct of faithful duty. They expect no human assets our commander needs to rior event in Arizona for Reservists less of their leaders up the chain, accomplish his mission. But then it coming back from combat. And last whether they wear the stripes and dia- says, we support the troops. How can week I visited Walter Reed Hospital mond of a first sergeant, the eagles of you say we support the troops but you here in Washington, D.C. to speak with a colonel, or the stars of an admiral or don’t give the commander that which wounded soldiers and their families. general, or their leaders in govern- he says he needs? I do not understand. These collective experiences have ment, both executive and legislative I am a colonel in the Army Reserve. made me more confident than ever that branches. I have served for 26 years this Nation. the global war on terror and the situa- Yet, in response, what do we offer? How can you say to me, Steve, I sup- tion in Iraq are more complicated than The fortitude of contradiction I say. port you. I will give you the beams, the President Bush seems to realize. Com- The Senate unanimously confirms a bullets, the ammo, the water. I will mon sense dictates that in order for new multinational force commander, give you anything you need, but do not any plan to succeed it must require the General David Petraeus, whose most ask me for any troops and good luck on Iraqi people to calm the sectarian vio- compelling value is perhaps his reputa- your mission. Because you do not get lence and unify behind a workable po- tion for unrivaled understanding for to ask for reinforcements. You do not litical structure. his clear grasp of counterinsurgencies. even get to ask for anybody else. The President’s plan fails to ac- Yet the authors of the resolution be- As we know the Pelosi-Murtha real knowledge the lack of willingness and fore us seek to deny our best com- strategy is to slowly bleed our battle- capacity by the Iraqi political and reli- mander the manpower assets he has field commander dry. They know he gious leaders to achieve these nec- asked for to prevail. What a disturbing cannot prevail waging a campaign of essary goals. Sectarian factions are di- contradiction. The Senate unani- the status quo. So some will slowly re- vided more than ever. Without the seri- mously says, this is our best com- duce funding for his Army in an effort ous involvement and motivation of the mander. Before they vote and say we for it to wither on the vine. And it to Iraqi people, the President’s proposals are going to send you, he says, I need me is disgraceful. to send more American troops into these five brigades. Then this body Ladies and gentlemen, does this fit harm’s way amounts to little more drafts a resolution that says, we do not the definition of loyalty and support of than having 21,000 more soldiers stay think he should have the five brigades. members of the United States Armed the course. I suppose we have the Senate and the Forces serving bravely in Iraq? This I cannot support. The President House now in complete contradiction. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of should consider the views of many ac- General Petraeus is a decisive man who my time. tive and retired military generals who has a decisive strategy, and he intends Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- advised him to change his strategy in to reinforce our troops and root out the er, I yield 5 minutes to the gentle- Iraq. Instead of adding more soldiers, enemy. Aside from the gratuitous woman from Arizona (Ms. GIFFORDS). he should instead focus on some of the gloom that is smothering the debate on Ms. GIFFORDS. Mr. Speaker, as best recommendations set forward by Iraq, moving in reinforced strength to Members of the 110th Congress we are the bipartisan Iraq Study Group that destroy an enemy is a time-honored about to cast one of our most impor- he commissioned. and frequently successful course of tant votes yet. Americans in my dis- These recommendations include military action. trict of southern Arizona and across keeping Iraq rapid reaction and special It is so especially when conducted by the country want their Representatives operation forces in Iraq to strike al a capable commander. We have already to bring closure to the United States’ Qaeda militias, setting performance agreed that General Petraeus is such a involvement in Iraq. This vote is the benchmarks for the Iraqi Government commander. Many of us know that this first step towards doing precisely that. and holding them accountable, pro- is what our troops yearn to do. It is A few weeks ago President Bush gave viding economic assistance to Iraq that what Americans yearn for us to do, a nationally televised speech to the will help create jobs, strengthen infra- prevail. American people to announce his new structure, and improve the Iraqi capac- Now, lest one of my colleagues is way forward for Iraq. But it sounded ity to be independent and stable. tempted to try some contextual mis- strangely familiar. The President ac- Last but not least, beginning a new chief, we all know that military vic- knowledged that his policies and plans dialogue with Iraq’s neighbors because tory with the right strategy is only in Iraq had failed to yield the promised they need to be part of the solution. part of the equation of success in Iraq. results, and yet his only suggestion The basic message of the Iraq Study Real success is not a quick, easy affair. was to do more of the same. Group and other credible experts and I might offer success as defined by the During my first few weeks in Con- strategists is that the situation in Iraq establishment of a stable, popularly gress serving on the House Armed is a political not just a military crisis. elected government, the rise of the rule Services Committee, the Foreign Af- The President’s military escalation of law, and the stability necessary to fairs Committee, I have been listening, plan without a political component is foster the growth of a strong middle learning, asking tough questions. I bound to fail. Along with all other pa- class. have participated in many hours of triotic Americans, I strongly support That will take a combined and con- hearings and briefings with top admin- our men and women in uniform who tinued effort using diplomatic, infor- istration officials. are risking their lives to protect and mational and economic levers. But Those people include Secretary of defend our Nation. those levers cannot fully operate with- Defense Robert Gates, Chairman of the Our Armed Forces must have the out security. And that is the challenge Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Peter tools, the training and the support that I have in listening to this debate. We in Pace, Secretary of the Army Francis they need to be successful in any mis- Congress have confirmed General Harvey, Secretary of State Condoleezza sion. I have serious concerns, Mr. Petraeus and sent him now into battle. Rice, former Congressman Lee Ham- Speaker, that our Army, Marine Corps, And what now do some want to do ilton, co-chairman of the bipartisan along with Guard and Reserve forces with him? They seek to turn the House Iraq Study Group commissioned by the are being stretched too thin. floor into a cockpit of battlefield wis- President. dom to disavow his strategy. Some Since being sworn into Congress, I b 0000 may say, go to Iraq, Commander. Dis- have also been reading dozens of letters Instead of sending 21,000 more young regard the strategy that you talked sent to me by my constituents, flying American soldiers to Iraq as part of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00247 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4346 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 that same failed strategy, the Presi- bringing American troops home safe, lion a month to keep going and going dent should focus on the Global War on soon. It is time to bring this war in and going as we borrow the money Terror. Failure is not an option. Amer- Iraq to an end. Achieving peace in Iraq from China. ica must prevail against many serious will require an Iraqi political solution. But I have also found the debate, at threats around the world, whether in Peace requires a robust, active, tire- times, disappointing, where Members the Middle East or elsewhere. less diplomacy from the United States, of the other side have questioned our Mr. Speaker, I will vote to support in partnership with Iraq’s neighbors side and they have said, whose side are the resolution before this body because and the entire world community. This we on? And how can we say that we our brave men and women in uniform Congress has the opportunity and the support the troops, and that we are, deserve a strategy that honors their obligation to advance a foreign policy somehow, unpatriotic. sacrifices. The President’s plan does vision rooted in the belief that Iraq’s And I would just like to say that not do that. future requires shared global commit- when the Republican Party and this Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- ment. President didn’t send enough troops, er, I am now happy to yield 5 minutes Tomorrow Congress will pass this bi- we didn’t call you unpatriotic. And to the gentlelady from Minnesota (Ms. partisan resolution. This resolution is when you sent our young soldiers over MCCOLLUM). important because it is the second step there without the body armor, we Ms. MCCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. in putting the White House on notice. never called you unpatriotic. Speaker, there is no more important The first notice was delivered to Presi- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE issue facing our Nation today than the dent Bush by the American people last The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. prolonged, painful, deadly war in Iraq. November when they elected a new ma- HODES). The Chair must remind the Next month America’s courageous and jority to Congress. The American peo- Members to address the Chair when determined troops start year 5 of com- ple elected this majority because they speaking in debate. bat operations inside Iraq. wanted this very debate to take place, Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, we As Iraq continues to deteriorate into because they reject the ‘‘stay the never called the other side unpatriotic a failed state of endless killing, Presi- course’’ status quo in Iraq. when they sent our soldiers over with- dent Bush has decided not only to stay Instead of hearing the American peo- out enough body armor. And when they the course but to escalate America’s ple, instead of acting on the rec- didn’t send enough up-armored combat presence. ommendations of the Iraq Study Humvees, we never called anybody un- The resolution we debate tonight Group, instead of learning from his patriotic. And now, when the next puts Congress in step with the Amer- past mistakes in Iraq, President Bush batch goes over without the proper ican people in rejecting the President’s decided to escalate the war. jammers or up-armored kits, we don’t escalation of the war. This resolution Rather than take the counsel and the call you unpatriotic. Now we have called you incompetent. supports our troops and sends a clear advice of experienced statesmen and We said you are incapable, and we said message to President Bush that he is trusted military leaders, President you are derelict of your oversight re- increasingly isolated in believing that Bush acted alone and decided to esca- sponsibility. But never, Mr. Speaker, Iraq’s future can only be salvaged by late the war. have we called anyone in this House sending more Americans into their Now our President calls himself ‘‘The unpatriotic. civil war. Decider.’’ In America, the people, not Now let me speak to the resolution. Let us remember that year 5 in Iraq the President, are the ultimate decid- This is very simple. It says two things: will start with over 150,000 U.S. troops ers in our democracy, and the people We support our troops and we do not in the midst of an Iraq civil war. Year and this Congress have decided that support the escalation. It is very sim- 5 in Iraq will start with 2,600 Minnesota the escalation of combat troops into ple and here is why. We have already National Guardsmen and -women who Iraq is misguided. This Congress has done this, Mr. Speaker. We have al- have already served and sacrificed for a the authority and the obligation to ready done this. We have already tried year, being ordered to serve an addi- hold the President accountable, and the escalation and it has not worked. tional 4 months of duty. Year 5 in Iraq this House is ready to exercise its con- From November to January of 2005, we starts with over 3,100 American troops stitutional powers. escalated by 18,000 troops, boots on the having sacrificed their lives and nearly The American people are demanding ground, and the number of daily at- 24,000 troops having sacrificed their action to end this war in Iraq. Let us tacks increased by 17 percent. From bodies. listen to the American people. Tomor- June to October of 2005, we increased To all of our veterans and their fami- row let us pass this important resolu- by 21,000 boots on the ground, and the lies, I offer my prayers, and I pledge tion and begin the process of working number of daily attacks increased by 29 my support in the difficult months and together as Americans to end the war percent. And from May to November of years ahead. With a true sense of hu- in Iraq. 2006, 17,000 more boots on the ground, mility and respect and admiration for Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- and the number of daily attacks in- their service and sacrifices, I thank er, I am now happy to yield 5 minutes creased by 80 percent. you, I thank your families for what to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. This escalation has not worked and it you have endured. RYAN). will not work. The number of insur- Our troops have always done their Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, as gents have increased from 5,000 in 2003 jobs with skill, with determination and we approach the final day of the debate to between 20,000 and 30,000 to October courage. And now it is time for the on this resolution, I have enjoyed the of 2006. So this is very simple. elected leaders of this Nation to re- debate thoroughly. I have found it hu- And I want to make just a few more spond with courage and skill and fore- morous at times. Our friends on the points, Mr. Speaker. One is this. With thought to the challenges presented in other side have tried every argument the last vote for the war, regardless of Iraq. It is time for the people of Iraq, they could possibly muster. They have what party you were in or how you the diverse ethnic groups, the religious talked about President Clinton, they voted, we assumed that the President sects, their tribal leaders, to decide for have talked about Vietnam, they are and the Secretary of Defense would themselves whether their future is to trying to bring up Israel, and my friend send our troops over there with the be one of ongoing murder, revenge, from Indiana also mentioned the issue proper equipment. But with this esca- civil war, or reconciliation, peaceful of consistency. And I find it funny that lation, Mr. Speaker, we know that the cooperation and security. It is time to the pro-life, self-proclaimed pro-life 21,500 troops that are going to go over end Iraq’s dependence on U.S. troops party is the party that wants to keep there will not have the proper Humvee and to fully transfer the responsibility extending the war. I find it ironic that kits, the up-armor for their for security and governance to the all of the great budget hawks in the HUMVEES. They won’t have the prop- Iraqis. It is time to start the process of Republican Party want to throw $8 bil- er jamming devices or enough of them,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00248 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4347 and they won’t have the number of Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, it only Today, the bipartisan Antiterrorism trucks that they need. makes Members look silly if they pol- Caucus met, and we heard from an ex- b 0010 lute the debate. pert from Brookings, and he said that One thing about war is that you have is simply not true. The notion that we You now know it. So if you vote to improvise, adapt, and overcome. are in the midst of a civil war that has against this resolution, you are voting Right? You hear that a lot. We do it gone on for hundreds of years simply is to send our troops over there without and our enemies do it, and it is ex- not true. It is not a fact. the proper equipment before it could be tremely important. What is a fact is that we face an ex- excused because we trusted the Presi- 1 Mr. Speaker, I yield 10 ⁄2 minutes to traordinary enemy, an enemy that dent, assumed, but now we know. the former veteran of the Arizona Na- hates us, an enemy that has been And, finally, Mr. Speaker, we have tional Guard, Mr. SHADEGG. taught a set of beliefs that requires heard a lot over the last couple of days Mr. SHADEGG. Mr. Speaker, I thank about the American Revolution and them to kill us; that requires them to the gentleman for yielding. kill all Americans, all Westerners, all the Civil War and World War II. Well, And just to follow up, I was going to Mr. Speaker, our President today is unbelievers; indeed, a radical jihadist actually begin my remarks tonight by sect that calls for them to kill many not Washington, he is not Lincoln, and noting the tremendous speech I he is not Roosevelt. So I think our Re- Muslims and to do so without excuse. thought that was given by my col- To break all law in doing so. To ignore publican colleagues should take the ad- league Mr. MCHUGH, I believe it was international law in doing so. vice of the Secretary of Defense, and the night before last, in the midst of that is you go to war with the Presi- I would call my colleagues to read this important debate. And I think this this book, ‘‘Knowing the Enemy’’ by dent you have. You don’t go to war is an extremely important debate. In- with the President you wish you had. Mary Habeck. I read it after she spoke deed, I think this is the most impor- to the bipartisan Antiterrorism Cau- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE tant debate in my 12 years in the cus. I want to read a few paragraphs The SPEAKER pro tempore. The United States Congress and I would as- out of this book because I believe it is Chair must remind the Members to ad- sert the most important debate this important to understand: ‘‘Jihadist dress their remarks in debate to the Congress may, indeed, ever have. Chair and not to others in the second But with regard to being unpatriotic, ideologues use this generally accepted person. I want to make my position clear and belief to argue that their interpreta- tion of Islam is also intended for the Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- I want to reference what Mr. MCHUGH self such time as I may consume. said. entire world, which must be brought to Sometimes in the middle of debate First, I respect every Member on the recognize this fact peacefully if pos- when one gentleman refuses to yield to other side of the aisle, and I respect sible and through violence if not.’’ another gentleman, it can be for a vari- their right to express their views. And, We have been told over and over and ety of reasons perhaps, but sometimes quite frankly, the other evening when I over and over again that these it is because the argument is pretty spoke in this debate, I said I respect jihadists, the radical jihadists, hate us. weak. and share their frustration, both at In the debate earlier on this floor I So I have listened to this debate. I where we are in this war and how we asked my colleagues, I asked anyone have not heard anybody on this side of got there. on either side of the aisle, if you can the aisle call any of my Democratic But the gentleman pointed out that name for me a single radical jihadi colleagues unpatriotic. So the gen- he hadn’t heard anybody labeled unpa- leader who has said that if America tleman who just spoke protests too triotic. I think Mr. MCHUGH’s com- leaves Iraq, if America will pull back much. Maybe he has some deep feeling ments were quite in tone with what I from Iraq, the war will end? I have inside, has some guilt inside perhaps. I have heard in the portion of this debate asked that question on this floor at don’t know. I can’t speak to that. Only that I have watched, and I have least twice, maybe three times, and no- he can. I would be more than pleased to watched a lot. And he said, ‘‘I have lis- body has taken it up. And the answer is yield to him. I would extend the cour- tened today with great interest, and I because that is not what they want. tesy to him. But I just don’t recall that have enormous respect for Members on I listened to the debate here tonight at all. both sides of the aisle.’’ I have that re- and I respect it. As I said, I share the As a matter of fact, I had to turn frustration over where we are in this here to some staff that is with me be- spect. I have the respect for the sin- war. But if you listen carefully to this cause they are just as sensitive about cerity of my colleagues on both sides of debate, what you hear is: well, if we this as I am and the seriousness of this this aisle. We have, however, an impor- will stop, the war will end. I am afraid debate. tant disagreement which deserves to be The gentleman to my left is an Air aired. it is not that true. I am afraid it is not Force Academy grad and he is the Air I think there is an important ques- that easy. I am afraid it is not that Force Reserves, and he flies C–5As tion that needs to be asked. That ques- simple. If we were to stop, the war right into Baghdad. He knows what tion is, if we do not defeat radical would not end. that is like. jihadists in Iraq, the radical Islamists Listen to the words of al Qaeda, the The two gentlemen right behind me, with whom we are at war there now, if words of Osama bin Laden, the words of this gentleman right here, Jeff Phil- we do not defeat them in Iraq, then Ayman al Zawahiri. Over and over and lips, served in the first gulf war, in the where? And if we do not defeat them over again, they have told us that that second gulf war, and has two Bronze now, then when? would not be the end of the war. In- Stars. This other gentleman over here, Let me first start by making a few deed, it would not end their war Jim Lariviere, served in Afghanistan points about the record and setting the against us. and wears the Bronze Star. record straight. My colleague from Let me talk first about Ayman al So I turned to all three of these guys Texas pointed out a few moments ago Zawahiri. Here is his quote: ‘‘It is jihad and I asked them, Have you heard any- that we are each entitled to our own for the sake of God and will last until body say or make someone feel as opinion, but not to our own facts. I our religion prevails . . . The entire though they were unpatriotic? And the would suggest that there is a fact world is an open battlefield for us. We answer was ‘‘no’’ from these three men. across this Nation, an accepted fact, will attack everywhere until Islam So please don’t come and pollute the which is flat untrue. And it was re- reigns.’’ debate because it only makes you look ferred to in the debate here just a few Osama bin Laden: ‘‘The whole world silly. moments ago. And that is the notion is watching this war and the two adver- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE that Shia and Sunni have been at war saries; the Islamic Nation on the one The SPEAKER pro tempore. The with each other for hundreds of years hand and the United States and its al- Chair must remind Members to address and killing each other for hundreds of lies on the other. It is either victory remarks to the Chair. years. and glory or misery and humiliation.’’

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00249 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4348 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 b 0020 There have been parallels to prior flag? You are 110 percent right as it re- Ayman al-Zawahiri again: ‘‘The jihad wars. I would suggest that this debate lates to my feelings towards that. And in Iraq requires several incremental is similar, very similar, to the debate I respect those Members who have been goals; expel the Americans from Iraq, that led up to our involvement both in in the ROTC and came up through col- establish an Islamic authority or the World War I and World War II. Men lege and what have you and joined the amarat, extend the jihad to secular of goodwill do like not to engage in Reserves and active duty. I trust their countries neighboring Iraq, and then war. It would be nice to have been able judgment. They have the right to say the clash with Israel.’’ to believe that Hitler would go away, what they want to say when they want And last, Osama bin Laden: ‘‘Hos- and well-meaning Americans argued to say it. tility toward America is a religious that we should stay out of that war. But I shared with the President that duty. We hope to be rewarded by God But ultimately we couldn’t, because ul- this will pass. And he shook his head for it. I am confident that Muslims will timately the Japanese empire attacked and said, ‘‘I believe it will pass too, be able to end the legend of the so- us at Pearl Harbor and we recognized Kendrick.’’ I said, ‘‘Mr. President, here is some- called superpower that is America.’’ that we had to be involved in that war. There is no end to this war simply I would suggest to you that that is thing else that we have to be together because we choose to stop fighting. It where we are now, and I would suggest on, and there has to be some level of will not go away. to you that there is no such thing when compromise.’’ Let me refer again to Mary Habeck you are at war as a nonbinding resolu- Yes, this is a nonbinding resolution, and ‘‘Knowing the Enemy,’’ which, Mr. tion, and there is no such thing as a but this is the first time that the Speaker, I hope you have read and all resolution that does not do damage to President has ever had any, any, any others who participate in this debate the morale our troops. pressure from the Congress on his original thoughts and what he says will read. Let me conclude, if I might, just by ‘‘The three main jihadist ideologues pointing out that this resolution may military commanders call for. Now, since folks have been talking make clear a central point of the ongo- send a message to the White House, about who they are here on this floor ing war with falsehood: That it will and I understand and sympathize with and what they have done and chest continue until Islam has liberated the the desire to do that. But the more im- beating and all, I have been a member entire world from darkness, tyranny portant message it will send is to our of the Armed Services Committee. I am and servitude. Jihadists thus neither allies around the world that America a member of the Ways and Means Com- recognize national boundaries within cannot be trusted, that America can- mittee now and still on Armed Services the Islamic lands, nor do they believe not be relied upon, that America is an on a waiver. that the coming Islamic state when it ally that will leave. I said I wanted to go back to Armed is created should have permanent bor- Osama bin Laden has said it over and Services because we are at war and we ders with unbelievers. The recognition over and over again: Attack them, have to make sense here in this House. of such boundaries would end the ex- fight them. Ultimately they will grow We just can’t say we are there and we pansion of Islam and stop offensive weak and they will back down. got to stay there as long as we got to jihad, both of which are transgressions Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- stay there, until the last insurgent against the laws of God that command er, I yield 6 minutes to the gentleman says that they give up. Well, guess jihad to last until judgment day or from Florida (Mr. MEEK). what? They are not going to give up. until the entire Earth is under the rule Mr. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I They are not going to give up, and they of Islamic law.’’ am excited about being here. I want to are not going to say, well, we are leav- It would be nice if we could ask this thank the gentlelady for yielding. But ing. They are not going to say that. war to go away, but it won’t. So I ask I am going to put my prepared notes to So if our mission is to stay there as again, if you do not want to confront the side here, because I don’t think long as the last insurgent is there, so radical jihadists in Iraq, then where? that is needed at this point, because we someone would not be looking at And if not now, then when? are well into debate now, Mr. Speaker, troops leaving on the plane saying we This war did not begin in 2003. It on this very issue of Iraq. won, if that is the issue, then we have began not in 2001 with the attack on I would like to disclose to the House to readjust our thinking here. the World Trade Center. No. We have that I am not a member of the armed Let me just share something with been at war with these radical jihadists services. I have never served in a for- you. I said to the President, ‘‘Yes, this for decades. In 1979, radical jihadists ward area. I wasn’t even a member of is nonbinding, but it means a lot. It seized the American embassy in Tehran the ROTC. But I am a Member of the sends a message to the country that we and held American hostages for 444 U.S. Congress, and I have been federal- heard them last November.’’ days. In 1983, radical jihadists attacked ized to come here to represent my con- You know the reason why this House the Marine barracks in Beirut; 241 were stituents and the people of this great is in the majority for the Democrats murdered. In 1988, they brought down country. this time? You know why? Because the Pan Am Flight 103, known as the I know sometimes we say some rubber stamp Republican Congress rub- Lockerbie bombing; 270 were murdered. things on the floor that we don’t really ber stamped everything that the Presi- In 1993, Islamic terrorists attacked the mean, and then there are some things dent sent to this House and to the Sen- World Trade Center for the first time; we do really mean. ate. And if this was about politics, I six were murdered. In 1996, they at- I had the opportunity to go to the would just go home and sit and watch tacked the Khobar Towers. I have been White House today to speak to the this debate on television and talk to to Khobar Towers before it was brought President on this very issue, and I my wife and tell my wife, guess what, down. I saw where they killed 19 U.S. shared with him, delivered the message sweetheart? The Democrats are about servicemen. 1998, al Qaeda attacked the from the majority of the Members of to gain a greater majority, because the U.S. embassies in Tanzania and Kenya. this House of Representatives on a bi- American people are going to continue They killed 212 in Tanzania and 11 were partisan basis, Republicans and Demo- on a bipartisan way, not just Demo- murdered in Kenya. In 2000, the Islamic crats that have come to this floor and crats, Republicans, independents, those terrorists attacked the USS Cole and 17 said they are going to vote in the af- that never voted before, will start vot- are murdered there. 2001, they attacked firmative on this resolution because ing because they think that we are not New York, Washington and Pennsyl- they don’t believe in the escalation of listening. vania and they killed 3,000. troops. Now, I am going to share this also This war is the heart of the war on A supermajority of the Members of with you, what is very, very important. terror, and if we do not confront them the House have not served in the mili- I said, ‘‘Mr. President, it is nonbinding, now, then when? If we do not confront tary. Now, do we respect and honor but you are going to have a supple- them in Iraq, then where? those that allow us still to salute one mental that is going to come through,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00250 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4349 and there has to be language in there for management of this war in Iraq, I could not help but worry that if we do that speaks to the point of readiness, and I am glad that we are having this not get it right soon in Iraq it will not speaks to the point of the fact that if debate. be long before this little boy and my you say we are going to send 20,000 Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- twins will be part of this conflict. combat troops and 3,000 support per- er, I yield 6 minutes to the gentle- And finally, there are soldiers like sonnel, that they have what they need woman from Florida (Ms. WASSERMAN the young man who shared so much to carry out the mission.’’ SCHULTZ). with me and who sincerely explained to The President heard what I had to Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. me that he was actually glad that he say and came right back and said, Speaker, I am going to bring it back was badly injured, as opposed to his ‘‘Kendrick, do you believe for a minute down a notch for a minute. gunner, because his gunner had a wife that I would put troops in harm’s way On Tuesday, I had the privilege to and kids and he did not want his bud- if the military commanders did not tell spend time with some of our Nation’s dy’s family to have to look into his us what we had?’’ finest. I traveled to Walter Reed Army eyes like that. He told me he wants to Respectfully I told the President, ‘‘It Medical Center and talked with some run for office one day, and our Nation has happened before.’’ I have sat next of our soldiers who dedicated their will be better for it. to Mr. RYAN in the Armed Services lives to protect our Nation and gave America’s future depends upon this Committee and watched four star gen- their hearts, souls and bodies to the generation of Americans, but while erals answer the question, ‘‘Do you cause of freedom. they fight to protect our country, they have what you need?’’ ‘‘Yes, we have As I was driving out to the hospital, are depending on us to protect them. it.’’ I reflected upon the changes in Iraq in They are counting on us, the United Then we went to Iraq twice. Not the year-and-a-half since my first visit States Congress and this President, to once. Not when somebody told me that to Walter Reed. During that visit, IED have a plan, a strategy that gets us got off the plane that came back from was not a regular part of the American somewhere and to help get them home Iraq and said, ‘‘Kendrick, guess what.’’ vocabulary, Mr. Speaker. Fatalities and not endlessly commit their lives In Mosul, in Baghdad, folks getting were shocking. The mounting death and their families’ lives to this war. So, Mr. Speaker, today I join an over- ready to go out on patrol did not have toll was disturbing. whelming majority of the American up-armored vehicles. And I am a Mem- Today, there are insurgent attacks people, a bipartisan majority of Con- ber of Congress. You would think some- almost every day. Iraq has descended gress and some of the President’s own one would bring up-armored vehicles into a deadly civil war, and almost military leaders to raise my voice and out because they have Members of Con- every American has become familiar to be the voice of the constituents, the gress there. And people are there say- with the term IED and the deadly im- thousands of people who I represent in ing, and the troops are there saying, pact they have on the young men and the 20th district of Florida, against es- soldiers, in the field, 18 months on the women that we send to fight for us in this war. calating this war in Iraq. second deployment, saying, ‘‘Congress- But more importantly, I raise my The terms of war that my good friend man, I know what you think, but let voice for my generation and for all the from Indiana so well knows, the casual- me tell you something: We don’t have little boys and girls in America whose ties, death, kidnappings, injuries, heli- what we need.’’ mommies and daddies are in Iraq and copter crashes, bombs, amputations, 0030 Afghanistan fighting for this country b good-byes, sorrow and pain have all be- They still do not have what they and for freedom. come commonplace. This President owes the American need. So I come to this floor, yes, with We hear that another helicopter was people, but more importantly, these great passion. I was not a member of shot down or that three more soldiers brave troops, a strategy that makes the military, but doggone it, I am a died today in Iraq, and soon enough we sense, that will do the job and that will Member of Congress. I am not going to become numb to the true impact that help get them home. The President’s let any Member of Congress make me this war is having on our troops and policy fails that 6-year-old little boy believe or any other Member believe their families. with a heart of gold and a smile that that they are less of a Member because These young men and women rep- lights up the room who only wants his they do not have the credentials that resent true honor, courage and selfless- daddy to come home forever. the next person has. ness. They also represent the incalcu- I support this resolution because the What I do know is that someone lable cost of the war, the price tag that explanation the President has given woke up early Tuesday morning at 7:00 is not mentioned, the lives, limbs, the American people is not good a.m. to vote for representation in this hopes and dreams. enough. I cannot help but think about U.S. House of Representatives, and They are soldiers like a young man I the way this war is affecting not only doggone it, they are going to get, and met Tuesday who was travelling on my generation, Mr. Speaker, but the those troops are going to get it. foot with his convey when an IED ex- generations following mine. They, too, So tomorrow it is going to be judg- ploded, and as he put it, blew him up. recognize the sacrifices that our men ment time. Either you are with going He had served in Iraq twice before, and and women in uniform are facing. in the old direction or in the new direc- on his third tour of duty, Mr. Speaker, Students from two schools in my dis- tion. he became a double amputee, lost his trict, Nob Hill Elementary and Silver And the only reason that I have com- arm and leg. Clearly, his total experi- Ridge Elementary, made Valentine’s fort, Mr. Speaker, tonight is the fact ence will change him completely. Day cards for the soldiers, and I got a that I know that there is going to be a Another young soldier was spending chance to deliver them Tuesday during bipartisan vote on that board, just like time with his family when I visited. He my visit to Walter Reed. One of these it was on the minimum wage, just like has a 6-year-old little boy who talked cards reads, the one right here: ‘‘Thank it was as it relates to prescription to me excitedly about how his daddy you for protecting our country and me. drugs, just like it was in cutting back was finally going to come home forever You’re the best. I would never have had interest rates on student loans. All after August. He, too, had two previous the guts to fight with guns anyways. these bipartisan votes, and this is tours and fell severely ill this third You are my hero. Forever and ever. Get going to follow the number of those bi- time. Amazingly, this soldier hopes to well very, very soon.’’ partisan votes. I know that we are go over and finish his tour with his These young children recognize the going to start having the kind of over- company when he is better. service and sacrifice that these war- sight we have to have on this war. As a mom of 7-year-old twins, my riors are making. As Members of Con- I do not believe that it would be a first thought when meeting this de- gress, we owe them no less. full pull out of troops, and I am not lightful little boy was that his dad had It is our responsibility to provide for even looking for that, but I am looking missed half his life so far, half his life. the common defense, and that includes

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00251 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4350 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 vigorous debate, informed discussion Mr. BUYER. I thank the Speaker. I Now we are faced with a vote that and responsible public policy. am thankful that the gentlewoman says I support the troops, I support the I support this resolution because it gave the answer to her question, and members of the Armed Forces. does just that, and Mr. Speaker, I sup- the answer was that it was implicit. How can we say, ‘‘I support you, but, port this resolution because the gen- It is very easy in debate to come Mr. Commander, we are not going to tleman from Indiana knows better. down and to create a straw person and give you the troops’’? That is the point It does not require words to question then attack the straw person. If the of the question. patriotism. We have had plenty of im- gentlewoman has felt that way, that is So please don’t try to spin it into plication throughout this debate on completely unfortunate. But please something that says, oh, you are call- this floor on the other side of the aisle, don’t say you have been called unpatri- ing me unpatriotic. That is what I and death by a thousand cuts is the otic. That is the exchange I had with think is rather peculiar. same as direct words. It is irresponsible an earlier speaker. Don’t accuse Repub- Mr. Speaker, does the gentlewoman and unconscionable that the other side licans of such things. I am disturbed by have any other speakers? of the aisle has questioned the patriot- that and very bothered. Mrs. DAVIS of California. Yes. Mr. ism of the Members who disagree. Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Would Speaker, we have one additional speak- It is Congress’ job to disagree. It is the gentlewoman yield? er. our role in the system of checks and Mr. BUYER. I am more than pleased Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 balances, as our Founding Fathers en- to yield to the gentlewoman. seconds to the gentleman from Texas visioned them, unfortunately a role Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Does (Mr. GOHMERT). that was absent for the last 12 years. the gentleman not understand that Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, when Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- when words are used, that they don’t people on the other side of the aisle self such time as I may consume. actually have to be exact words to sug- wonder how we can ask, Do you really I would like to, on my time, yield to gest a particular opinion on the part of support the troops? How about this the gentlewoman. I would like to yield the Member? And do you really think quote that was contributed to Mr. to the gentlewoman on my time, since that it is beyond question that any of MURTHA? ‘‘They won’t be able to con- she would not yield on her time. Would the Members on your side of the aisle tinue. They won’t be able to do the de- the gentlewoman please identify by as they engaged in this discussion and ployment. They won’t have the equip- name a Republican who has called a debate did not question the patriotism ment. They don’t have the training. Democrat in this debate unpatriotic? of our Members? I mean, me thinks They won’t be able to do the work.’’ Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. thou dost protest too much, as the gen- There is no question in my mind. Speaker, will the gentleman yield? tleman stated earlier. I yield to the On his Web site that has now been Mr. BUYER. I yield to the gentle- gentleman. taken down, it says, ‘‘Chairman MUR- woman from Florida. Mr. BUYER. I thank the gentle- THA will describe his strategy for not Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. I woman for her remarks. only limiting the deployment of troops thank you for yielding. Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Would the gen- to Iraq, but undermining other aspects I was just taking my opportunity. tleman yield? of the President’s foreign and national You have had more than 45 minutes to Mr. BUYER. I am more than pleased security policy.’’ an hour of your own time to discuss to yield to the gentleman from Ohio. He is the Commander in Chief. That your own view, and each us would like Mr. RYAN of Ohio. As I was watching is undermining the President. that same opportunity. It is 12:40 in the the debate prior to my speech, I wrote Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- morning. So I appreciate you yielding. down a quote that was stated by the er, I just want to inquire of our re- I can tell you, as I just mentioned in gentleman from Indiana looking at the maining time. my remarks, that it does not require Democrats saying, How can we say we The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- express words. By implication, there support the troops? Question mark. tlewoman from California has 18 min- are many Members on your side of the Now, if that is not questioning the utes. The gentleman from Indiana has aisle who have questioned the patriot- patriotism of our side, I don’t know 16 minutes. ism of any of us who disagree with the what is. Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- President’s policy. The President’s pol- Mr. BUYER. Now I seek to reclaim er, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman icy is inappropriate, and it is Congress’ my time, because that is a legitimate from Ohio (Mr. RYAN). role to question to engage in vigorous question. Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, it is oversight. That is a role that was ab- As the commander in the field, if you entirely possible and welcomed under sent for the last 12 years, and that is say to the commander, ‘‘I support the Constitution of the United States why the American people elected you.’’ All right? What is the com- to have disagreements about how we Democrats to lead this chamber on No- mander going to say? The commander need to handle troops deployments, vember 7 and move this country in a says, ‘‘All right, I have a mission, and how we need to handle our situation in new direction, which unfortunately you say I support you.’’ That means, I different wars. And it is not to be said you have neglected to do. suppose, that I support you by making that because one party or one group of Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming sure that you have been properly people have a different philosophy and my time, I have neglected to do? trained, that you have your uniform, a different strategy, that somehow Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. You that you have your ammunition, you they are not supporting the troops. collectively. have your helmet, you have your body Now, your party and your President, Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, are you Kevlar. You have what is necessary to the Republican Party, Mr. Speaker, questioning my motives accomplish your mission. But do you? and the Republican President are the PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY If the commander says, ‘‘I need more ones who sent our kids to battle with- Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, parliamen- troops to accomplish that mission,’’ out armor, without body armor. And it tary inquiry. Is it proper for one Mem- you say, ‘‘But you can’t have those.’’ Is took JACK MURTHA months to uncover ber to try to question the motive of an- that then supporting the commander? it, and then to finally get it paid for other Member? That is why I pointed out the con- and distributed. It was the Republican tradiction in that the Senate says to Party, Mr. Speaker, who sent kids into b 0040 General Petraeus, ‘‘We agree, you are battle without up-armored Humvees. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE our best commander to go over there.’’ Now, nobody questioned the Repub- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Even in And before they took that vote, he lican Party’s patriotism, and nobody heated debate, the Members should be said, ‘‘I need those five brigades.’’ So asked them if they supported the more orderly in the process of yielding they passed the vote and they sent troops. Again, we called you incom- and reclaiming time. General Petraeus over. petent, we said you were incapable, we

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00252 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4351 said you were derelict in your duty, we tially disastrous escalation to move generations is not a Nation built on said you should have provided over- forward? bullying, not a strategy based on scat- sight and you didn’t. But we never I think the question answers itself. tershot military intervention but a called you unpatriotic. And I am proud today to stand here in comprehensive foreign policy that Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- support of this resolution, and register combines American might with Amer- er, I now recognize Mr. CHRIS MURPHY my strong support of our troops and ican diplomacy. In order to secure this of Connecticut for 5 minutes. He will be my strong opposition to escalating this Nation for the next generation, we our last speaker, and, as we all know, war. need to acknowledge that the most im- he is a veteran of the Iraq war. As we finish the debate tonight, I portant question we must ask is not Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. Mr. have been joined in these final remarks who do we attack next, but instead how Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for by some of the younger colleagues in do we reset our place in this world in a yielding. I often get confused with my the House of Representatives. And I way that would prevent the forces who good friend from Pennsylvania. think our unity is significant. I should would do America harm from becoming Let’s just touch for one minute, be- remind other Members of this House stronger? fore I address the resolution on the that we are discussing the fates of Mr. Speaker, we need to come to question that our friends from the many young men and women, my class- grips with the fact that we live in a other aisle brought to us today and mates, my friends, that are this hour world in which our own supposed allies that Mr. RYAN was so good enough to fighting and dying in a country half- create societies that foster extremism talk about as well, that is this notion way around the world. and violence amongst their most that in order to support the troops, you b 0050 marginalized members. At the same have to support the commander of the time our Nation often strangely views troops. As younger Members we also serve as cultural and political global detach- Well, having spent the last 2 years reminders that our duty here is not ment as a virtue rather than a weak- walking around talking to every sector just to set policies to secure the safety ness. This combination causes those of the constituents of the Fifth Dis- of our country in terms of months or that speak different tongues and those trict of Connecticut, having a sense of years but also in terms of decades. that worship different gods to look where the American people came down Mr. Speaker, I have never fought in a upon our great Nation with undeserved in November on this question, the war. I haven’t shot another man on the derision. This must change. American people seem to agree with battlefield nor have I been wounded For my mind, we do that in three folks on this side of the aisle, which myself. But I have been allowed the parts. First, we must pass this resolu- says this: There is a difference between privilege to represent my constituents tion in order to pivot to a much broad- supporting the troops and supporting in this body because of the selfless er conversation. And in that conversa- the commander. bravery of those men and women tion in the coming days and months, It is not an issue of patriotism nec- around this country that made a dif- we must redeploy our troops both to essarily, it is an issue of differentiating ferent choice than I did, those that vol- home and to fights that are central to between the brave men and women who unteered to go overseas and fight and the war on terror, such as in Afghani- are over there fighting and dying for defend this country. It is my duty to stan. The gentlemen from the other this country, and the man who sends stand here today and thank them for side of the aisle are right. This battle them into battle. You can disagree their service, thank their families for with terrorists who may do harm to with him and you can support the their service, but also to be their advo- this country does not end no matter troops. You can do that out in the pub- cate here tonight. Because the Presi- what happens on the ground in Iraq. lic as a matter of your private advo- dent is asking a cadre of our bravest But we must focus on our energies cacy, and you can do that here on this young men and women to go house to there. Lastly, we need to begin, going floor. house in Baghdad to root out an insur- forward from today, to renew that mul- That is where the American public gency while he does virtually nothing tilateral spirit that once made this came down on election day. They said to address the systematic causes of country great by proving ourselves in loud and clear that day, ‘‘We support that insurgency. One hundred thousand the future to be both a strong America the troops.’’ They go every day to cele- troops may not be able to do the job and a humble America. brations of those troops when they that the President is asking 21,000 to Mr. Speaker, I stand here today in leave and when they come home. They do. Escalating the number of troops in support of this resolution. go to much more somber ceremonies Baghdad hasn’t worked in the past and Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- when they don’t return home. And then it most likely won’t work here. self such time as I may consume. on election day they come out and they Through his actions, the President is There was a peculiar comment a bit say this: ‘‘I support those troops. I putting our soldiers’ lives at unneces- ago from the gentleman from Ohio don’t support the man who put them sary and unconscionable risk. There is when he said, well, I didn’t call you un- into harm’s way in the manner that he a resolution in Iraq but it’s a political patriotic when you sent troops into did that.’’ solution. It’s not a military resolution. battle and they didn’t have their up-ar- Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank And we owe it to our soldiers who have mored Humvees. What a weird state- Speaker PELOSI and Leader HOYER for done everything that we have asked ment to say. allowing us to be here this morning. It them to do to stand up to a President You see, we prepare our force. So, for is late at night, and I will be brief in who would ask them to do a job that example, when myself and Colonel my remarks on the resolution before they cannot and should not do. And be- Phillips in the first Gulf War, those us. yond our duty to our current genera- Hummers that we took in, they didn’t Amidst the embarrassing overabun- tion of troops on the ground, our re- even have doors on them. We didn’t dance of thorny foreign policy ques- sponsibility, quite frankly, also lies have doors on the side of those. We tions before this House currently, the with the generations to come. I decided didn’t go in with all the side plates and question before this Chamber tonight to seek a seat in this House at a rel- front plates, groin plates, neck plates, is a fairly simple one: Do we agree with atively young age because I was fearful shoulder plates. We didn’t do all that. the Nation’s military establishment, that the decisions that were being Most of that, the body armor, was re- with the country’s foreign policy com- made here today would have dramatic served for special ops. When you move munity, with popular opinion, and re- consequences for the world that my fu- in to counterinsurgency and then the ject this President’s very wrongheaded ture children and grandchildren will enemy begins to use roadside bombs to plan to send 21,000 more troops into grow up in. And I came here to begin a attack our Hummers, what do we have Iraq? Or do we remain silent in homage conversation that acknowledges that to do? We respond. That is why I made to Congress’ past and allow this poten- what will make this Nation safe for the comment of what does our military

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00253 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4352 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 do? They improvise, they adapt and least 25 charities contributing to ter- Zarqawi from al Qaeda’s deputy Ayman they overcome, and that is exactly the rorist activities since September 11. al-Zawahiri. In discussing Iraq, same thing which our enemies do. So it That is here in our own country. Zawahiri stated: was a very peculiar comment to say, In South America there is a strong al ‘‘I want to be the first to congratu- well, we didn’t attack you because. I Qaeda presence in the tri-border area of late you for what God has blessed you don’t know. It’s so peculiar, I don’t Argentina, Paragiau and Brazil. with in terms of fighting battle in the even want to comment anymore on it. In Western Europe, where there have heart of the Islamic world, which was What I would like to comment on is been recently uncovered plans for at- formerly the field for major battles in the nature of the enemy and the sig- tacks against Great Britain and the Islam’s history, and what is now the nificance of Iraq and the global war United States and where insurgent fi- place for the greatest battle of Islam in against militant Islamists. nancial networks and planning cells this era.’’ Mr. Speaker, at this time I would flourish throughout Europe supporting Zawahiri went on to outline the larg- like to turn our attention to the nature insurgent activities. er strategy for Iraq. First, expel the of the enemy we face and the signifi- In the Southern Pacific, where the Americans from Iraq. Second, establish cance of Iraq in the global war against Bali bombings in October 2002 were at- an Islamic authority and reestablish militant Islam. We often use the term tributed to an al Qaeda-linked cell. the Caliphate. Third, extend the jihad ‘‘global war on terrorism’’ to describe In the Ibernian Peninsula and North neighboring secular Islamic countries. our efforts since the September 11 at- Africa where North Africans were Fourth, eliminate Israel. Thus we see a tacks. I believe this is a misnomer. In blamed for the May 2004 Madrid bomb- clear statement from the number two reality, we are engaged in a campaign ings and where there have been bomb- man in al Qaeda that Iraq is centrally to counter a global, radical Islamist in- ings in Casablanca, Morocco and Tuni- important to the global jihad. surgency, a global jihad. This global in- sia. Al Qaeda is not alone in operating in surgency is, in fact, a diverse confed- In the greater Middle East, where Iraq. There have been extensive Iranian eration of Islamic movements that uses there are ongoing Islamic insurgencies involvement that has been alleged re- terrorism as only one of its many tac- in Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, cently. On March 14, 2006, General John tics in their war against the West. Yemen, Turkey, Lebanon and Israel/ Abizaid told the Senate Armed Serv- On February 23, 1998, Osama bin Palestine. ices Committee that ‘‘Iran is pursuing Laden, leader of al Qaeda, declared war In East Africa, where simultaneous a multitrack policy in Iraq, consisting on the United States, Israel and the bombings in October 1998 in Kenya and of covertly supporting the formation of West in his statement ‘‘World Islamic Tanzania were coordinated from the a stable, Shia Islamist-led central gov- Front Declaration of War against Jews Sudan. ernment while covertly working to di- and Crusaders.’’ Subsequently, bin The Caucuses and European Russia, minish popular and military support Laden’s deputy, Ayman al-Zawahiri, where nationalist insurgencies in for U.S. and Coalition operations issued a statement after September 11 Chechnya, Georgia, and Azerbaijan there.’’ While the full extent of Iranian sup- announcing a two-phase strategy for al have been co-opted by Islamic mili- port is unknown, it appears that at a Qaeda’s war. First, reestablish the Is- tants. minimum Iran is supporting the 20,000- lamic Caliphate, the historical and South and Central Asia, where the man Badr Brigade as well as the 2,000- temporal authority of all Muslims that Taliban and al Qaeda continue to oper- man Wolf Brigade which is an offshoot. existed from 632 A.D. until 1924 A.D, ate in Afghanistan and in Pakistan’s Just this week, administration officials and, second, use the Caliphate as a federally administered tribal areas. announced that Iran was the source of launch pad for a jihad against the And in Southeast Asia, where Islamic deadly explosive form projectiles being West. insurgencies continue in Indonesa, the used in Iraq. No one believes that Osama bin Philippines and southern Thailand. Iraqis also grasp that Iraq is central Laden directly controls this worldwide These Islamic insurgencies share a in this global struggle. Iraqi Prime insurgency. Rather than a single mono- common goal. They are oriented to- Minister Maliki told us here in a joint lithic movement, al Qaeda is but one ward the overthrow of the current session of Congress, ‘‘I know that some movement that symbolizes a broad and world order and its replacement with a of you here question whether Iraq is diverse confederation of militant Is- pan-Islamic Caliphate. They wish to part of that war on terror, but let me lamic movements that operate around change the status quo using violence be very clear. This is a battle between the world. This insurgency includes and subversion in order to initiate a true Islam, for which a person’s liberty such wide-ranging organizations as the clash between Islam and the West. and rights constitute essential corner- Egyptian Islamic Jihad, the Libyan Is- They use terrorism, subversion and stones, and that of terrorism, which lamic Fighting Group, the Islamic propaganda to further their goals and wraps itself in a fake Islamic cloak.’’ Army of Aden, al Qaeda in Iraq, the Is- initiate open warfare. The centrality of Iraq in the larger lamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the It will come as no surprise that most global Islamic insurgency cannot be Abu Sayyaf Group in Malaysia and the of the active Islamic insurgencies take disputed. Our enemies and our friends Philippines. In addition, Iran, a major- place either within the historical in the region grasp its significance. To ity Shia country, backs numerous rad- bounds of the Caliphate, meaning fail in Iraq is to fail in the larger strug- ical Islamic groups, including North Africa, Spain, Turkey and the gle. And our enemies are watching. Hezbollah and Palestine rejectionist Middle East, or in areas claimed by the They remember what America did not groups such as Hamas and the Pales- new broader pan-Islamic Caliphate, grasp the scope of the threat posed by tinian Islamic Jihad. These wide-rang- South Asia, Southeast Asia and Indo- radical Islam. Yet the signals were ing and disparate groups are loosely nesia. These insurgencies contribute to there: linked ideologically, linguistically and what is called an arc of instability that In 1979, 66 American diplomats taken culturally. They use family ties, per- reaches from Indonesia across South hostage, held in Iran for 444 days. sonal relationships and financial links Asia and the Middle East to North Af- In 1983, a truck bomb kills 241 Ma- to coordinate their efforts. Thus, the rica. rines at their barracks in Beirut. global jihad plays out in a variety of Where does Iraq fit into this global In 1988, Pan Am flight 103 bombing theaters around the world. These in- jihad? Iraq has become the front line in kills 270, including 189 Americans, over clude: the open warfare of the global insur- Lockerbie, Scotland. The Americas, where in North Amer- gency. In many ways, Iraq is a micro- In 1993, six killed at the first World ica we saw the September 11 attacks cosm of the complex worldwide Islamic Trade Center bombing by militant Is- and as a House Permanent Select Com- insurgency. The centrality of Iraq to lamic terrorists. mittee on Intelligence report stated, the insurgency became clear in a July In 1996, 19 U.S. servicemembers were Federal authorities have shut down at 2005 letter to the late Abu Musab al- killed at Khobar Towers.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00254 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4353 In 1998, 225 people killed in bombings we need to understand those risks, we States Armed Forces in Iraq and disapproving at our U.S. embassies in Tanzania and are doing it in a context that we know of President Bush’s decision to deploy Kenya. that when we went to this war, we 20,000+ additional combat troops to Iraq. In 2000, al Qaeda’s attack on the de- didn’t properly assess those risks. Like the overwhelming majority of my col- stroyer USS Cole kills 17 American b 0110 leagues in the House and Senate, in 2002 I sailors. voted to authorize the use of force in Iraq In 2001, September 11, killed 2,973. We failed to do that, and we can’t fail should the President deem such force nec- Until 2001, we failed to properly react to do that any longer. essary. to this threat. The enemy perceived us So what we bring to the table and Since then, the men and women of our as weak and believed that we lacked what we bring to this discussion and Armed Services have carried out their mission the will to fight. this debate, and I think it has been a with great courage and bravery, and they suc- This resolution before us, if ap- good debate, Mr. Speaker, is I think it cessfully achieved every military objective we proved, will signal our lack of resolve is important, as a lot of my colleagues set forth. and I am troubled. It will be inter- have said on both sides of the aisle, They removed a tyrannical, oppressive dic- preted, I believe, by the forces of the that we represent the people of our tator who brutally slaughtered his own people, global jihad that the United States community. including innocent women and children. lacks the will to persevere against the I often go into schools and talk to They rebuilt schools and replaced a crum- forces of radical Islam. It will give students about what representation bling infrastructure. comfort to their thoughts, for they will means and tell them that it would be And they provided security for the Iraqi peo- know that we in Congress are uncer- really impossible to take their entire ple to successfully conduct interim elections, tain and irresolute. In a war where in- class to Washington and have every- to write a new constitution, and to democrat- formation and willpower are more im- body there to speak on the floor of the ically elect and install new national leadership. portant than firepower, we must con- House. Well, we are honored, and I The remaining objectives articulated at the tinue to send the signal that we cannot know that my colleague is too, to be in outset—conflict resolution between Sunnis and and will not cease to fight the enemy’s the House, to be able to make those Shiites and national peace and stabilization— vision of the world. You see, even if presentations, and we do it for people can only be achieved for the Iraqis, by the you have your way and you say we are who actually sometimes disagree with Iraqis. Their success will take personal will going to withdraw the troops, whether us as well as agree with us. But it is and political compromise from all domestic they come back to the United States or important that we do that. parties involved. whether they go to an over-the-horizon I think what we bring to this debate Mr. Speaker, success in Iraq today requires position and this new infancy govern- is to try and understand what these a political solution, not a military one. Twenty ment fails, we cannot cower to the se- strategic risks are today. You made my thousand more armed American men and curity of America. This front con- case, and I appreciate that, because women on the ground in Iraq will not change tinues. there are many conflicts, and we need the determination or alter the strategy of the The Bible states, ‘‘If the trumpet to understand them. That is why only warring factions and militants our troops now gives an uncertain sound, who shall focusing on a troop escalation, which face. prepare himself to the battle?’’ If the isn’t 20,000 troops, Mr. Speaker, we The addition of more American forces will trumpet is uncertain, who will follow? know there are probably another 15,000 certainly not encourage the Iraqi Forces to This resolution, I think, sends the in support troops, and those 15,000 take responsibility for their nation’s security. wrong signal to our friends and to our troops, which are there for support of This premise never became clearer than when enemies and I urge my colleagues to combat troops, sometimes get in the GEN. John Abizaid told the Senate Armed support those troops, sound the certain way. We know that, and we know we Services Committee, ‘‘I believe that more trumpet, and defeat the resolution. have had many deaths from our sup- American forces prevent the Iraqis from doing Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of port troops as well. So we need to more and from taking more responsibility for my time. think about this as a much larger their own future.’’ Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- troop escalation. He continued, ‘‘I’ve met with every divisional er, I yield myself as much time as I But the reality is we need to utilize commander—General Casey, the corps com- may consume. all of our other tools, and we want to mander, General Dempsey—we all talked to- Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my col- put the pressure on our country, on gether. And I said, ‘in your professional opin- league on the other side of the aisle, this administration, on the Iraqi people ion, if we were to bring in more American because in many ways he has really and its government and all of our troops now, does it add considerably to our made the case for us. The argument on friends around the world to help us and ability to achieve success in Iraq?’ And they his side has been that we can’t just use step up to the plate; not to just rely on all said no.’’ our military, the tools that they bring our military, not to just rely on our Today’s U.S. military role in Iraq should be us, the great treasure that we have in treasure. We believe that is essential to to assist in support and training initiatives, not them. We cannot solely look to them. make the statement. to lead the charge. We must remember that And I think our great consternation So I want to close, Mr. Speaker, by this democracy does not belong to us, but to over this war has been that we have saying that this has been a good de- the Iraqi people who are responsible for pro- not used our political, our economic bate. It will continue. It will continue tecting and enhancing it. and our diplomatic tools to represent into tomorrow. Then Members will If an increase of troops is needed to sta- the great Nation that we are. have an opportunity to vote and to let bilize specific regions, those troops ought to I have to tell my colleague that I was their constituents know how and why be Iraqi troops. At last count there were really saddened when the veterans of they chose to do that. 325,000 trained, equipped and fielded Iraqi my community asked me, and I have Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, if the gen- Security Forces. At some point in time, these asked our generals and I have asked tlewoman will yield, I just want to Iraqi Forces have to lead security efforts. the President, are we in fact a military compliment her for her civility and the What better time than now? What better op- at war and not a Nation at war? The way she led the debate. It was a good portunity could there be for the Iraqis to mani- generals told me that we are a military discussion, and it is exactly what the fest their national pride and commitment to de- at war. I think the President disagreed American people are looking for from mocracy by concrete actions? The Iraqis are with that. But the reality is that we this body. I congratulate the gentle- ready and the U.S. needs to stop enabling have not brought our Nation to this ef- woman. their dependence. fort in the way that I think is appro- Mr. WALSH of New York. Mr. Speaker, I Recently, the 174th Fighter Wing of the New priate to have done. And so when we rise today in support of this resolution for- York Air National Guard based in my home- talk about the strategic risks that are malizing this body’s resolve to support and town of Syracuse returned from a support tour there, when we talk about the fact that protect the men and women in the United in Iraq, and I’m proud that a young member of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00255 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4354 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 my staff deployed with them. Dozens of other to war under false pretenses has adversely af- I couldn’t agree more. The President’s pro- young men and women from New York’s 25th fected the lives of millions of Americans and posal to escalate the war in Iraq in the naive Congressional District have fought in Iraq and Iraqis. The costs of the nearly four-year old hope of winning a lasting peace is another Afghanistan. I am deeply proud of them and conflict are grave. cockamamy theory that contradicts all avail- their remarkable service to our country. More than 3,100 brave American service- able facts. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you as a mem- men and women, including at least 325 from I strongly urge my colleagues to vote ‘‘yes’’ ber of the greatest deliberative body in the my home state of California, have already died and take this important first step to end the greatest representative democracy in the in the war. An additional 23,000 plus have War in Iraq and bring all of our troops home. world. We are the people’s House. We are all been wounded. Estimates of the number of Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, every member of elected—chosen—every two years by citizens Iraqi civilians killed since the invasion run this Congress, every member, regardless of across this land to converge here in Wash- even higher, from 47,000 to 70,000. All at a political party, and regardless of their position ington to represent them, to vote on their be- cost of $379 billion to the American people. on this war, or the resolution before us now, half, and to ensure that their voices are heard That’s more than $1250 for every man, is equally committed to the security of this na- in every national debate. And as Members of woman, and child currently living in the U.S. tion, our communities, and our families. And I Congress we do so with a unique balance of But these are facts. President Bush is more believe every member of this Congress sup- personal belief and public will. interested in cockamamy theories. ports our troops and their families while they The President is the Commander in Chief. In the run-up to the war, Bush speculated are deployed. We must all support our vet- That is a fact. But he is not the sole decider. that Iraq possessed nuclear weapons. When erans and their families when they return We—the other elected leaders of our govern- intelligence officers suggested that might not home. ment—have a responsibility to express the will be the case, he ignored them. To date, no Since this war began, I have attended, as of the American people as we perceive it. weapons of mass destruction have been many of my colleagues have, deployment The people of my New York district over- found. ceremonies as we send the troops off to fight. Bush also hypothesized that the attack whelmingly supported this mission at its start, I have been on the tarmac in the cold and would turn Iraq into a liberal democracy. When as did I. We still support its goals. We will al- dark mornings when they’ve come home to academic scholars wrote that Iraq’s history ways support our troops. But we do not sup- their families. I have been many times to Wal- and culture didn’t suggest such an outcome port the continued build up of U.S. troops in ter Reed to visit the wounded. I have been to was likely, he dismissed them. Today, despite Iraq. funerals for the fallen and held the hands of the election of an Iraqi Assembly and forma- This resolution states the House’s disagree- loved ones left behind. tion of an Iraqi government, the country is in ment with the President on this strategy, and Over the past weeks, months, and in the a full-fledged civil war. years since this conflict began, I have heard I support this 97-word resolution before us. During the past four years, the President from constituents on all sides of this issue, in- But I also say today clearly and without has repeatedly theorized that America was cluding members of our armed forces who equivocation that I will not support any pro- making progress in Iraq, and that ‘‘success’’ posal to cut funding to our troops while they was just around the corner. I remember, in have served or are now serving in Iraq. Some are in harm’s way. particular, Bush’s summer 2003 statement that of our troops support the war in Iraq, others America has kept her promises to the peo- ‘‘major combat operations in Iraq have oppose it, some support an increase, others ple of Iraq. Over 3,000 American soldiers have ended,’’ his summer 2004 claim that we were don’t. To suggest that opposing the Presi- dent’s planned escalation means not sup- given their lives to ensure those promises ‘‘turning the corner’’ abroad, and CHENEY’s were kept, and their families now go forward summer 2005 reference to an insurgency in its porting the troops would imply that many of with a constant reminder of the price of their ‘‘last throes.’’ Despite these promises, the situ- the troops themselves and many of their loved sacrifice. ation in Iraq has gotten worse every year, not ones back home don’t support the troops. This resolution confronts the reality that better. That suggestion simply makes no sense and there are defined military objectives, defined My favorite declaration came this past sum- we should put it to rest for good. diplomatic objectives, and defined political ob- mer, when the President said that the forma- The real question today is not whether or jectives that can only be achieved by a sov- tion of a new Iraqi government represented a not we are committed to security, or whether ereign and selfsustaining people. ‘‘turning point.’’ or not we support the troops. The real ques- This resolution, ultimately, is about the role Unfortunately, the body count in Iraq con- tion is how we believe protecting security is and the responsibility of the Iraqi people. This tinues to grow. This past July, an average of best achieved. On that, there is legitimate dis- resolution does not call for us to step out— 110 Iraqi adults died each day, the deadliest agreement, which is, or should be, what this American troops there need to remain and month of the war for Iraq. In October, militia debate is about. To have that debate is not take on a different role. Rather, this resolution attacks spiked 22 percent. In December, more only a right, but a responsibility of the elected calls for Iraq to step up. than 100 American troops were killed, the third representatives in a republic such as ours. In- For that reason, it has my support. deadliest month of the war for the United deed, it is to defend that very right that our Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I voted against States. troops are being asked to serve and sacrifice the original resolution authorizing President But the November elections did represent a not just in Iraq, but around the world. Bush to take military action against Iraq. As a turning point—in the United States. The Bush I saw the Pentagon explode from my office Member of the Out of Iraq and Progressive administration no longer has a Republican window on September 11th. We all knew that caucuses, I have and will continue to call for Congress to lick its boots. What’s more, voting thousands of our fellow citizens were dying the immediate withdrawal of American troops. on this resolution will soon suggest President before our eyes and I was worried about the I rise today in strong opposition to the Presi- Bush doesn’t even have the support of his safety of my own family. None of us need to dent’s proposal to send more than 20,000 ad- own party. be reminded through floor speeches or Presi- ditional United States combat troops to Iraq. When the President in January suggested dential homilies about the threat of terrorism. Today’s non-binding resolution is an important sending additional troops to Iraq, Members of But let us also not forget that the terrorists of first step. After its passage, I will encourage Congress from both sides of the aisle criti- that day did not come from Iraq. And let no my colleagues in Congress to take further cized his foolhardy proposal. Senator CHUCK one forget that, with only one exception, the steps to end the War in Iraq. HAGEL, Republican from Nebraska, termed it entire House of Representatives, Democrats When a scientist uncovers facts that con- ‘‘Alice in Wonderland’’ thinking that would and Republicans alike, all voted to authorize tradict a theory, he or she throws out that the- ‘‘represent the most dangerous foreign policy the use of force to destroy the Al Qaeda ory. But when President Bush learns of facts blunder since Vietnam.’’ bases and the Taliban who harbored them in that contradict his theories, he throws out the Retired military personnel weren’t much Afghanistan. That is where the terrorists of facts. As a member of the reality-based com- more enthusiastic. Former General Barry September 11th were based, that is where the munity, I continue to be amazed by this Presi- McCaffrey called the surge ‘‘a fool’s errand.’’ central focus of the fight against terrorists was dent’s disregard for objective truths. Retired Colonel Paul Hughes said ‘‘sending focused, and we were united, along with vir- The President, however, isn’t just a scientist more troops to Baghdad is like pouring more tually the entire world, in that fight. experimenting with chemicals in a laboratory. water in the sands of Al-Anbar. It’s just going Iraq is different, and the focus on Iraq has He is an executive whose decision to take us to disappear without accomplishing anything.’’ distracted and detracted from the mission in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00256 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4355 Afghanistan and the real battle against terror- lives, bodies and families of our troops to a government should then announce that it is ists. Administration suggestions aside, none of mission that lacks a clear objective or any they who are asking us to begin withdrawal, the terrorists of September 11th came from, or foreseeable endpoint. thereby strengthening their credibility and were trained in Iraq, and there were no weap- It is recklessly dangerous to permit a com- leadership while giving our nation a graceful ons of mass destruction. mander in chief to jeopardize our nation’s se- way to exit at their request. Frankly, this President Bush and the rest of the adminis- curity by letting our military equipment, readi- should have been done by the administration tration took this Nation into an unnecessary ness and troop morale continue to decline. It before the Iraq Study Group report and before and ill conceived war based on false threats is shortsighted and unwise to leave our Na- this debate in Congress, but it is still not too and with a deeply flawed plan. Our soldiers, tional Guard and Reserve unprepared and late. their families, our economy, our overall military under-equipped to respond to other challenges 3. While beginning a measured and stra- readiness, the Iraqi people, friends in the re- or crises abroad or within our own borders. It tegic redeployment of our forces from Iraq, we gion, and our coalition partners, have all suf- is wasteful and foolhardy to build the largest should increase our support for infrastructure fered as a result of the administration’s misin- embassy in the world in this very small nation. repair and shift increasing responsibility for formation and miscalculations. It is dangerous and strategically unsound to that effort to Iraqi companies and workers and Before this war, I, and many others, asked concentrate more of our intelligence assets in away from foreign contractors. the administration to answer fundamental this one city, leaving the rest of the world and We should, however, maintain close over- questions. How many troops will this take? other dangerous threats less covered. It is sight of the spending to ensure the resources How many lives will be sacrificed? How long unsustainable for our economy to keep pour- are being used as intended and we should link will we be there? What will it cost financially? ing out money, forgoing needed investments continued financial support to real political and How will we pay for it? How will you manage at home, and piling debt onto our children with security progress on the part of the Iraqis. Fur- internal conflicts among the Iraqi’s them- no real plan to pay for it, and no real end in ther, we should prevail upon wealthy neigh- selves? What will be the impact on our overall sight. It is a breach of trust to not provide the bors in the region, notably the Saudi Arabians security elsewhere in the world? needed services for our veterans and their and others, to expend some of their own vast The fact is this administration has never an- families when they return home. It is irrational funds to enhance the infrastructure effort. We swered any of those fundamental questions and inaccurate to believe that securing Iraq is should also dramatically reduce the size of the honestly or fully. Never. Either they knew the the real key to keeping our nation safe from embassy complex that is now under construc- answers and refused to give them, or they did terror, or that if we withdraw from Iraq the only tion in Baghdad and we should pledge to no not know and went ahead anyway. If the first possible outcome is for our nation to be more permanent U.S. bases in Iraq. is true, they were being dishonest. If the sec- vulnerable. It is immoral to leave our soldiers 4. To help fund the infrastructure and secu- ond is true, they were incompetent. Sadly, it dying and bleeding in the middle of a cen- rity activities within Iraq, and to give every appears likely that both incompetence and du- turies old religious conflict that is not of our Iraqi a stake in the success of their political plicity were at work. creation and is not within our power or respon- process. An equitable means of distributing oil Unfortunately, very little has changed since sibility to resolve. revenues should be created that ensures all this war began. As we consider the proposed For far too long we have given this Presi- Iraqis will benefit from the oil resources and, escalation of the occupation in Iraq, none of dent far too much credibility, far too much simultaneously, that all Iraqis will lose eco- the most important questions has been an- power, far too many lives and far too much nomically if insurgents damage those re- swered. money. It is time to stop. sources. I voted against this war from the outset and Having said how I will vote, the sad but sim- 5. We should encourage the Iraqis to work believe to this day that was the right vote. But ple truth is this, neither moving forward with more closely with moderate Arab neighbors, once we were committed and engaged, I be- the President’s proposed troop increase, nor notably Jordan, Egypt and others in the region lieved, as most of my colleagues and most voting for this resolution of disapproval, will to help with the training of the security forces Americans, that we had a responsibility to really do what is needed to secure our own and with the reconstruction effort. This assist- support the troops and try our best to help the nation, solve the problems in Iraq or bring real ance has been offered since the beginning of Iraqis rebuild their nation, establish a demo- stability to the region. There are, in fact, better the conflict but the Iraqis have not taken ad- cratic republic, and try to restore stability. I, alternatives to the administration proposal and vantage of that offer to any real degree as of along with most members of this Congress, those of us who oppose the President’s plan yet. voted repeatedly to provide our troops the should spell out what we think is the better 6. Because the Iraq conflict has had a dev- needed resources to succeed, and I fervently course. astating and destabilizing economic, political hoped the mission would be successful. To a This is where I believe that better course and social impact on friendly and moderate degree, there have been successes. We de- should take us: nations such as Jordan, Egypt and others, we termined there were no weapons of mass de- 1. We must renew our focus on securing should provide additional financial aid to those struction. Saddam Hussein has been removed and rebuilding Afghanistan and increase both nations, particularly to help them deal with the from power, and is now dead as a result of a troop strength and financial investment in that influx of refugees, the high costs of energy, re- public and open judicial process. There have nation along with our allied partners. The fight ductions in trade and tourism, and other ad- been free and open elections, and Iraq has a in Afghanistan was the real and most impor- verse impacts. We cannot leave our friends to constitution and elected government. tant fight against the terrorists of September suffer from this conflict, and we dare not let Those are good things. But the costs have 11th. It was justified from the beginning and the instability spread to nations that have been been horrific and the key questions still have remains just today, and it has the support of models of change and moderation. never been, perhaps cannot be, answered by the world. We cannot let the Taliban regroup 7. We must also reach out once again to this Administration. As we consider the Presi- and reinstate their reign of terror and extre- our traditional allies in Europe, Asia and else- dent’s latest proposal we must ask again: How mism there and we still have a chance, though where in the world, openly acknowledge past many more lives? How much more will this it is slipping fast, to help the Afghanis estab- mistakes, spell out this new direction, and ask cost? How will we pay for this? What will it do lish a successful, tolerant and secure nation. for their financial, diplomatic, and, if nec- to the rest of our security internationally and at 2. In Iraq, the administration should meet essary, military help in making it succeed. home? confidentially with the Iraqi leaders and give 8. While supporting and working with friend- Because these questions are at the core of them a timeline with key benchmarks by which ly and moderate nations in the region and whether or not this policy will enhance or jeop- our forces will withdraw. The timeline and elsewhere, we should engage in direct discus- ardize our troops and our security, and be- benchmarks should be sufficient to ensure the sions and negotiations with other nations in cause the administration to this day is unwill- safety or our forces and give the elected Iraqi the region, notably Iran and Syria. We dis- ing or incapable of answering these basic government a reasonable time to train their agree profoundly with these nations on many questions honestly, I must vote in favor of this forces and strengthen their political processes, issues, and we must not be naive or overly resolution, and oppose further troop increases. but there must be a timeline so there is real optimistic, but it is in our best interests to at It is irresponsible to allow a commander in pressure for real progress. The process of least engage in a dialogue and search for chief, who has not been honest or accurate conveying this information and the timeline areas where we may find common ground. from the outset, to continue sacrificing the itself should be confidential. The elected Iraqi The administration’s refusal to do this, even

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00257 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 4356 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 February 15, 2007 through back channels, is misguided and course in Iraq. We are changing the course of Middle East, a humiliating defeat in the overall counterproductive. a strategy that has been wrong from the be- campaign against violent extremism world- 9. It is dishonest to not include the full costs ginning and has not gotten better. Our Nation, wide, and an undermining of the credibility of of this war and the associated increases in de- our Armed Forces, and our Congress are fully the United States.’’ Mr. Speaker, these results fense spending as part of the annual budget willing to sustain a tough fight when the fight are not acceptable to Americans because they and deficit projections. We must at last fully is right and the strategy is sound. But our re- are not in America’s interest and because account for the costs of this war and fully fund public, our people, and this Congress are also more turmoil in Iraq or the Middle East will un- our commitment to veterans when they return. strong enough, wise enough and courageous acceptably threaten our national security. 10. Our focus on the Iraq situation should enough, to recognize the truth and change di- Mr. Speaker, we know that among the not cause us to lose sight, as it has for too rection when the time comes. That time is strengths that our men and women in uniform long, of the real goal, which is promoting now. possess is the courage to carry on. They are broad security, stability and moderation in the Mr. MCKEON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to armed with the notion that no matter what in- region for the sake of that region itself and in speak against the motion under consideration. spires our enemies, we fight in defense of the interest of our own security. Even if we As the House debates this so called non-bind- human dignity and natural rights. This cham- could fully secure Iraq with this surge of ing resolution concerning the recently imple- ber, which would say that it supports our troops, which is highly doubtful, if we do not mented troop surge in Iraq, I think it is impor- troops, should not do anything that would lead improve our overall image and relationships in tant to remind my colleagues exactly what is those troops to question the meaning or sin- the region and the world, and if we do not do being sought by this resolution and what is to cerity of our support. more to support moderate and friendly na- be accomplished with its passage. I therefore encourage my colleagues to join tions, we will see continued and worsening This ill-conceived resolution seeks to do two me in opposing this dangerous resolution, threats from extremist groups and rogue na- incompatible and indeed conflicting things; it which in two short paragraphs declares prin- tions. attempts to speak for this chamber in dis- ciples while avoiding the actions those prin- A key part of this effort will be playing a approving the proposed troop increase. And it ciples seemingly require. constructive role in working to resolve the con- simultaneously claims to support those troops, Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Speaker, in the 230-year flict between the Israelis and Palestinians. We whose devotion to duty is essential, in pros- history of our country, the United States has also have important and necessary work to do ecuting a mission which is, in part, renounced fought in conflicts both at home and abroad to improve our image and relationships within by this very same resolution. that have tested the resolve and unity of the our own hemisphere and we must not ignore Mr. Speaker, I do not question that the American people. During that time, the pur- or neglect that work. members who serve in this chamber do so view of the Commander in Chief has justly 11. Finally, but importantly, for far too long with integrity and with a high regard for the been scrutinized and questioned. These de- our energy policy and dependence on petro- men and women who serve in uniform. I do, bates are a part of our past and will be a part leum has distorted our foreign policy and however, question the wisdom of considering of our future as long as we send our men and thereby endangered our national security, our a resolution which will have no practical effect, women into battlefields to fight for our country. economy, and our environment. We must rec- Today’s debate is no exception. The ques- but will have serious and inevitable con- ognize that energy policy is coupled with na- tion we must answer for ourselves is a funda- sequences for the men and women who have tional security and we must change both poli- mental one that speaks not to our approval of cies or we will never have real and lasting se- been asked to serve. the War in Iraq but rather to our commitment While we consider this resolution, our en- curity. to the men and women fighting this war. It is emies, in prosecuting their side of this war— I urge my colleagues to consider this a commitment we must reaffirm without ques- will little note its allegedly non-binding char- course, but before I conclude, I must respond tion or doubt. With commitment and unity. to those who suggest that if we do not give acter. In that sense, Mr. Speaker, this is very Now it seems to me that we have two unquestioning support to this administration much a binding resolution. It binds this House courses of action we can take regarding the regardless of what they ask for, regardless of irreversibly to a statement of disapproval. But War in Iraq. We can pull our troops out imme- history, and regardless of the evidence on the it will do nothing to change the situation to diately and leave the stability of the region up ground, we are somehow empowering the ter- which it is nominally addressed, because it to an increasingly violent insurgency, thereby rorists or undermining our troops. The Presi- does not bind our words to any actions. admitting defeat, or we can send in further re- dent himself has implied that any questioning General Peter Pace, in his testimony before inforcements to work with Iraqi Security of his policies is ‘‘politically motivated’’ and the Armed Services Committee displayed con- Forces to seize control of their country. anything short of further escalation is sending fidence in our armed forces. He said that he We can all agree that a change in the status a message that our Nation will ‘‘cut and run’’ believes our men and women in uniform un- quo must be made. With an increased level of when things get tough. derstand the intricacies of our democracy and violence between Sunni and Shia insurgent I believe the evidence suggests the oppo- the nature of our vibrant debate in this Con- groups, an escalating cost, and the loss of site. The evidence from this war is clear, while gress. Mr. Speaker, I would add that while American lives, it is imperative that we have a there may be differences of opinion about pol- they may understand our prerogatives, they legitimate and substantive debate on the di- icy, this Congress, and the American people will seek to decipher our intent and the resolve rection of this war. have, and will continue to support our troops of this Chamber to support them in this fight. However, if we are to succeed in Iraq and to the fullest. The evidence is also clear that I also believe that they will rightfully see this complete the mission, then the United States our troops will serve valiantly and effectively resolution for what it is—mere contradiction. House of Representatives should not waste its whenever and wherever they are called. Without our continued commitment to the time debating a nonbinding resolution criti- For the elected representatives of the peo- young democracy in Iraq, the political and se- cizing the Commander in Chief. This resolu- ple of this great nation to exercise their con- curity situation in that country will suffer tre- tion offers no real policy alternatives for Iraq stitutional responsibility and demand change is mendous setbacks. Without support from and does not bring our men and women home not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of the American troops and our allies, there is a any sooner. It is a political shot aimed at the strength of our own republic. Perhaps more greater chance of failure in Iraq. General President, but it is really our troops who suffer importantly, it is a sign of the strength of our Petraeus, Commanding Officer of Multi-Na- most from these grandstanding tactics. very form of government itself, which is, after tional Force-Iraq, last month described what I recently visited Walter Reed Hospital to all, what we are hoping to promote in Iraq and failure in Iraq would look like when he said hear from the wounded who have been to Iraq elsewhere in the world. The rest of the world, that ‘‘Sectarian groups would obviously begin and sacrificed so much for their country. I our allies and adversaries alike, understand to stake out their turf, try to expand their turf. talked to a wounded soldier who had a bone this and understand that the strength, char- They would do that by greatly increased ethnic infection that prohibited him from returning to acter, courage and commitment of this Nation, cleansing.’’ Iraq. He was not concerned about his physical its people, and the Congress are separate Defense Secretary Robert Gates in a press well-being but instead he was upset that he from, and stronger than the flaws, and mis- conference last month said that if we fail, could not go to finish the job that he had start- takes of any one President or administration. ‘‘One would see an emboldened and strength- ed. His feelings reflected the thoughts of many We are not turning away from the fight ened Iran, a safe haven and base of oper- of the soldiers that I had the privilege to sit against terrorists or terrorism by changing ations for jihadist networks in the heart of the and talk with that day.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:24 Jun 09, 2017 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00258 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BOOK 3\LOC FILES\BR15FE07.DAT BR15FE07 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 3 4357 The fact is we face a moment of unparal- Twenty percent of the troops wounded have The gentleman from Georgia, Mr. leled opportunity to, in voice, in one vote, fulfill received serious brain or spinal injuries; 30 JOHNSON our promise to our troops—the promise that percent of U.S. troops develop serious mental The gentleman from Wisconsin, Mr. we will give them the resources, the armor, health problems within 3 to 4 months of re- SENSENBRENNER the manpower and reinforcements they need turning home. The gentleman from Texas, Mr. BAR- so that they may safely and effectively win the During the President’s tenure, he has re- TON War on Terror and come back home. quested a cumulative total of more than $700 The gentleman from North Carolina, Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today be- billion to pay for the war effort in Iraq; $9 bil- Mr. COBLE cause I am very supportive of our troops lion of U.S. taxpayers money is unaccounted The gentleman from Texas, Mr. GENE around the globe and in particular those who for. GREEN are in harms way in Iraq. I wholeheartedly The State of New York has lost 143 sol- The gentleman from Michigan, Mr. support H. Con. Res. 63. diers, 16 from Brooklyn. U.S. troops continue HOEKSTRA Mr. Speaker, in the President’s January 29, to die from improvised explosive devices The gentleman from Illinois, Mr. 2002, State of the Union address, in regards (IEDs) have been sent to Iraq with poorly con- MANZULLO to protecting America, responding to the ter- structed and poorly armored equipment. Pen- The gentleman from California, Mr. rorist threat and capturing Osama bin Laden, tagon war planners have created a high level MCKEON he said (meaning Iraq): . . . This is a regime task force that has spent $6.7 billion on how The gentleman from Florida, Mr. that agreed to international inspections—then to combat IEDs. MICA kicked out the inspectors. This is a regime that Thousands of Americans are dead, thou- The gentleman from New Jersey, Mr. has something to hide from the civilized world. FRELINGHUYSEN States like these, and their terrorist allies, sand more will die if we don’t get our troops The gentleman from Washington, Mr. constitute an axis of evil, arming to threaten home and get them redeployed today. I op- HASTINGS the peace of the world. By seeking weapons pose the President’s call for 21,000 more The gentleman from Illinois, Mr. of mass destruction, these regimes pose a troops to go to Iraq. I support our troops and grave and growing danger. They provide these that’s why I want them home where they be- LAHOOD arms to terrorists, giving them the means to long. The gentleman from Iowa, Mr. match their hatred. They could attack our al- Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- LATHAM lies or attempt to blackmail the United States. er, I thank my colleague for that, I The gentlewoman from North Caro- In any of these cases, the price of indifference thank the entire body, and I thank lina, Mrs. MYRICK would be Catastrophic. you. The gentleman from Arizona, Mr. Secretary Rice, after being named Secretary Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of SHADEGG of State to succeed Colin Powell, Secretary my time. The gentleman from Kansas, Mr. Rice warned six months before the invasion of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- TIAHRT Iraq that Saddam Hussein could deploy a nu- ant to section 3 of House Resolution The gentleman from Mississippi, Mr. clear weapon, saying that the administration 157, further proceedings on the concur- WICKER did not ‘‘want the smoking gun to be a mush- rent resolution will be postponed. The gentleman from Alabama, Mr. room cloud.’’ according to the Washington f ADERHOLT Post. We now know that these assertions The gentleman from Pennsylvania, APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO were a fiction created by this administration to Mr. PITTS THE COMMITTEE TO ATTEND FU- justify the unjustifiable. The gentleman from Texas, Mr. SES- U.S. Central Command Gen. Tommy NERAL OF THE LATE HONOR- SIONS Franks, the war’s operational commander mis- ABLE CHARLIE NORWOOD The gentlewoman from California, judged the interests of our Afghan allies. He The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Mrs. CAPPS ran the war from Tampa with no commander ant to House Resolution 159, and the The gentleman from North Carolina, on the scene above the rank of lieutenant order of the House of January 4, 2007, Mr. HAYES colonel. According to another Washington the Chair announces the Speaker’s ap- The gentleman from Colorado, Mr. Post April 17, 2002, article; The first Ameri- pointment of the following Members of TANCREDO cans did not arrive until 3 days into the fight- the House to the committee to attend The gentleman from Nebraska, Mr. ing. the funeral of the late Honorable Char- TERRY As a representative from NY whose con- lie Norwood: The gentleman from South Carolina, stituents resent the lies and deception thrust The gentleman from Georgia, Mr. Mr. BROWN upon us to justify this war and creating a dis- LEWIS The gentleman from Indiana, Mr. traction away from the homeland security we The gentleman from Ohio, Mr. BOEH- PENCE all desire the question is: When will Osama NER The gentleman from Florida, Mr. bin Laden be brought to justice. The gentleman from Missouri, Mr. PUTNAM The article continues by identifying that BLUNT The gentleman from Pennsylvania, Osama bin Laden slipped through the cordon The gentleman from Georgia, Mr. Mr. SHUSTER ostensibly placed around Tora Bora as U.S. BISHOP The gentleman from Florida, Mr. aircraft began bombing on Nov. 30. More pre- The gentleman from Georgia, Mr. MILLER cisely, bin Laden was in Tora Bora on Nov. DEAL The gentleman from South Carolina, 26, spoke to his fighters about ‘‘holy war’’ The gentleman from Georgia, Mr. Mr. WILSON then, as quickly as he had come, bin Laden KINGSTON The gentleman from Oklahoma, Mr. vanished into the pine forests with four of his The gentleman from Georgia, Mr. SULLIVAN loyalists walking in the direction of Pakistan. LINDER The gentleman from South Carolina, bin Laden escaped according to the Christian Mr. BARRETT Science Monitor, somewhere between Nov. 28 The gentleman from Georgia, Mr. The gentleman from Texas, Mr. BUR- to Nov. 30 as confirmed by Arabs and Af- GINGREY ghans in eastern Afghanistan. The gentleman from Georgia, Mr. GESS Mr. Speaker, I support our troops and that MARSHALL The gentleman from Iowa, Mr. KING is why we must commence the redeployment The gentleman from Georgia, Mr. The gentleman from Texas, Mr. of our troops today. Thus far: SCOTT NEUGEBAUER There are 135,544 troops in Iraq today. The gentleman from Georgia, Mr. The gentleman from Texas, Mr. CON- 3127 or 2.3 percent of U.S. soldiers have BARROW AWAY been killed in service to our country. The gentleman from Georgia, Mr. The gentleman from Texas, Mr. GOH- Seventeen percent or 23,279 U.S. soldiers PRICE MERT have been seriously wounded in service to our The gentleman from Georgia, Mr. The gentlewoman from Ohio, Mrs. country. WESTMORELAND SCHMIDT

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