30662 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE December 20, 2005

MISLED ABOUT IRAQ, SECURE ITORLEAVE on the Hoover Commission investigating the U.S. Rep. John Murtha, Nov. 17, ‘‘War In A G.I. with his legs blown away in Iraq intelligence activities of the United States Iraq.’’ asks, ‘‘Senator, why did we go into Iraq?’’ with Gen. Mark Clark, I learned that Israel’s U.S. Rep. John Murtha completely changed Answer: ‘‘to secure Israel by democratizing intelligence, Mossad, is the best on the Mid- the public debate in our country by calling the Mideast.’’ Immediately my over-sen- dle East. As an island of democracy in a sea for an immediate redeployment of our troops sitive Jewish friends withdraw in horror: of hostility, Israel has to know what is going in Iraq. Whether you agree or disagree with ‘‘There you go, blaming Israel.’’ Not at all. on in Baghdad. Israel has no time to call for his specific proposal is not the point—but his The fact is that Israel opposed the plan. a summit meeting or to go to the United Na- critics’ words demand a response. Murtha Now, with our unwarranted invasion and al- tions. Any real threat must be knocked out speaks with special authority. Jazeera reporting daily on U.S. ‘‘atrocities,’’ immediately. His national security credentials are im- we are spreading terrorism and have dam- This is why Israel knocked out Iraq’s nu- peccable. His patriotism is unwavering. His aged the security of Israel. clear facility without warning in 1981. Days influence on national defense is unsurpassed. In 1996, incoming Prime Minister Benjamin before we voted, President Bush said, ‘‘Fac- None in Congress spends as much time as Netanyahu of Israel commissioned a think- ing clear evidence of peril, we cannot wait Murtha with the wounded from the Iraq war. tank headed by Richard Pearle, Douglas until the smoking gun is a mushroom His voice on matters of national defense de- Feith and David Wurmser. The three sub- cloud.’’ When the commander-in-chief says serves—indeed, commands—great respect. mitted the plan ‘‘Clean Break’’: Negotiating this, he’s got my vote. This is why his political opponents think with Arafat is futile. Instead, secure Israel I was sure Mossad had found nuclear weap- him so dangerous. The orchestrated assault by democratizing the Middle East. ons and we were knocking them out and on Murtha should alarm us all. Just when First bomb Lebanon. Next invade Syria on eliminating Saddam. you thought the debate could sink no lower, the pretext of it possessing weapons of mass Now we’re waiting for Iraqis to do what the politicians committed to staying the destruction. Then replace Saddam with a we’ve never done—secure Iraq; secure the course in Iraq turned the fire hoses of smear Hashemite ruler favorable to Israel. Syrian and Iranian borders immediately; and and intimidation on this icon of national se- Netanyahu rejected ‘‘Clean Break.’’ clean out the Sunni triangle. It would cause curity. Listen to what they said: Determined, Pearle, Feith and Wurmser re- casualties but to fight a war you have to They said he had given aid and comfort to turned to the United States and joined in the fight a war. Either get in or get out. the enemy. They accused him of abandoning Project for the New American Century with If we’re not going to secure Iraq, then the the troops. And one rookie representative, Dick Cheney, Paul Wolfowitz, Donald Rums- next best thing is to get Ayatollah Ali al- the most junior member in the House, so lost feld and Scooter Libby, among others. In Sistani to ask us to leave. any decency or sense of decorum that she 1998, the group prevailed on Congress for re- Ernest F. Hollings, a Democrat, served as a called Murtha a coward. gime change in Iraq, and the Senate by a U.S. senator for South Carolina from 1966 to I think they smeared the wrong represent- voice vote adopted such a resolution. At the 2003. ative. Murtha’s history is one of heroism and leadership. He served in the Marine Corps time, no senator thought we were endorsing f an invasion—just encouraging resistance in from 1952 to 1955. He served as a Marine Iraq. But when George W. Bush was elected CONGRESSMAN MURTHA Corps drill instructor and a reservist. He re- president ‘‘Clean Break’’ hit pay dirt. upped so he could serve in Vietnam. He was The Project for the New American Century Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, one of wounded twice while serving as a Marine in- crowd took office. Richard Cheney became the reasons I love and respect my wife telligence officer, and then went back into vice president, Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz and Teresa Heinz Kerry so very much is be- the reserves from 1967 to 1990. He was the Feith took the number first, second and cause she has always maintained the first Vietnam veteran elected to the Con- third positions in the Department of De- strength of her convictions. She speaks gress, where he has served with honor and fense. Richard Pearle became chairman of her mind, and she speaks the truth. I distinction as a bipartisan advocate of na- the Defense Advisory Board. ‘‘Scooter’’ am especially proud of her passionate tional defense ever since. How bipartisan? When President Reagan Libby and David Wurmser were advising Che- defense of her fellow Pennsylvanian— ney. wanted to build the MX missile, Murtha President Bush, days before taking office the decorated veteran and respected broke with his party to fight for what in 2001, sought a briefing on, of all things, military expert, Representative JACK Reagan called the ‘‘peacekeeper.’’ Reagan Iraq from then Secretary of Defense William MURTHA. In a recent essay, Teresa’s sent him to El Salvador and the Philippines Cohen. powerful words spoke of JACK MUR- as an election observer and, as an official Secretary of Treasury Paul O’Neill tells in THA’s courage and integrity rose above representative of the United States, to Paki- ‘‘The Price of Loyalty’’ how he was aston- the disparaging and unconscionable stan to attend President Zia’s funeral. When ished at the first meeting of the National Se- words of those who smeared him. As I President George H.W. Bush said of the Iraqi curity Council. He went to discuss the reces- invasion of Kuwait, ‘‘this will not stand,’’ sion but all talk was about Iraq. The day read what she wrote, I realized why Murtha stood with him and voted to use after 9/11, President Bush turned to Sec- this issue had struck such a chord with military force to drive Iraq out. retary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, request- her—and why she was able to speak His credentials on national defense are un- ing a plan to invade Iraq even though Iraq with such incredible clarity—because, impeachable. He has been named Minuteman had nothing to do with 9/11. The administra- as someone who grew up under a dicta- of the Year by the Reserve Officers Associa- tion was determined to invade Iraq. torship, Teresa believes deeply in the tion of the United States. He has been hon- Jason Leopold and Larisa Alexandrovna in freedom of every American to speak ored by the Blinded American Veterans ‘‘Raw Story’’ now report: ‘‘Although the CIA their mind without fear of condemna- Foundation. He is a winner of the Henry M. documents that Wurmser and his staff pored Jackson Distinguished Service Award, and over showed Iraq as being an immediate tion. an honoree of the Association of the United threat, Wurmser was dead-set on finding and The characteristics we all admire in States Army. When Murtha received the dis- presenting evidence to Vice President Dick Representative MURTHA—honesty, tinguished public service award from the Cheney that suggested as much, even if the compassion, strength and patriotism— American Legion, he was praised by the na- veracity of such intelligence was question- are the characteristics that make Te- tional commander as a veteran, supporter of able. resa such an incredible citizen. I am a strong national defense and holder of an ‘‘Wurmser helped Cheney’s office, particu- glad she spoke out, and for that reason, outstanding track record on veterans’ issues. larly ‘‘Scooter’’ Libby, construct a case for I ask that her words be printed in the That is Jack Murtha’s history, and the war. He met frequently with Cheney, Libby, summer soldiers and the sunshine patriots Feith and Richard Pearle, the former head of RECORD. who attack him cannot rewrite it. That’s the Defense Policy Board, to go over the There being no objection, the mate- why they resort instead to the most rep- ‘‘evidence’’ of the threat posed by Saddam rial was ordered to be printed in the rehensible type of personal attacks. We’ve Hussein that could then be used by the White RECORD, as follows: seen this before. I know and love another House to build public support. Wurmser rou- [From CNHI News Service] Vietnam veteran who served our country tinely butted heads with the CIA over the ve- with distinction and honor—who suffered the (By Teresa Heinz Kerry) racity of the intelligence he was providing to slings and arrows of distortions, half-truths Cheney’s office.’’ ASSAULT ON MURTHA SHOULD ALARM US ALL and falsehoods. In short, the invasion of Iraq was not based ‘‘Because we in Congress are charged with Scoundrels who would stifle debate and on intelligence but was contrived. ‘‘But Sen- sending our sons and daughters into battle, smear dissenters weaken our democracy and ator why did you vote to go into Iraq?’’ An- it is our responsibility, our obligation, to diminish our Nation’s ability to make deci- swer: I followed the rationale of the White speak out for them. That’s why I am speak- sions and change course when circumstances House for invasion carefully. Having served ing out.’’ demand.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 12:03 Mar 03, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00108 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\ERIC\BOUNDRECORD\BR20DE05.DAT BR20DE05 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE December 20, 2005 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE 30663 This war is hard—hard to win, hard to sup- schools, and churches, as well as social to make things better. They have set port, and for most, hard to figure out. We all clubs and events widely attended by up clinics and reached out to the want the best for our troops, our country, other teenagers. In addition, the Hugs women and families in poor commu- the Iraqi people and what is best for the Mid- Not Bullets campaign will amplify its nities. They are doing great work. But dle East. Much is at stake. But if we want the best outcome, the best antigun violence message through pub- their hands are tied because the Bush minds we have must be free to express their lic service announcements and appear- administration has imposed a political strongest beliefs and best advice. Murtha has ances on local television and radio. ideology on the world. earned our respect. His right to speak out is This is an ambitious next step, which When President Bush took office in an intrinsic component of our democracy. It will build upon the previous success of 2001, he signed an Executive order should be honored—we should hold that right the campaign. known as the global gag rule. It denies sacred—even if his words deviate from the It is important to also recognize the U.S. funds to any overseas health clinic party line, the president’s talking points, or contributions these young people are unless it agrees not to use its own pri- public opinion. I think Murtha did our country an enor- making in their communities outside vate, non-U.S. funds for anything re- mous public service for speaking out as he of their official participation in the lated to abortion. What that means, is did, and I support for him for exercising his Youth Initiatives Project. The Youth that if you are a medical professional right. A courageous person is always to be Initiatives Project gives young people living in an impoverished country try- admired. valuable knowledge and experience, ing to help people and save their lives, f thereby enabling them to push for you are gagged from even talking about certain reproductive health serv- HUGS NOT BULLETS CAMPAIGN change in their own neighborhoods and ices. The gag rule places limits on 2006 communities on a daily basis. For the rest of their lives, these teenagers will women and doctors that we would Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I would be able to draw on the communications never accept here in the United States. like to commend an outstanding group and conflict resolution skills they have Earlier this year, the Senate passed of young people in Detroit, MI, for gained through the Youth Initiatives an amendment to the Foreign Affairs their efforts to reduce gun violence as Project to make a difference in their Authorization Act to reverse the Presi- part of the Neighborhood Service Orga- own lives and those around them. dent’s policy and ensure that health nization’s Youth Initiatives Project. I know my colleagues will join me in care clinics for women and families re- Their dedication to this admirable thanking the participants, organizers, ceive this much-needed funding. Unfor- cause is certainly worthy of our rec- and supporters of the Youth Initiatives tunately, this legislation has not ognition and appreciation. Project for their outstanding dedica- passed by the full Senate. I am pleased The Youth Initiatives Project was tion to the worthwhile goal of reducing that the Foreign Operations appropria- created in 1999 to address growing com- gun violence. This is a program which tions bill contains $34 million for the munity issues including violence and can serve as an appropriate model to be United Nations Populations Fund, substance abuse in Detroit. For 6 followed in many cities across the Na- UNPA, for this purpose. But in order to years, students, community organiza- tion. I hope my colleagues will also ensure that this money goes toward tions, and local police have been in- join me in working to pass common- funding health care clinics for women volved in a coordinated effort to ac- sense gun safety legislation to more and families in poor countries, we must complish the goals of the project. Many adequately support their efforts. overturn this global gag rule. of these goals are centered on the need f In closing, I would like to share the to reduce gun violence. following article, which ran on Decem- Hundreds of Detroit teenagers have POPULATION EXPLOSION ber 3, 2005, with my colleagues because been involved in the Youth Initiatives Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I rise I believe that it provides some impor- Project through activities such as today to speak about developing coun- tant food for thought as we continue to afterschool programs to reduce gun vi- tries around the world that are dealing work on this important issue. olence, gun buybacks, anti-violence with population explosions. As we near I ask unanimous consent that my re- rallies, and gun safety workshops. As the end of the year, we are trying to marks and the following article be part of these activities, the Youth Ini- wrap things up before the Senate goes printed in the RECORD. tiatives Project has been responsible in out of session. But we continue to ig- There being no objection, the mate- the last 3 years for handing out more nore this important issue. rial was ordered to be printed in the than 5,000 free trigger locks to Detroit This topic does not get very much at- RECORD, as follows: gun owners. tention here on the Senate floor, but in DOES POPULATION EXPLOSION THREATEN U.S.? The Youth Initiatives Project’s the developing world, there is a popu- (By David Horsey) ‘‘Hugs Not Bullets’’ campaign for 2005 lation explosion. Some experts believe Flying in or out of Mexico City, the trav- built upon their overall theme of re- that the population of Earth may top 9 eler can look down on the human sprawl me- ducing gun violence, while also putting billion by 2050. Eighty-eight percent of tastasizing in every direction. The Mexican a specific focus on the use of firearms Americans believe that international megalopolis is now home to 25 million people and vies for first place among the world’s during the celebration of the New population growth is either a major most gigantic cities. From a bird’s eye view, Year’s holiday. In addition to hosting a problem right now or that it will be- it’s easy to conclude that the planet has number of public forums and rallies, come one in the future. Almost all of more than enough homo sapiens taking up the Hugs Not Bullets campaign used the growth is occurring in countries space. several 4-foot by 8-foot cards to collect that are the least able to govern, en- Having just flown back from a study tour signatures of those who pledge not to sure jobs for, and care for their citi- in Mexico that focused on issues of over- engage in gun violence. To date, more zens. population, family planning and develop- than 3,000 Detroiters have signed these ment, I can report positive news on the popu- But this is also about safe access to lation front. In the developed world, popu- cards. These cards serve as a powerful health care for women. Even though lation growth has been put in check. Birth symbol of the community’s determina- these countries are experiencing huge rates are roughly at replacement levels and tion to fight gun violence. population growths, hundreds of thou- no higher. For 2006, the Youth Initiatives sands of women are dying each year An even better story is Mexico. Not that Project plans to expand the Hugs Not from complications from pregnancy. long ago, the Mexican population was spi- Bullets campaign into a comprehensive These women do not have access to the raling out of control with an average seven grass roots and media campaign health care that they need, especially children per family. The population doubled between 1950 and 1970 and doubled again by against gun violence. This year, more reproductive health care. the end of the 20th century. Today, though, than 200 Youth Initiatives Project par- In many poor countries around the thanks in large part to government commit- ticipants will reach out to their peers world, nongovernmental organizations ment and successful family-planning meas- by visiting community centers, and medical professionals are working ures, the fertility rate has dropped to about

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