S13700 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 31, 2003 us to proceed with the business of the It is important for our colleagues to rorism from Secretary of Defense Senate. understand because about this time of Rumsfeld to his top subordinates was f the year everybody is sort of sitting leaked to the press. In that memo, Sec- and waiting to see who is going to retary Rumsfeld asked a number of RECOGNITION OF THE ACTING make the next move. At this point, we questions, including the following: Is MINORITY LEADER are trying to wrap everything up for our current situation such that ‘‘the The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The the session. It means everybody needs harder we work, the behinder we get?’’ deputy Democratic leader. to recognize decisions have to be made, Then he asked: ‘‘What else should we Mr. REID. Mr. President, one ques- very tough decisions. I am speaking in be considering?’’ tion I have gotten over here several part to the conferees who are address- Well, I am dismayed that Secretary times, and I have raised this issue on ing issues right now. There are one or Rumsfeld says publicly something so the floor, Senator MCCONNELL has said two outstanding issues in these con- differently than what he has said pri- on two separate occasions that a week ferences. Now is the time to make vately. I am glad he is looking for new from this Monday, we will be working. those decisions. If not, we will be here direction since our post-Saddam policy People are changing schedules and all. all the way up to Thanksgiving, and is not working well, given the sus- My personal feeling is we should be after Thanksgiving, and up to the De- tained and increasing attacks on our working. I hope the leader, whatever cember holidays. That is really unac- forces. the final decision—I understand the ceptable to me. But now is the time to Secretary Rumsfeld asked—again— preliminary decision is we would be wrap things up, over these next several ‘‘What else should we be considering?’’ working a week from Monday, more so weeks. Well, the President of the Iraqi Gov- than just 5 o’clock at night. erning Council has made a specific rec- If we are to have any hope of getting Mr. REID. Mr. President, I have said ommendation for us to consider: that out of here in time for important on the floor previously that the vet- the regular Iraqi Army units be called events such as people’s birthdays and erans of America recognize how impor- up to assist our troops in providing se- events of that nature, we have to really tant our work is here. So much that we curity for the reconstruction of their move forward. I say that actually rec- do reflects on these different programs. country. ognizing the Presiding Officer has a I also think if things are as difficult as Surely it is worthy of our consider- very important date coming up—it is they appear, we may have to do some- ation, when Iyad Alawi, this month’s the 18th or 20th, or something like thing on that Tuesday. That will cer- serving President of the Iraqi Gov- that. tainly be up to the leader. But I also Seriously, if we can have a signoff on recognize that other than Senator erning Council—the 25-member body what you are going to do that day, it FRIST and Senator DASCHLE, no one has selected by the United States to rep- would be important to everybody. had a more difficult job these last few resent the Iraqi people—is making a Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, in re- weeks than the Presiding Officer and suggestion to change course. sponse, through the Chair, the inten- Senator BYRD. Trying to marshal He wrote an important opinion piece tion right now is to work Monday, through these appropriations bills is entitled ‘‘America Must Let Re- make that a full working day. As we extremely difficult. build Itself,’’ which was published by finished last night at about midnight, a But we have made really good the New York Times on October 19. The lot of people were saying we can’t work progress. To think we have been able in main premise of the article is that ‘‘ul- any harder than what we are doing just the last few weeks to do as much timately, only Iraqis themselves can right now in terms of taking these bills as we have here on the Senate floor restore security, rebuild national insti- one by one, and that is the way we are with the appropriations bills is signifi- tutions, enact a constitution and elect going to have to work, unfortunately— cant. Debating the Interior appropria- a democratic government.’’ or fortunately—in order to complete tions conference report this coming I believe all of us would agree with what we have before us; thus the inten- Monday is also important. I think that premise. For Mr. Alawi, the vital tions for the day before Veterans Day. there is light at end of the tunnel. With step is to ‘‘call up the Iraqi Army and The real issue, obviously, for our col- the chairman cajoling, along with the the national police force [for] at least leagues, because they understand, but Presiding Officer, we can continue to up to the mid-officer level’’ to deal for others who are listening to under- make progress. with the insecurity and chaos in the country. stand, Veterans Day is a day we want f to be able to honor, and a lot of people Mr. Alawi believes the Iraqi officer will have to change their plans because RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME corps will have to be vetted to remove they have to be flying to the west The PRESIDENT pro tempore. Under those who have committed crimes coast. But I want to make it clear our the previous order, leadership time is under the old regime. He points out intention is to stay here and work. In reserved. that most of the Iraqi Army’s soldiers truth, that is what the people around f are ‘‘Iraqi patriots who chose not fight the country expect us to do. We have for ’’ and ‘‘would prob- work right now. We have the Nation’s MORNING BUSINESS ably return to their units and con- business before us, in terms of the ap- The PRESIDENT pro tempore. Under tribute to their country’s future.’’ He propriations bills, the many conference the previous order, there will now be a argues that it would be ‘‘much easier reports that we are waiting for, the period of morning business with Sen- and quicker to retrain and reequip very important conference in terms of ators permitted to speak for up to 10 them within their existing organiza- energy and Medicare, which is under- minutes. tional structure than to start from way. So it is critical that we continue Mr. REID. Mr. President, I suggest scratch.’’ work on that Monday. the absence of a quorum. Mr. Alawi argues that these steps It is my intention, of course, on Vet- The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The would not only relieve the burden on erans Day, to be able to respect that clerk will call the roll. American troops but also would gain day accordingly, as we go forward. I The assistant legislative clerk pro- substantial good will among Iraqis. think we will be able to announce more ceeded to call the roll. Tom Friedman, writing in the New about that in the early part of next Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I ask York Times, on October 23, is of a simi- week. The schedule constantly unanimous consent that the order for lar mind. He urges the administration changes. I was very hopeful we could the quorum call be rescinded. to declare the following: ‘‘We thank all complete this Internet tax issue. That The PRESIDENT pro tempore. With- the nations who offered troops, but we was really our goal. We worked very out objection, it is so ordered. think the Iraqi people can and must se- hard, but, again, out of consideration f cure their own country. So we’re invit- for our Members, we have had to move ing all former Iraqi Army soldiers (not that forward a week. We intend to fin- RECALL THE IRAQI ARMY Republican Guards) to report back to ish that the end of next week, and it is Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, last week duty. For every two Iraqi battalions critical we do so. a memorandum on the war on ter- that return to duty (they can weed out

VerDate jul 14 2003 00:48 Nov 01, 2003 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0637 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G31OC6.002 S31PT1 October 31, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S13701 their own bad apples), we will withdraw source of worry, suspicion and threat intended, including patrolling Iraqi an American one. So Iraqis can liberate to Saddam; in spite of the fact that the streets with our own soldiers? Would themselves. Our motto is Iraq for the army got into its many wars because this not more quickly give Iraqis the Iraqis.’’ Saddam desired it. There are some who responsibility for and a stake in secur- That is from Tom Friedman, who has think that the army was pushed into ing their own country? And, more im- been a very strong supporter of the ad- these wars to keep it continuously portantly, wouldn’t it be better for all ministration’s military actions in Iraq busy confronting outside aggressions.’’ concerned if primarily Iraqi soldiers and the decision to attack Iraq. Finally and in view of these findings, and not Americans were acting to re- The administration and the Coalition the Woking Group concluded that ‘‘In store security in Iraq and dealing with Provisional Authority have taken a any event we think it necessary to those who would seek to disrupt it? different tack in reorganizing Iraqi se- keep the basic structure of the army, The Governing Council President curity, particularly with regard to the which can be easily rehabilitated. . . .’’ thinks so. Iraqi Army. They are essentially start- That regular army, below the I ask unanimous consent that an ar- ing from scratch to build a completely midofficer level, after vetting, could ticle written by the current President new Army of 40,000 people who are serve a useful role by putting trained of the Iraqi Governing Council, Iyad being trained and equipped as a motor- Iraqi forces into the field to more Alawi, entitled ‘‘America Must Let ized infantry. quickly enhance overall security. The Iraq Rebuild Itself,’’ which appeared in The goal is to form nine brigades by regular Iraqi Army was a sizable force the New York Times on October 19, be the end of 2004, but thus far only one of approximately 80,000 officers, 130,000 printed in the RECORD at the conclu- battalion of 750 soldiers has been noncommissioned officers, and 400,000 sion of my remarks. trained and equipped. conscript soldiers.’’ The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. Additionally, the Coalition Provi- We probably made a mistake in for- DOLE). Without objection, it is so or- sional Authority is creating an Iraqi mally disbanding the Iraqi army in dered. border patrol force, only 5,000 to date, May. I wonder if Ambassador Bremer (See exhibit 1.) with the need to expand to more than doesn’t tacitly believe the same, given Mr. LEVIN. I asked Ambassador 20,000 sometime in the future. A 20,000- the quick decision that was made by Bremer when we met with him: At a person Facilities Protection Service is him shortly thereafter by agreeing to minimum, would he not raise this issue intended to take over security at fixed pay monthly allowances to officers and with the Governing Council to see site locations from coalition forces, noncommissioned officers after the un- whether or not the views of the Presi- and an Iraqi civil defense corps of 6,600, rest that was unleashed by that deci- dent of the Governing Council, that the expanding to more than 15,000 in 2004, sion. Iraqi army regular units should be re- is being integrated into coalition mili- Beginning in July, monthly pay- constituted, represent the views of the tary units to provide local intelligence ments were made according to a rank- Governing Council itself. We surely and help with security patrolling. based scale, ranging from $50 for a non- should listen to those views. These are While I have some questions regard- commissioned officer to $150 for a gen- the folks we put in office there as rep- ing the need for four distinct security eral, somewhat below the base pay for resenting the Iraqi people. At a min- forces, including a new Iraqi Army, in the various ranks. Additionally, a one- imum, I urged Ambassador Bremer to addition to a new national police force, time $40 stipend was paid to former find out formally from that Governing I am open to arguments that this ap- conscripts. Since July, the Coalition Council whether or not the President’s proach to building a new army may be Provisional Authority has paid from views, as represented by this article in desirable in the long run. A better edu- Iraqi funds approximately $78 million the New York Times—that the regular cated, trained, equipped, and motivated to about 260,000 individuals and just units of the army, properly vetted to army, whose members are more rep- over $15 million to approximately make sure we don’t hire old members resentative of the diverse Iraqi popu- 375,000 conscripts. The estimated cost of the Saddam leadership—should be lation, and which was created expressly for the stipend during the next year reconstituted to help us maintain order to serve the people of the new Iraqi will be $190 million, if payments con- and security in Iraq. state, may be more ideal. tinue throughout the year. I believe Ambassador Bremer will in However, in the short term, I believe In other words, we know where the fact make that request of the Gov- Mr. Alawi’s recommendation to recon- men and women—mainly men—in the erning Council—not the request to re- stitute units of the old regular army is Iraqi regular army are located. They constitute the army, because I don’t surely worthy of consideration. No one, came for those payments, and we know think Ambassador Bremer is there yet, including Mr. Alawi, argues for a con- how to locate them, should we make a but the request of the Governing Coun- tinued role for those portions of the old decision to reconstitute units of that cil to see if they agree that it would be army that were part of the repressive Iraqi army. wise for those units below the mid- security apparatus of the Saddam re- That money was well spent. There is level officer level to be reconstituted, gime—units such as the Special Secu- ample evidence from other conflicts properly vetted, to help us on the rity Guards, the Special Republican that unemployed former soldiers can be streets of and in the areas Guards, and the Fedayeen Saddam. a destabilizing and a disruptive influ- which are very dangerous, and to take In fact, those units were created by ence, as some believe is currently the some of the pressure off our troops to Saddam because he did not trust his case in Iraq today. In view of the $156 make us less of a target and to have regular army. In that portion of the billion that is likely to be appropriated Iraqis gradually but more quickly take State Department-sponsored ‘‘The Fu- for U.S. military forces in Iraqi recon- over their own security so that we are ture of Iraq Project,’’ dealing with struction in fiscal years 2003 and 2004, not a lightning rod for the folks who Iraqi Armed Forces, the Working paying those sums to members of the are trying to destroy us. Group that wrote this part of the re- old regular Iraqi army would be a mod- I look forward to the response of the port, discussed this issue. est expenditure. Governing Council of Iraq to Ambas- They noted the following: ‘‘Saddam But would it not make more sense to sador Bremer’s request. We know that Hussein realized, with his sense of se- pay those sums to soldiers who are ac- as a new Iraqi army is formed, some of curity, that he will not be able to earn tually doing something? Would it not the existing units will be retrained and the loyalty and trust of the army with make sense to quickly reconstitute re- equipped to expand that army. But it is its varied character in spite of many cently disbanded Iraqi regular army critically important that we have this attempts to purify or clean the army units to take on security tasks that are question put before that Governing from the disloyal elements—as he within their capabilities? Would it not Council. The creation of a new Iraqi called them—in order for the army to be possible that recently disbanded army is going very slowly. We are at become an army of ideology to protect Iraqi army units would be able to more less than a thousand. We must move the party and the revolution and de- quickly assume duties for which the more quickly. fend the nation’s values.’’ They added border patrol, the facilities protection The question is, since most of the that ‘‘Thus the army remained a service, and the civil defense corps are members who we are hiring for that

VerDate jul 14 2003 00:48 Nov 01, 2003 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0637 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G31OC6.005 S31PT1 S13702 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 31, 2003 new army are members of the old army source: the 300,000 Iraqi soldiers who simply Mr. LEVIN. I suggest the absence of in any event, would it not be much went home with their weapons in the face of a quorum. quicker to reconstitute the units of the American-led invasion. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Most of these soldiers are Iraqi patriots that old army—again, below the mid- who chose not to fight for Saddam Hussein. clerk will call the roll. officer level, so we don’t have the Sad- Americans should not confuse the Iraqi The assistant legislative clerk pro- dam regime involved—would it not be Army with the hated Republican Guard, ceeded to call the roll. much quicker to follow the suggestion which Saddam Husseim created precisely be- Mr. DEWINE. Madam President, I ask of the President of the Governing cause he distrusted the legitimate military. unanimous consent that the order for Council, reconstitute the units and In one simple process, the coalition author- the quorum call be rescinded. move on from there? ity can support the governing council to call The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The Secretary of Defense asked, in the army back to its barracks for retraining objection, it is so ordered. and, ultimately, for redeployment. Most sol- his leaked memorandum, if what the diers and their officers will proudly return to f U.S. is doing is enough and what else their units and contribute to their country’s HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES should be considered. I am glad he future. asked those questions. As I said before, The coalition and the Iraqi Interior Min- Mr. DEWINE. Madam President, a I am sorry he has not said publicly istry can vet officers to remove those who week ago today, I came to the Senate what he said privately in terms of his committed crimes under the old regime, and floor to honor and to remember a doubts and concerns. But having said then rapidly redeploy the most capable units young Ohio soldier who lost his life to work with, and progressively relieve, while bravely serving our Nation in that, I am glad he is raising questions. American troops of security duties. Iraqi I am glad he is asking questions about Iraq. That young man, PFC Branden Army units have an established chain of Oberleitner, had served proudly in the whether we should change course in command and esprit de corps. Not only can some way. they be recalled to barracks immediately, Army’s 101st Airborne Division, based I have written to the Secretary of but it would be much easier and quicker to out of Fort Campbell, KY. Defense to solicit his views on Mr. retrain and re-equip them within their exist- Today, I come again to the floor of Alawi’s proposal. Again, I hope Ambas- ing organizational structure than to start the Senate to honor and to remember from scratch. another young Ohio soldier who served sador Bremer does consult with the By supporting the recall of army units, the Iraqi Governing Council, seek their proudly in the 101st Airborne Division, United States would not only speed the proc- another young soldier who lost his life recommendations on this issue, and ess of relieving the burden on its troops, it not only solicit their recommendations would also gain substantial good will in Iraq. bravely defending our Nation and fight- but seriously consider ways to formu- In contrast, any American-led military pres- ing to give a better life, freedom, and late an integrated and comprehensive ence, even if complemented by the United liberty to the people of Iraq. plan to move more quickly to involve Nations, will never have the credibility and Madam President, SGT Brett Thomas Iraqis in their own security and in legitimacy that the Iraqi Army has among Christian was born on December 5, 1975. the people. their overall governance. Growing up, Brett’s life was not always In addition, the Iraqi national police must easy. Like a lot of families, he and his EXHIBIT 1 also be recalled. Most Iraqi policemen—as mother Tess and brothers Sloan and [From the New York Times, Oct. 19, 2003] opposed to Saddam Hussein’s feared intel- Derek moved around a lot. As a young AMERICA MUST LET IRAQ REBUILD ITSELF ligence and security organs—are dedicated to law and order. The United States does not child, Brett was in and out of a number (By Iyad Alawi) have the time or money to create a police of schools, leaving old friends and mak- BAGHDAD, IRAQ.—No Iraqi will ever forget force from the ground up, nor is it necessary, ing new ones each time. The family the momentous April day when a crowd of because we have a large, organized force that eventually settled in the Cleveland, hundreds of cheering Baghdadis, helped by is ready and willing to serve. OH, area, where, for a time, Brett at- an American armored vehicle, pull the huge Many other Iraqi governing institutions tended Richmond Heights High School. statue of Saddam Hussein to the ground. should also be reactivated by the governing With this act, we tore down three decades of council, with the support of the coalition au- Brett adapted well to new environ- tyranny and repression and began building in thority. Special priority must be given to ments and knew how to quickly make its place a foundation for freedom, democ- the Ministries of Interior, Justice, Finance, new friends. People liked Brett; they racy and a better future for our children. Oil and Education. The Iraqi bureaucracy were drawn to him. He had a great To see that this goal is achieved, the Bush must also be called back to work, although sense of humor and an easy-going de- administration has challenged me and my of course after screening to disqualify seri- meanor. The first thing people remem- colleagues on the Iraqi Governing Council to ous offenders of the former regime. Together, ber about Brett is his whit, his smile, draft a permanent constitution within six the council and the coalition leaders can his charm. His brother Derek said, months and to move as quickly as possible to modernize the state apparatus, phase out ob- hold internationally monitored, free elec- solete policies and practices, and encourage ‘‘You couldn’t be sad around him. He tions. We gladly accept that challenge, and a new mindset of transparency and effi- was just a funny guy.’’ welcome the vital assistance of the United ciency. But Brett also had a serious side. He Nations, through the Security Council reso- Finally, as security improves, Iraqi insti- was a smart person, a smart kid. He lution passed on Thursday, to see through to tutions are re-established and the constitu- read a lot. In fact, he started reading completion the enormous task ahead. tional drafting process is completed, the at a very early age and ended up 2 But we also realize that there are obstacles United States should support international years ahead in school. As his brother on Iraq’s march toward democracy. In the recognition of . Then a rec- months since Iraq was liberated, jubilation ognized interim government could quickly Sloan said, ‘‘He was always so smart. has given way to insecurity and chaos. When present a popular referendum, under United He blew away all the tests he took.’’ my fellow Iraqis finally go to the polls to Nations monitoring, on the new national Brett was also a hard worker. His elect their government, they must have con- constitution. It would be a grave mistake for uncle remembers how he took a phys- fidence that state institutions are not only the United States to hold out sovereignty ically demanding job at a tropical fish legitimate and independent, but robust and international recognition as the reward farm. Each day, Brett would travel on enough to guarantee safety and civil rights. for passage of a constitution. Rather, mak- his bike 5 miles there and 5 miles back. That is why the coalition and the council ing Iraqis once again a part of the inter- Rain or shine, Brett road those 10 miles must take several immediate steps to estab- national system is the prerequisite of suc- lish these necessary conditions for the con- cessful reconstruction and a durable demo- to and from work, laboring tirelessly stitutional process to succeed. cratic system. to get the job done and, yes, done well. First, it is vital to call up the Iraqi Army Iraqis are grateful for the tremendous ef- He dreamed of opening a restaurant and the national police force, at least up to forts and sacrifices the United States is one day with his Richmond Heights mid-officer level. The coalition’s early deci- making on our belief. Yet, ultimately, only High School buddy, Jonathan Wilke. sion to abolish the army and police was well Iraqis themselves can restore security, re- Brett completed his GED and decided intended, but it unfortunately resulted in a build national institutions. enact a constitu- to enlist in the U.S. Army. Brett’s security vacuum that let criminals, die- tion and elect a democratic government. mom Tess said he was born to serve; hards of the former regime and international America must not rebuff Iraqis who are terrorist flourish. And the coalition’s plan to eager to have a stake in this intimate na- that he always wanted to be a soldier. build a 20,000-member lightly armed force tional process. Like any free people, we want She said, ‘‘My son believed in honor, mostly responsible for security and border to ensure that we are in control of our own loyalty, good character, all those control could make poor use of a valuable re- destiny. things.’’

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