H1674 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. IRAQ RESOLUTION IRAQ RESOLUTION Speaker, this afternoon I will have an (Ms. CLARKE asked and was given (Mr. PALLONE asked and was given opportunity to talk about the war reso- permission to address the House for 1 permission to address the House for 1 lution, but this morning I would like to minute and to revise and extend her re- minute.) just talk for a second about energy marks.) Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, the de- independence. Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise bate taking place here in the House Several weeks ago we heard the today because I am very supportive of this week is long overdue. We are ap- President announce part of his agenda our troops around the globe and in par- proaching our fifth year of this war. for making America more energy inde- ticular those who are in harm’s way in This is the first time Congress is debat- pendent. But the real question is, how Iraq. I wholeheartedly support H. Con. ing the strategy President Bush wants do we get there? The President laid out Res. 63. to implement in Iraq. Congress can no a plan to place new draconian fuel-effi- Mr. Speaker, in the President’s Janu- longer stand on the sidelines, and the ciency standards on our domestic auto- ary 29, 2002, State of the Union address, President has to know that to escalate makers, which I believe is the wrong in regards to protecting America, re- the war in Iraq is not acceptable. approach to energy independence. sponding to terrorist threats and cap- The President hopes this troop esca- It is the wrong approach because it turing Osama bin Laden, he said, this lation plan will help secure Baghdad would force our domestic automakers is a regime that agreed to inter- and reduce the sectarian violence that to invest in old technology and to stifle national inspections, then kicked out is ripping the country apart. But there very exciting new technologies. Our do- our inspectors. This is a regime that is no evidence to support those hopes. mestic auto industry is nearing innova- has something to hide from the civ- In fact, on four different occasions, the tive breakthroughs, such as the usage ilized world. President increased troop levels in of alternative fuels, new battery tech- States like these and their terrorist Iraq, and every time these plans failed nology, and advanced hybrid vehicles. allies constitute an axis of evil, arming to calm the violence in Iraq. Additional troops are not going to I believe it is in our national interest to threaten the peace of the world. By make a difference because there simply to provide Federal support to advance seeking weapons of mass destruction, is not a military solution to the war in the auto technologies of the future to these regimes pose a grave and growing Iraq. The devastating sectarian vio- help achieve energy savings. Both Gen- danger. They could provide these arms lence is going to continue. But our eral Motors and Ford recently unveiled to terrorists, giving them the means to troops should no longer be asked to advanced plug-in hybrids that use a match their hatred. serve as referees in a battle between re- lithium ion battery. Helping that tech- Secretary Rice, after being named ligious sects that have been fighting nology become commercially viable Secretary to succeed Colin Powell, for centuries. will advance our efforts to conserve en- warned 6 months before the invasion in ergy by light years and to create great Iraq that Saddam Hussein could deploy f new jobs here in America. a nuclear weapon, saying that the ad- IRAQ WAR RESOLUTION If my colleagues want true energy ministration did not want a smoking independence and a thriving domestic The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. gun. We want to know as New Yorkers, auto industry, we must focus on the HOLDEN). Pursuant to section 3 of when will we find Osama bin Laden technology of the future. House Resolution 157, proceedings will f now resume on the concurrent resolu- f tion (H. Con. Res. 63) disapproving of IRAQ RESOLUTION the decision of the President an- IRAQ RESOLUTION (Ms. CASTOR asked and was given nounced on January 10, 2007, to deploy permission to address the House for 1 (Mr. MEEKS of New York asked and more than 20,000 additional United minute.) was given permission to address the States combat troops to Iraq. Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, over the House for 1 minute.) The Clerk read the title of the con- last 2 days Republicans who support Mr. MEEKS of New York. Mr. Speak- current resolution. the President’s troop escalation plan er, as the November election clearly The SPEAKER pro tempore. When have had two main message points. The showed, Iraq is the number one issue proceedings were postponed on Wednes- first is that the resolution opposing the weighing on Americans’ minds. A vast day, February 14, 2007, time for debate President’s plan is nonbinding and majority of people across the Nation on the concurrent resolution on that meaningless, and the second is that the strongly disagree with the President’s day had expired. resolution will be the ‘‘end of civiliza- plan to send nearly 21,500 additional Pursuant to the resolution, it is now tion,’’ to borrow a term from a col- troops into Iraq, and a bipartisan ma- in order for a further period of debate umnist. They cannot have it both jority in this Congress has also voiced on the concurrent resolution. ways. its opposition to this measure. The gentleman from New York (Mr. What we are doing over these 3 days This week here in the people’s House, MEEKS) and the gentleman from Michi- of debate is having a real discussion we will have an opportunity to express gan (Mr. MCCOTTER) each will control 6 about changing the course of the war our opinions on the troop escalation, hours. in Iraq. For those who support the and then we will have to vote whether The Chair recognizes the gentleman Bush-Cheney escalation, this debate or not we support the President’s plan. from New York. Mr. MEEKS of New York. Mr. Speak- serves as a prime opportunity to ex- The American people want a debate. er, I yield 5 minutes to the distin- plain why they think this escalation And while there is one going on in this guished majority whip, the Honorable will work when four other surges have House, the Senate Republican leader- JAMES CLYBURN of South Carolina. ship continues to block debate in the not worked. Mr. CLYBURN. I thank the gen- Senate. It is a shame that some have ignored tleman for yielding. the merits of the resolution and fo- One has to wonder what Senate Re- Mr. Speaker, the debate we join cused on political calculation. In fact, publican leaders are so worried about. today is essentially over the matter of several Republicans sent out a letter After all, Republican Senators, like sending 20,000 more American troops saying this debate should not even be JOHN WARNER and CHUCK HAGEL, joined into Iraq. Over the past 2 days, some about the Iraq war today. If we let with Democrats to propose their own deeply felt sentiments have been ex- Democrats force us into a debate on resolution opposing the troop esca- pressed in this Hall by some patriotic the surge or the current situation in lation. and honorable Americans from all Iraq, we lose. Are Senate Republican leaders really walks of life and on both sides of the Far from it, Mr. Speaker. No one will willing to stifle the voices of their own aisle. lose by having a debate. In fact, our Republican colleagues so that they can great democracy benefits and the continue to protect the Bush adminis- b 1030 American people win by knowing that tration? It is time for real debate. It is And I respect and appreciate the in- we are charting a new direction. time for a new direction on this war. tensity of those feelings.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1675 If this were the only issue, if the Now we stand ready to create new resolution authorizing the President of matter were only a matter of troop paths to new victories. We stand ready the United States to use martial force strength and numbers, then the issue to initiate the kind of victories, which to remove Iraq’s Baathist regime for would lend itself to military and stra- will restore America’s respect around numerous just causes, including its re- tegic solutions and we would not be the world and self-confidence here at fusal to honor its Gulf War cease-fire having this debate. home. and United Nations’ resolutions, during That is not the real issue, however. We cannot achieve this by military my time as a temporary custodian of That is not the reason that every Mem- might, but by diplomacy. The need for my constituents’ office, I have striven ber of this Congress is being granted a stable Iraq is not just an American to ensure our Nation’s victory in the the opportunity to speak on this issue. interest, it is a regional and global con- battles for Iraq, Afghanistan, and in No, my fellow Members of Congress, cern. the overarching war on terror. In doing the real issue we are addressing today Iraq’s neighbors must be brought to so for 3 years, I have four times trav- is not that simple. The real issue goes the table. American troops must dis- eled to Iraq and once to Afghanistan to to the very heart of our American de- engage from the Red Zone and redeploy meet with our troops; visited wounded mocracy. to the outskirts of Iraq where they can citizen soldiers, eulogized our fallen, Last November the American people remain at the ready and not serve as and consoled their grieving families. voted for a change in leadership. They targets for insurgents. As a witness to their courage, sacrifice did so overwhelmingly because they The best way for the Iraqi Govern- and suffering, I have been morally want a new direction in Iraq. The ment to gain the trust of the American compelled to support every appropria- American people also voted for a new people is for them to step up and take tion for our military and civilian per- Congress, because they had lost faith control of their country’s security. sonnel in harm’s way, oppose every pol- in the old one. As a Congress, we had We say today that the victories we icy injurious to our country’s common lost our footing, and as a result, our seek are real victories, permanent vic- cause of victory; advance my own ideas Nation lost its way on the inter- tories, victories of a Nation which still on how to secure our victory, including national stage. believes that the voice of the people is the introduction of bipartisan, though I believe that last November’s call our final and best judgment. ultimately unaccepted, legislation to for a new direction in Iraq is also root- With this debate, we are taking steps establish concerted congressional over- ed in our lost faith in those who are to regain our footing as a Congress and sight over the course of this conflict; leading that nation. chart a new way forward on the inter- and refused to condone a resolution by We were stung when Iraqi Prime Min- national stage. my Republican peers which failed to ister al-Maliki seemed to offer amnesty I am hopeful this debate will not only meet its duty; and, immediately after- to Iraqi insurgents that killed Ameri- be heard, but will be accepted as the wards, introduced a resolution of my cans. moment at which America turned its We have been robbed by the dis- own in order to fulfill my duty to our face toward a triumph of enormous appearance of billions of dollars sent to soldiers, my constituents, and our proportions, a triumph for peace and a Iraq in good faith to help build the country. triumph for democracy everywhere As a staunch supporter of our Na- country. We have been deceived by the prom- Mr. MCCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield tion’s mission in Iraq, Afghanistan, ise of trained Iraqi police forces who myself such time as I may consume. and throughout the world, I did so in Mr. Speaker, he was conscientious, should be prepared to provide law and the belief that it is morally imperative order for their country, but instead committed to peace and momentarily for every sovereign American citizen ally themselves with insurgents. praised. His laurels burned in the and their congressional servants to en- I traveled with some of you to Iraq bombings. His valorous and vain efforts sure our valiant troops victoriously last Memorial Day, and enjoyed what I had but hastened upon his people. come home to their loved ones’ arms. thought was one of the best meetings Yet, in eulogizing this ‘‘English wor- Were I to do otherwise and lapse in my of the trip with the Iraqi Speaker of thy,’’ Sir Winston Churchill, an ardent moral duty, I would not only be vio- the Council of Representatives. The op- opponent of the deceased’s policy of ap- lating our troops and my constituents’ timism I felt following that meeting peasement, unexpectedly struck a con- trust, I would be violating the dictates was destroyed when, just days after our ciliatory chord toward the late Neville of my conscience. return home, I heard the Iraqi Speaker Chamberlain: It is equally true, of course, how denigrating American efforts in his ‘‘It is not given to human beings, within this House other Members’ dic- country. happily for them, for otherwise life tates of conscience have led them to a We in the new leadership of Congress would be intolerable, to foresee or to decidedly different, though equally do not stand here as defeatists and not predict to any large extent the unfold- constant course of action. To these as opponents of this Nation’s best in- ing course of events. In one phase, men Members and their fellow citizens who terest. Only fools could reach that kind seem to have been right, in another have done so to date, I share the senti- of conclusion from this discussion. We they seem to have been wrong. Then ments Sir Winston held for Neville stand here today to say there is a vic- again, a few years later when the per- Chamberlain: You are ‘‘An American tory to be achieved, but it is not a spective of time is lengthened, all Worthy,’’ who ‘‘however the fates may military conquest. stands in a different setting. There is a play, will ‘‘march always in the ranks The victory we seek is earned new proportion. There is another scale of honor.’’ Yet, because the resolution through the restoration of America’s of values. History, with its flickering thrust before us is a craven exposition role as peacemaker, not warmonger. It lamp, stumbles along the trail of the of political expediency in a time of na- begins with the restoration of this Con- past, trying to reconstruct its scenes, tional crisis, today many may stray gress, as the deliberative arbiter and to revive its echoes, and kindle with from the ranks of honor. representative of the best interest of pale gleams the passion of former days. This resolution is ‘‘nonbinding,’’ the American people. It begins with the What is the worth of all this? The only which means the resolution has no understanding and acceptance of this guide to a man is his conscience; the force of law to compel future legisla- Congress as a full partner in the future only shield to his memory is the rec- tive acts in compliance with its dic- of this activity. titude and sincerity of his actions. It is tates. In sum, then, this resolution le- Many of us have seen firsthand and very imprudent to walk through life gally changes nothing. Americans’ witnessed firsthand the realities of our without this shield, because we are so money will still unabatedly facilitate presence in Iraq. Many of us have in- often mocked by the failure of our our troops’ continued deployment into formed ourselves as fully as possible on hopes and the upsetting our calcula- harm’s way, despite the United States the complexity of the problems we tions; but with this shield, however the Congress collectively condemning the face. Many of us have agonized over the fates may play, we march always in the President’s announced troop reinforce- dangers and hazards which lie ahead, ranks of honor.’’ ment plan. This impotent resolution is no matter which direction we take. We Mr. Speaker, while not serving in injurious in the eyes of its opponents do not take these steps lightly. this Chamber during the debates on the because it will undermine the morale

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1676 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 of our troops, their families, and our make this rumored legislative plan pal- murder more American and Iraqi sol- fellow citizens even as it heartens and atable to the public. This strategy’s diers and civilians. So right now and emboldens our enemies; and this impo- tactics, which its instigators are more for the immediate future, an exit from tent resolution is injurious because it than happy to relate to the media, are Iraq is a defeat in Iraq. Whatever one will not stop what many of its sup- reputed to include a coordinated multi- pretends to the contrary, one will porters purport will be a loss of life in million-dollar TV campaign by leftist never convince our enemies otherwise. a lost cause. By neither stopping the special-interest pressure groups. No Yes, it is all too human to wish the war nor speeding our victory and by doubt somewhere beyond this ephem- world were different; all too human to calculatedly doing nothing in this time eral stream of time there lurks a jeal- rationalize away one’s misguided ac- of national crisis, this resolution is im- ous Clement Vallandigham. But, in tions. Being composed of frail, fallible moral. fairness, let us disdain a priori specula- human beings, even great assemblies This immorality is manifest in how tion, and instead examine a previous such as this have succumbed to the the resolution guilefully attempts to resolution to glean the potentialities of temptation. We must not. insinuate the United States Congress the present resolution’s supporters’ se- Writing well before Churchill’s mag- can simultaneously support our troops cret legislative plan. The following nanimous eulogy of Chamberlain and, and oppose their mission. During a passages are excerpted from a previous to the contrary, warning the British time of war, if an act is not i our na- resolution which, albeit more forth- people’s representatives how history tional interest, such as the President’s rightly, also opposes the Commander in was pitiless, George Dangerfield coldly plan is deemed to be in this resolution, Chief’s decisions: assessed his national leaders’ mis- the act is injurious to the national in- ‘‘Resolved, That this convention does management of state affairs during the terest. At best, the act will expend re- explicitly declare, as the sense of the pre-Great War years of 1910 to 1914: sources, most tragically claim lives American people, that after 4 years of ‘‘Along that row of distinguished and without furthering the cause of vic- failure . . . by the experiment of war, original faces there would pass from tory. Better than anyone, our troops during which, under the pretense of a time to time, as lightly as a shadow understand this. Therefore, this Con- military necessity of war-power higher upon the waters, an alarming, an alien gress does not support our troops when than the Constitution, the Constitu- spirit, a spirit dangerous and indefi- it proclaims they are risking their tion itself has been disregarded in nite, the Spirit of Whimsy . . . In the lives in a doomed mission injurious to every part, and public liberty and pri- hush of crisis, in the tumult of abuse, America. vate right alike trodden down, and the or when the stuffy air of the Commons Yet, if Congress persists in this in- material prosperity of the country es- seemed almost to glitter with the shin- sanity, the Members must meet their sentially impaired, justice, humanity, ing, salt ripples of sarcasm, there it responsibility to enumerate the rea- liberty, and the public welfare demand played, airy, remote, and irrespon- sons they disapprove of the President’s that immediate efforts be made for ces- sible.’’ plan and, in point of fact, the mission sation of hostilities . . . to the end Is an inchoate angst over history’s upon which our troops have already that, at the earliest practicable mo- final verdict the reason some sup- embarked. But this resolution does not ment, peace be restored.’’ porters of this resolution have taken to provide any rationale for its conclu- This previous resolution too ex- this floor, though not in this resolution sion. Thus, rather than deserving our presses its support for our troops in itself, and verbally professed three key collective concurrence, this resolution harm’s way: defenses of their decision? One defense deserves our universal condemnation. ‘‘Resolved, That the sympathy of the is they were misled into supporting an To this, some supporters will object Democratic Party is heartily and ear- Iraqi regime change because of the and allege two defenses for this resolu- nestly extended to the soldiery of our false claim it did or might possess tion’s fatal omission. Do not these sup- Army and sailors of our Navy who are weapons of mass destruction. Mer- porters’ floor remarks provide the ra- and have been in the field and on the cifully, let us stipulate these elected tionales sufficient to sustain this reso- sea under the flag of our country, and officials performed their due diligence lution? No. If floor remarks alone are in the events of its attaining power, on the matter and, especially for our sufficient to sustain the resolution’s they will receive all the care, protec- Democratic colleagues so situated, conclusions, then floor remarks alone tion, and regard that brave soldiers and they did not overly trust the some would be sufficient to derogate the sailors of the Republic have so nobly many of them had accused of stealing a President’s plan and, ergo, vitiate any earned.’’ Presidential election. necessity for a written resolution. Con- This previous resolution is the Demo- Again, there were numerous justifi- versely, if it is imperative for the cratic Party platform of 1864. able reasons for authorizing the Presi- plan’s detractors to express their oppo- If the past is prologue, let us be firm dent of the United States to militarily sition in a written resolution, it is also in a fair request: If the resolution’s execute a regime change in Iraq. As imperative to express their reasons in supporters possess a victory strategy, those reasons are written in that reso- writing. Alas, such logic pales before or otherwise, for Iraq, these public lution, I will not dwell upon them, for some Members’ impulsive muse of the servants must immediately reveal it to they do not constitute the crux of the moment. the sovereign citizens of the United matter, which is this: the war aim of Let us, then, move to some of the States. If these stealth strategists regime change was a success. It is the resolution’s supporters’ second, far refuse, they will incur the American post-war failure of Iraqi reconstruction more distressing defense: ‘‘A vote of people’s inference this legislative plan breeding our present perils. disapproval on the President’s plan will assumes and will hasten our Nation’s Thus even if a Member of Congress set the stage for additional Iraq legis- defeat in Iraq. How else could one ex- can be excused for authorizing force on lation which will be coming to the plain these individuals’ already having the basis of being ‘‘misled,’’ the Mem- House floor.’’ As no one who partici- a legislative plan and an accompanying ber of Congress cannot be excused for pated in the crafting of this covert leg- media plan premised upon our troop re- failing to demand adequate post-war islative agenda has deigned to inform inforcement failure, and doing so re- reconstruction planning, nor for a 3- the American people as to its aims, one gardless of potential American vic- year failure to demand constructive wonders if it will cut off funding for tories on the ground or the advice of changes to an inadequate post-war re- our troops in harm’s way or cut off our military commanders? Perhaps construction plan. critical reconstruction funding in the while they demur from revealing it, Dovetailing with this defense, some supplemental appropriations bill, thus these anonymous commander in chiefs of the resolution’s supporters now toppling an unheralded but essential will dubiously coin their legislative claim their initial ardor for the regime pillar of the President’s new victory plan an ‘‘exit strategy.’’ change was a mistake because this ad- strategy and proving the perspicacity ministration has botched Iraqi recon- of the present resolution. While we b 1045 struction beyond salvaging and the wonder and worry, according to news- It is an irrelevant distinction. Right fledgling democracy is now in a state paper reports there is a strategy to now the enemy is actively seeking to of civil war. This argument has the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1677 merit of being partially correct, for de- organization of the Southern States, how to save it. We, even we here, hold spite the hard-learned lessons of our the immediate and remote, the present the power and bear the responsibility. Nation’s former successes in doing so, and far-reaching consequences of which In giving freedom to the slave, we as- this administration utterly failed to to both races cannot be contemplated sure freedom to the free, honorable comprehend and implement the funda- without the most dismal foreboding of alike in what we give and what we pre- mental principles of reconstructing a horror and dismay. The proclamation serve. We shall nobly save, or meanly defeated, belligerent nation. Impor- invites servile insurrection as an ele- lose, the last best hope of Earth. Other tantly, this does not preclude recon- ment in this emancipation crusade, a means may succeed; this could not fail. structing Iraq now. means of warfare, th inhumanity and The way is plain, peaceful, generous, While rife with sectarian violence, diabolism of which are without exam- just, a way which, if followed, the much of it instigated and perpetuated ple in civilized warfare, and which we world will forever applaud, and God from external elements, Iraq is not in a denounce, and which the civilized must forever bless.’’ civil war. Relative calm exists in most world will denounce as an uneffaceable My friends, history harkens your of the beleaguered nation’s provinces, disgrace to the American people.’’ honorable hearts to reconsider sup- and if one dares to look, there are the So much for the prognostications of porting this immoral resolution. If one agonizingly slow but significant signs the ‘‘Peace Democrat’’ controlled Illi- believes all human beings are equally of incremental progress in the estab- nois legislature’s 1863 resolution. God’s children, whether they be free or lishment of order. This progression will Thankfully, by the grace of God and yearning to breathe free, one cannot, be expedited by the administration’s the sanguine sacrifice of the American after a cruel sip of hope, condemn 20 new plan, which finally incorporates people, it was this Illinois legislature, million of God’s equally beloved chil- the two fundamental principles of Iraqi not our African American brothers and dren to a saturnalia of slaughter. If one or any reconstruction plan, one, a lib- sisters and our Nation’s great emanci- supports our troops, one cannot deride eral democratic society evolves upward pator, who are to be denounced by the their cause as injurious to our country. from its traditional roots of order, not civilized world for all eternity. If one seeks our victory in the war on from a centralized bureaucratic gov- What of our legislative body? Now terror, one cannot advocate a retreat ernment downward; and, two, a na- resurrects the specter of our own judg- and defeat in the face of our enemy. tion’s transformational evolution into ment, which hovers above and shadows My friends, through the fog of war, a liberal democracy must contempora- us as we seek to ensure we are not for- our fiery trial illumes and creeps ever neously provide transactional benefits ever weighed in the balance and found nearer along the trail. Rather than to its citizens. These fundamental prin- wonting. It is as it should be, as it curse the darkness and dread the ciples will be implemented through must be, for notwithstanding its non- echoes of history’s verdict, let us ac- critical initiatives, such as provincial binding nature, even after this resolu- quit ourselves with lasting honor by reconstruction teams, an accord on oil tion’s disposition, our duty demands leading our searching Nation through revenue allocations, and a national rec- we make moral decisions affecting our these trying, transformational times onciliation process, amongst others. Nation’s victory or defeat, and our fel- and into a transcendent, triumphal to- But to earn the support of terrorized low citizens’ lives or deaths. Is this not morrow. Let us earn the esteem of the Iraqis, security must first be estab- why, even while bearing malice to- latest and later generations of all free lished so they may commence securing wards none of them, in defending his people by reaffirming our revolu- the blessings of liberty. This is why the own war plan, our own maligned Presi- tionary Republic cherishes the self-evi- troop reinforcement is required and dent warned his opponents history is a dent truth that all human beings yearn why the twin pillars of troop reinforce- harsh mistress: to breathe free. Let us, in our Nation’s ment and grass-roots reconstruction ‘‘Is it doubted, then, that the plan I finest traditions and truest character, can achieve a joint American and Iraqi propose, if adopted, would shorten the remove the Iraqi people’s bonds of op- victory over the enemies of liberty. war and thus lessen its expenditure of pression and replace them with bonds The ineluctable fact of our victory is money and of blood? Is it doubted that of brotherhood amongst our free, sov- it must be won with the help of Iraqis, it would restore the national authority ereign, and secure peoples. which is disconcerting to many of this and national prosperity and perpetuate Let us, in the face of terror, march resolution’s supporters who believe the both indefinitely? Is it doubted that we always in the ranks of honor and cou- Iraqis are unwilling to fight for their here, Congress and Executive, can se- rageously and selflessly secure the freedom and are incapable of perpet- cure its adoption? Will not the good Iraqi people’s blessings of liberty and, uating once it is secured. This argu- people respond to a united and earnest in so doing, secure our own blessings of ment often intersects with the charge appeal from us? Can we, can they, by liberty for unnamed generations of our mission in Iraq has been untenably any other means, so certainly or so American children. shifted from effectuating a regime speedily, assure these vital objects? We Mr. Speaker, fully cognizant of my change to erecting a model democracy; can succeed only by concert. It is not moral duty to our troops, my constitu- and for the above reasons, they think ‘Can any of us imagine better?’ but ents, my country, and my Creator, I this is impossible. This deplorable ar- ‘Can we all do better?’ Objection what- cannot in good conscience support this gument is antithetical to the self-evi- soever is possible. Still the question re- resolution, which is injurious to the dent truths written into our own Dec- curs ‘Can we do better?’ The dogmas of cause of our Nation’s victory and in laration of Independence, though, the quiet past are inadequate to the consequence is patiently immoral. sadly, it is not without precedent. Once stormy present. The occasion is piled Therefore, I urge this resolution’s re- more, let us reference another resolu- high with difficulty and we must rise jection and pray God graces, guards, tion, this one opposing a military mis- to the occasion. As our case is new, so and guides the steps of all who bear the sion creeping toward a decidedly dif- we must think anew, act anew. We burden of our decisions made on behalf ferent goal: must disenthrall ourselves and then we of the majestic American people. ‘‘Resolved: that the emancipation shall save our country. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of proclamation of the President of the ‘‘Fellow citizens, we cannot escape my time. United States is as unwarranted in history. We of this Congress and this Mr. MEEKS of New York. Mr. Speak- military as in civil law; a gigantic administration will be remembered in er, let me just say that from my under- usurpation, at once converting the war, spite of ourselves. No personal signifi- standing, we are a separate but equal professedly commenced by the admin- cance or insignificance can spare one branch of government. The Executive istration for the vindication of the au- or another of us. The fiery trial does its thing; we do ours. And part of thority of the Constitution, into a cru- through which we pass will light us our responsibility is to debate, inves- sade for the sudden, unconditional and down, in honor or dishonor, to the lat- tigate and evaluate what the President violent liberation of 3 million Negro est generation. We say we are for the says and not simply rubber-stamp what slaves; a result which would not only Union. The world will not forget that he says. So we are doing our job and be a total subversion of the Federal we say this. We know how to save the what the American people elect us to Union, but a revolution in the social Union. The world knows we do know do

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1678 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to now But the American people know better. gress right here that never seriously yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman They recognize ‘‘stay the course’’ when questioned his misguided policies in from Illinois, the chief deputy whip, they see it, and they are saying no. Iraq. It was the ‘‘see no problems, hear the Honorable JAN SCHAKOWSKY. And the administration continues the no problems, conduct no oversight’’ Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I charade that if you don’t support this Congress. thank the gentleman for yielding. war and this escalation, then you don’t When the President stood below the Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of my support the troops. banner ‘‘Mission Accomplished’’ aboard constituents in Illinois to say, as Shame on them. It is they who have the USS Abraham Lincoln in May 2003, strongly as possible for myself and for failed to serve the troops who have the rubber-stamp Congress believed the them, that we reject President Bush’s served us so well. From day one our slogan, rather than the facts on the decision to deploy more than 20,000 ad- troops were sent into the war theater ground. ditional United States combat troops without the proper equipment to maxi- When Vice President CHENEY de- to Iraq. mize their safety. Families have bake clared that the insurgency was in ‘‘its Tragically, the President and his ad- sales to buy their loved ones better final throes’’ back in May 2005, the Re- ministration are dealing with an Iraq vests and helmets. Just last month the publican Congress accepted that ver- that exists only in their imagination. Pentagon’s Inspector General found dict without question. Bob Herbert said it well in Monday’s that the Defense Department hasn’t When the President unveiled his so- New York Times: ‘‘We need to stop pre- been able to properly equip the troops called ‘‘Plan For Victory’’ at the Naval tending that there is something sane it already has with enough guns and Academy in November 2005, the old about continued U.S. involvement in ammunition to ‘‘effectively complete Congress dutifully parroted the talking this ruinous war. We keep sending their missions.’’ That is a quote. Sol- points sent down from the other end of troops into the combat zone, and they diers are short body armor, armored Pennsylvania Avenue. keep sinking ever deeper into the an- vehicles, and communication equip- The days of the rubber-stamp Con- cient Middle East sand. To keep send- ment. Imagine this war is costing $12 gress are now over. This Congress will ing young people off to die in a war million every hour, 24/7 for 4 years, no longer serve as the mouthpiece for that everybody knows is pointless is nearly half a trillion dollars, and our the White House. This Congress is fi- criminal.’’ soldiers don’t have enough body armor, nally standing up to do its job as a sep- Each time that the Bush administra- ammunition, communications equip- arate and coequal branch of govern- tion has proclaimed that we must stay ment? ment. the course because the war has just b 1100 Mr. Speaker, the message from the last election was clear. The American reached a turning point, that turn has If our troops aren’t the priority, who people have an uncanny ability to cut led to a dead end. is? Halliburton, Blackwater, other cor- through the slogans and get to the May 2003, President Bush declared porate chums of the President? Don’t heart of the matter. They understood ‘‘Mission Accomplished.’’ By the end of lecture us about caring for the troops. 2003, 486 of our troops were dead and The Executive Director of Iraq and clearly that more of the same in Iraq 2,408 were wounded. And yet we stayed Afghanistan Veterans of America re- was not working. And the American the course in Iraq. cently said of our returning soldiers people understand what both General In June 2004, President Bush said, and marines, ‘‘And when they come Casey and General Abizaid have told ‘‘We’re handing over authority to a home, there aren’t nearly enough tran- us: that the escalation of more troops sovereign Iraqi Government . . . a sitional care services, job placement, in Iraq is not the answer; that it will turning point will come in less than 2 transitional housing. It is just not make matters worse, not better. weeks.’’ there.’’ Twelve million dollars an hour Increasing the number of American By the end of 2004, 1,334 of our troops to wage this war, and our veterans are troops in Iraq will put off the day when were killed and 10,408 were wounded. returning home without the proper the Iraqis, the Shia, the Sunnis and the And yet we stayed the course in Iraq. care they need? Kurds, must make the difficult com- In June 2005, Vice President CHENEY Our support for the troops compels us promises necessary to achieve political said, ‘‘I think they are in the last to oppose this war and this escalation. and national reconciliation. Putting throes, if you will, of the insurgency.’’ Of the terrible options the President more American forces in the middle of And in December 2005, President Bush has left us after 4 years, the absolute a bloody sectarian civil war will only said ‘‘ . . . the year 2005 will be re- worst is to continue to send our young lead to further violence and more corded as a turning point in the history men and women in uniform to die in American and more Iraqi casualties. It of Iraq, the history of the Middle East, the meat grinder that is Iraq and to is time for the Iraqis to assume more and the history of freedom.’’ put them in the cross-hairs of a civil responsibility, not less. By the end of 2005, 2,180 of our troops war. The Bush administration has been were killed and 16,354 were wounded. Speaker PELOSI has said that our wrong about this war from the begin- And yet we stayed the course in Iraq. goal is to end this war. We can begin ning and it is wrong with respect to its In May 2006, President Bush called right here, right now, by passing this proposed course of action now. The rec- the formation of a new Iraqi Govern- resolution. ommendations of the bipartisan, inde- ment ‘‘a turning point.’’ By the end of Mr. MEEKS of New York. Mr. Speak- pendent Baker-Hamilton Commission 2006, 3,001 of our troops were killed and er, it is my pleasure to yield 5 minutes provide for the responsible redeploy- 22,736 were wounded. And yet we stayed to the honorable gentleman from ment of our forces and represents the the course in Iraq. Maryland (Mr. VAN HOLLEN), the mover best way forward in Iraq. And just last month, Vice President and shaker on the Ways and Means And to those who would suggest that CHENEY proclaimed, ‘‘Well, I think if Committee. having this debate will undermine our you look at what’s transpired in Iraq Mr. VAN HOLLEN. I thank my col- troops, I say shame on you. Chairman . . . we have, in fact, made enormous league from New York. of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General progress.’’ And President Bush told us Mr. Speaker, next month we will Peter Pace put that canard to rest just that his new strategy to escalate the mark the fourth anniversary of the last week when he said, ‘‘There is no war in Iraq ‘‘will change America’s President’s decision to launch a war of doubt in my mind that the dialogue course in Iraq and help us succeed in choice against Iraq. Many of us came here in Washington strengthens our de- the fight against terror.’’ to the floor of this House in the weeks mocracy. Period.’’ Since those remarks made just days before the invasion to urge the Presi- Our men and women fighting in Iraq ago, more than 120 troops are dead, and dent to take a different course. The understand the strength and vibrancy yet once again we are being asked to White House ignored those appeals for of this democracy, and they understand stay the course in Iraq. restraint. The President’s mantra was, that it is our duty in this Congress to My colleagues across the aisle want and these are his words, ‘‘Bring it on.’’ exercise our best judgment for Amer- to characterize this troop increase, the For almost 4 years after the invasion, ica’s national security. What has fourth escalation, as a new direction. the President had a rubber-stamp Con- harmed our national security is not the

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Like all of those elected in 2002, 2004, terests and to which our own security Our national security is weakened 2006, I was not part of the initial deci- is intimately tied. when our credibility around the world sion to go to war, and, frankly, I often I acknowledge that things have not is undermined by false claims regard- think how fortunate I was to have been gone in Iraq as I, certainly, and I think ing weapons of mass destruction. Our spared that responsibility. But, of everybody, regardless of their position national security is weakened when the course, none of us on this floor ever on the issue, would have hoped. There chaos in Iraq allows Iran to greatly ex- truly escapes responsibility. is no question that we underestimated pand its influence in the region. Our My attitude toward this conflict re- what was required, not to defeat Sad- national security is weakened when flects that of my district and, frankly, dam, frankly, that was done bril- America’s diminished standing in the that of my father, who was a career liantly, but to secure Iraq. world has eroded our ability to influ- noncommissioned officer in the United We have underestimated the persist- ence the actions of others. Our na- States Army. I recall once when he was ence of and the difficulty the outside tional security is weakened because we talking about war, he summed it up players would create for us. We under- pretty simply: When you are in it, win have diverted our attention away from estimated how anxious people inside it. Iraq would be to settle old scores in- completing the mission against the ar- That is what I have tried to do with chitects of 9/11, against Osama bin stead of to look ahead. And we have my vote, my voice, my energy, since I underestimated the impact of the di- Laden and al Qaeda and the terrorist have been elected to represent my dis- network that continues to operate vided loyalties of Iraqis themselves, trict. I have done so because, frankly, where so often we see sect against sect, along the Afghan-Pakistan border. in some areas I have seen progress. Re- We must change course. We must ethnicity against ethnicity, tribe moving Saddam Hussein from power against tribe. strengthen our national security posi- was a good thing and I am proud that tion, not compound the errors we have But these difficulties and mistakes, that was accomplished, and it would regrettable as they are, do not change already made. That is what this resolu- not have been accomplished without the consequences of losing in Iraq, for tion is all about. We hope the President the valor and the professionalism of the region, for Iraqis, and, most impor- will join us in that effort. Let’s chart a American men and women in arms. tantly, for ourselves. new direction now together. I am pleased to have seen a Constitu- At this critical point, the President Mr. MCCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield tion formed in Iraq that is the envy of has offered a plan to avert defeat, and, such time as he may consume to the the Arab world. if the Iraqis are up to the task, to turn gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. COLE). I am proud to have seen three elec- the tide. It has an American military Mr. COLE of Oklahoma. I thank the tions take place, all of which had in- component, and that is what this reso- gentleman from Michigan. creasingly high participation and had, lution deals with. Mr. Speaker, I have listened to the frankly, higher percentages than vote But contrary to what I have heard on debate over the last 2 days, really doz- in our own elections. the floor, it is not a major escalation ens and dozens of speeches, and, frank- I was hopeful when I saw a coalition in forces. It is not an effort to allow ly, speeches of exceptionally high qual- government formed that had Kurds, the Iraqis to avoid the fighting. Nor is ity on both sides of the issue. I have that had Sunnis, that had Shia, that it an effort to win militarily. It is an listened particularly to the speakers had other elements in the Iraqi popu- effort to buy the time needed to create who were here in 2002 when the momen- lation. an environment in Iraq that will allow I have been impressed with Iraqi tous decision to go to war was actually Iraqis to succeed politically. It will forces that do stand and fight. And made. Those who were opposed, I have allow them to begin to push toward the let’s make no mistake about it: Most of admired because in their opposition in reconciliation process and review the the fighting and dying militarily is October of 2002 they were taking an un- de-Baathification program. It will popular position, but clearly one that being done by Iraqis and they deserve our respect for that. allow them to share power with one an- they believed in, and I think they de- other. It will allow provisional elec- serve our respect for that, even if I And, frankly, I think like all Ameri- cans, I was enormously relieved when I tions to take place. It will allow oil don’t agree with that particular point revenue to be distributed more equi- of view. see actors like the late al-Zarqawi, people who would kill Americans any- tably. It will allow Iraqi units the time Second, I have watched those who to train, stand up and continue to fight voted in favor of that tough decision, where, anytime, who are not from Iraq, being sought out with the help of Iraqis and fight more professionally and pro- and I have watched as they have stuck ficiently than they have. to that decision because they believe and killed far away from our shores. That is important, and that is some- The U.S. force is indispensable in the stakes are so important for the thing we should acknowledge. achieving these measures, but it will United States. They have done so even I have also supported the war because not be and it is not intended to be deci- when public opinion has turned against I feared the consequences of defeat in sive. What will win or lose in Iraq ulti- their position. And I admire that. Iraq. And, believe me, there are con- mately are Iraqi politicians: Can they Frankly, I have watched speakers sequences to losing the war. These are put their differences aside? Iraqi sol- who have changed their position, who real. diers: Can they fight for their country were first for the war and now are op- If we are not successful in Iraq, we instead of against one another? And posed to it. It is easy to deride people will have an emboldened enemy. Not the Iraqi people: Can they put aside the in that position. But, quite frankly, I just the terrorists that we deal with, differences and demand better leader- have watched them, and they are an- they are bad enough, but also the ship than they have received thus far guished in their opinions and their con- states that use terrorism as a tool of from their own people. clusions; they are sensitive, obviously, diplomacy. States like Iran, states like Some will say this is a hopeless task, to the easy and cheap criticism of op- Syria, will draw comfort. but our military leaders and our troops portunism. And I particularly admire We will have demoralized friends in in the field don’t tell us that. General those, frankly, in my own party who the region and around the world that Petraeus, a man whom all sides ac- have broken with their President and wonder whether or not they can really knowledge is not only professional, ca- their party over a position that they count on us once we make a commit- pable, but is dedicated and a great pa- believe in deeply. I don’t agree with ment. triot, tells us he thinks this is an them, but I admire them. We will see the death of an infant de- achievable mission if he has the forces What I don’t admire is the Demo- mocracy, never a good thing for the he needs to succeed. The average sol- cratic leadership that has brought us a lovers of freedom. diers that I talked to from my district

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And take the country into a new phase of stand here in the well of the House of it also teaches us sometimes it needs this war. To me, nothing matters more Representatives and not move to outside help. All of us as Americans are than getting this right. change our policy in Iraq. There are justly proud of the American Revolu- Four years ago, I voted against au- too many lives at stake, our security tion. We often forget it took a French thorizing the President to go to war be- at stake. I support the conclusions and fleet, French army and Dutch money cause, as I said on this House floor, I recommendations of the bipartisan to finally finish the job. believed taking unilateral action Iraq Study Group, but I have crossed Mr. Speaker, because I believe the against Iraq would ‘‘weaken our moral the Rubicon on this war. I support consequences of losing in Iraq are hor- authority, our military effectiveness phased redeployment over the next rible for Iraqis, for Americans, and for and our ability to keep events under year and will seek every opportunity to the cause of liberty and our friends control afterwards.’’ mandate such a change in law. But around the world; because I think that Today, 1 month into the new Con- that begins with stopping this esca- we, the Iraqis and the Americans to- gress, and for the first time since the lation gether, can still win; because I believe previous majority rushed to authorize Mr. Speaker, I harbor no illusions about the that defeat has catastrophic con- this war in October of 2002, every Mem- President’s willingness to hear this message sequences for the United States, I urge ber of this institution, Democrat or Re- from the Congress. Before long, it may be the rejection of this resolution and publican, will face a different choice. necessary to mandate reductions in troop lev- support the cause that our fighting With the situation so clearly out of els. But the President must understand that men and women are so nobly advancing control, Members can trust President the public and the Congress do not support in Iraq. Bush one more time as he escalates the his policies in Iraq—that if we can even hope conflict in Iraq, or they can support a to achieve a stable Iraq, a peaceful Middle b 1115 change in direction that begins to rede- East and a more secure America, our strategy Mr. MEEKS of New York. Mr. Speak- ploy our troops out of Iraq, that uses must change. That is what this vote of no con- er, it is my pleasure to yield 51⁄2 min- our military in the right way, to make fidence is about. That is our obligation—let us utes to the Chair of the Steering Com- our country safer and raise America’s honor it. mittee, the Honorable ROSA DELAURO. standing so that we have both allies Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, this and moral authority to address our Speaker, I will make a statement later, week the Congress finally takes up its threats. but right now I would like to introduce obligation to change course in Iraq. We To be sure, of all the concerns we Congressman GEOFF DAVIS from the have arrived at a new moment. Few re- take to the floor with, it is the deterio- State of Kentucky who was in the U.S. sponsibilities are more solemn for a rating welfare of our troops that is Military Academy at West Point and Member of this body than one in which most alarming. Of course, every Amer- served this Nation as an assault heli- he or she is obligated to register a vote ican takes comfort in the heroism and copter flight commander in the 82nd of no confidence in their President in a the determination that our soldiers Airborne Division, which is where I time of war. have shown. They have performed mag- went through jump school, too, and I Under different circumstances, I nificently, but they have been charged think he is well qualified to discuss think most Americans would want to with an impossible mission that under- this issue. give their President the benefit of the mines their incalculable sacrifice and I would like to recognize the gen- doubt on matters of war, that they has strained our military in countless tleman for 5 minutes. would want to trust the President’s ways, from manpower to morale. Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speak- judgment to do what is right for our As the father of one marine whose er, I rise today in support of our troops country, for our national security in- son has been deployed for the second and dedicated civilian professionals, terests, and for our troops and their time to Iraq wrote to me, ‘‘You forget and to my former comrades and friends families who never leave our prayers. what it is like to actually sleep now serving, and against the Democrat It is a measure of how desperate mat- through the night without waking up resolution disapproving of reinforcing ters have become in Iraq that the Con- to the horrible thought that you might our troops in combat. gress considers this resolution of dis- not ever see your son again.’’ This week, Congress has spent its approval. Today, we find ourselves em- Mr. Speaker, we all know our troops time debating a futile, nonbinding res- broiled in a war that is not winnable, a will do anything their country asks of olution when, in reality, we should be religious war that is inconsistent with them, but let us not ask them to esca- debating policy initiatives that will our original mission there, a war the late an unwinnable war. help our troops in their mission and American people no longer support. Today, virtually everyone agrees we lead to stability. I believe that in fight- And with 3,100 American lives lost, need a new strategy, everyone, that is, ing the war in Iraq that there is room sectarian violence threatening to spill except for the President who continues for an open and honest debate about over into the entire Middle East, and to pursue an objective the consensus the best way to advance the compelling no prospect for a stable, constitutional judgment of our Nation’s intelligence national security interests of this Na- democracy in Iraq in sight, today we agencies says has no chance of success. tion. Honest debate, respectful dis- consider this war for not what we wish Indeed, in proposing an escalation of agreement, and constructive dialogue it were but for what it has so clearly the current strategy, the President re- are components of our great Republic; and tragically become, a mistake of jects conclusions drawn by the Na- and it is important to honor the proc- historic proportions. tional Intelligence Estimate, the bipar- ess that our institution provides. As such, I will support this resolution tisan Iraq Study Group, his own gen- Furthermore, this measure seeks to opposing the escalation of this conflict. erals and, perhaps most importantly, debate whether we support an oper- And with this debate, the Congress the American people. In so doing, he ational decision that, in reality, should takes up its constitutional responsibil- sends what could be as many as 170,000 be made by the commanders on the ities with a sense of urgency and ac- troops into a civil war that is being ground, not by politicians in Congress. countability that the public so des- waged along sectarian fault lines that What are we going to be debating next perately seeks from us. For too long have existed for more than 1,300 years. week, Mr. Speaker? Which block in the Congress has asked too few ques- Such a policy will not only make Baghdad? Which precinct to target? tions and been all too willing to put matters worse, in my view and that of This nonbinding resolution serves no politics and ideology before our Na- the Iraq Study Group. It will also post- purpose other than pacifying the tion’s security. pone Iraqis taking responsibility and Democrats’ political base and lowering

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1681 morale in our military. At least one water running and the electricity on, try, not the staying of the course that Democrat has likened this type of reso- which will in turn allow people to go to it is currently on. lution to a child stomping in the cor- work and children to return to school. It is long overdue then that the Con- ner. Returning normal life to Iraqis is im- gress find its voice as well. Past is pro- The troops will be doing their job by portant, but it should not be the sole logue, and we must go back to June of completing the mission that they have responsibility of our troops who are 2002 when the President enunciated the been given, and we in Congress need to providing security and stability. We Bush doctrine, the doctrine of preemp- do ours. Our troops who are fighting need to strengthen the involvement of tion and unilateralism that has placed abroad do not get to debate the valid- the international community in this us in this situation that we have today ity of their mission. Their enemies are endeavor as we empower and engage in Iraq. real, and they are fighting day in and the Iraqis. He was warned, most notably by peo- day out to protect our country, the I strongly believe that if we are to ple like Scowcroft, Eagleberger, Baker, Iraqi people and themselves. fully support our troops that we must and Colin Powell about the folly of this This resolution does not help make listen to what they are saying. And effort. It was not KENNEDY or Berg or progress in Iraq. It does not provide a when the troops are saying that they even LARSON or other people that spoke new approach in Iraq and does not are committed to their mission then, I out as eloquently as those former make our Nation or our troops more believe, we should listen. I remain a members of Bush the Elder’s Cabinet. secure. That is what we need to be committed supporter of our troops, and I traveled with JACK MURTHA in the doing, not wasting our time debating a I thank them for their service. buildup to the war, and we met with measure that can dishearten and de- Soon, Congress will vote on the De- our ambassador in Saudi Arabia, Rob- moralize our citizens faithfully serving partment of Defense’s supplemental ert Jordan, who I said to him, Ambas- in theater while encouraging and budget; and in it, the Pentagon is re- sador, you have a gathering storm here emboldening the adversaries of sta- questing $5.6 billion for troop reinforce- in Saudi Arabia, with all the tensions bility. ment. This will be the real test of com- in the Middle East. And he said, Con- We have seen the aggression of this mitment, not this meaningless resolu- gressman, you are from New England. faceless and cowardly enemy in the tion. A ‘‘yes’’ vote on that funding sup- Gathering storm, he said? What we bombing of Pan Am 103 in 1988, in al ports the troop reinforcement being de- have here is the making of a perfect Qaeda’s attack on the USS Cole in 2000, bated here today, and a ‘‘no’’ vote will storm. and the tragic events of September 11. delete funding for this important mis- b 1130 This enemy is driven by hate and seeks sion. This will not only show people to do Americans harm. where Congress stands, but give ac- And if we unilaterally invade and at- Over the course of time, it has be- countability to our actions here in tack this toothless tiger, Saddam Hus- come evident that we are involved in a Congress with the force of law behind sein, we will unwittingly accomplish long-term struggle with Islamic extre- what bin Laden failed to do: we will mism to preserve our freedom and the it. I support our troops and our civilian create a united Islamic jihad against freedom of the world. Every day, our professionals, and I intend to keep my the United States. men and women in uniform and our ci- commitment to my many friends on Professor Gram Ellison wrote that vilian professionals risk their lives to active duty and to vote to provide ‘‘this occupation has diverted essential protect our freedom. From providing them the funding for their mission resources from the fight against al security to building an economy, we Qaeda, allowed the Taliban to regroup are strengthening the security of our when the time comes. To my former comrades and friends on Afghanistan, fostered neglect of the country and the international commu- in the 101st Airborne Division and 82nd Iranian nuclear threat, undermined al- nity. liances critical to preventing ter- We have not had a terrorist attack Airborne Division, thank you for an- rorism, devastated America’s standing on our soil in over 5 years because of swering the call again and know that I with every country in Europe and de- our vigilance in pursuing the security stand with you. stroyed it in the Muslim world.’’ of our Nation at home and abroad. Suc- Mr. MEEKS of New York. Mr. Speak- Instead of following the wisdom of cess in Iraq is our only option for con- er, I think we all owe a great debt of Scowcroft and Eagleberger and Baker, tinued national security and the pres- gratitude to the Speaker of this House Powell, this administration embraced ervation of freedom. and to the Democratic leadership for I have had the opportunity to speak allowing us the opportunity to have Ahmed Chalabi with all the hubris and to hundreds and hundreds of men and every Member come to the floor of the arrogance of staying the course. women in uniform whose experience people’s House to talk about Iraq and And so we find our troops today in spans all ranks, all services, and all whether or not they agree with the the midst of civil war, in the midst of units. Consistently, they share an opti- President’s escalation. I think that is sectarian, religious, and tribal con- mistic and sober message about the im- what this House is about, and one of flicts that are more about settling old portance of continuing the struggle to the Members of that leadership who we scores that seek revenge over the cen- defeat Islamic extremists. A resolution do owe that gratitude to is the Vice turies than about creating a democ- like this blurs the many successes in Chair of the Democratic Caucus, and I racy. And it is into that caldron that the war they have had against the ex- am pleased to yield 51⁄2 minutes to the we wish to send more troops, more tremists. gentleman from Connecticut, the Hon- troops that 87 percent of the Iraqi pub- The messages of our troops do not orable JOHN LARSON. lic says they want a time line for us to come without an understanding of the Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Thank be out of there, and over 50 percent of reality and the resources that we must you, Mr. MEEKS, and also let me thank them think that it is okay to kill commit to this mission. Fighting the my colleagues across the aisle for the Americans. terrorists will require a strong com- solemnity of the debate that has taken Our troops need leadership that is mitment, and the road to victory will place over these last several days. I worthy of their sacrifice. It is impor- be long. Our partners in Iraq have stat- think it is so important to the con- tant that this Congress on both sides of ed their commitment to the mission, stituents that we are sworn to serve, the aisle, as it has done, understands and we must stand behind them. and they deserve to hear the voices the difference between the war and the At the same time, the Iraqis must that reside within the people’s Cham- warriors. continue to assume responsibility for ber. I conduct hearings back in my dis- their success as a nation and that our This debate, in so many ways, is an trict; I listen to what my constituents commitment is not open-ended. Suc- echo chamber for what Americans al- have to say. And, most earnestly, to cess in countering an insurgency large- ready know. They have found their those parents, those men and women ly happens outside of the realm of com- voice and expressed it in several man- who come to these hearings and talk bat. Security is only one aspect. ners and several forms, most notably in about their children in harm’s way: We must work on establishing frame- last November’s election, where they Carol Tripp of Bristol said it best, a works within Iraq that can keep the called for a new direction for this coun- woman with three of her sons and her

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1682 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 husband stationed in Iraq, who hasn’t in Korea, like we left in Vietnam, like share those day-to-day risks. Only a shared a holiday dinner with their en- we left in Somalia. handful here have relatives in Iraq liv- tire family since 2001. Osama bin Laden said that ‘‘in Soma- ing the life of the soldier I described. I define success by being able to look lia, the United States pulled out, trail- Mr. Speaker, as we have sadly into their eyes and tell them that the ing disappointment, defeat, and failure learned, the intelligence that took us best path forward is the safe, secure, behind it.’’ to war was wrong. Some of the most in- and strategic redeployment of our And we didn’t blink an eye when the accurate claims—that an operational troops so that our Army can regroup radicals bombed the Khobar Towers in relationship existed between al Qaeda and restore itself and proceed after the Saudi Arabia killing 20 and injuring and Saddam Hussein, that vast WMD people who took the towers down in 372; or after the Kenya embassy bomb- stockpiles existed with their locations systematic fashion to go after al Qaeda ings that killed 213 people and injured pinpointed—were presented by the ad- and continue to regroup. 5,000; or that same day at the Tanzania ministration as fact, even though the Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. embassy bombing killing 11 people and Intelligence Community had discred- Speaker, I yield myself such time as I injuring 68. On October 12, 2000 the USS ited them. That was shameful. may consume. Cole bombing killed 17 and injured 39. Most intelligence agencies around You know, it is an honor to be here And we all know how they tried to the world thought, however, that Sad- today joined by Members of Congress bring down the World Trade Towers dam Hussein had WMD and the inten- who have served this Nation nobly both and didn’t stop until they completed tion to use it against his people and in the Armed Forces and today as the job September 11. U.S. interests. They believed it, and so statesmen and -women in the United All of these tragedies of terrorism did I. But they were wrong, and so was States House of Representatives. happened without a United States re- I. You know, there are lots of ways peo- sponse. The actions taken 4 years ago in Iraq ple can serve this country. Dedicating We can’t waver in our fight for free- created a failed state. We took out its time to the Armed Forces, the greatest dom. We cannot abandon the bedrock government and occupied the country, military in the world, can be some of of democracy; they are the brave and unsuccessfully. About one year later, the most fulfilling time in one’s life. I selfless men and women of our United millions of Iraqis courageously elected know, because I spent 29 years in the States Armed Forces. We will stand up a government, but that government United States Air Force; got called up with them. We must stand up with barely functions, and we continue to from my ROTC class at SMU and flew them. And I will stand up with them in occupy Iraq militarily. 62 combat missions in Korea in a plane Congress, because they stand up for our Mr. Speaker, there are no good mili- I named after my wife, ‘‘Shirley’s freedom every minute of every day. tary options left in Iraq. Texas Tornado.’’ They are the reason we call America To the soldier currently in harm’s In 1965, I left for my first tour in the land of the free and the home of the way, I say, ‘‘You are a hero. You are Vietnam, working for General West- brave. And I salute them. doing your best to follow orders and to moreland in the headquarters. In 1966 I Now, today I have the distinct privi- serve your country.’’ But I also say, returned again. And while flying my lege of managing time during this de- ‘‘We have given you a mission impos- 25th mission, I was shot down, landed bate. Each person joining me is a shin- sible, and that mission must change.’’ in the middle of a division of North Vi- ing example of duty, honor, country. We have a moral obligation to leave etnamese soldiers. And I know folks across America will Iraq in better shape than we found it, What followed for the next 2,494 days learn a lot from hearing about their and that will not be achieved by surg- can only be described as hell on Earth, stories and hearing why they know ing 21,500 more troops into Baghdad. or as my friend and fellow POW, Jere- firsthand freedom is not free. The surge will not work, and I oppose miah Denton did, blinked the letters of Mr. MEEKS of New York. Mr. Speak- it. one word in Morse Code into a movie er, it is my pleasure to yield 5 minutes But abandoning Iraq is not a viable camera as a desperate plea for help. to the Chair of the Homeland Security alternative. We must invest in strate- The letters made up the word ‘‘tor- Subcommittee on Intelligence, Infor- gies to contain and ultimately reduce ture.’’ Of my nearly 7 years in cap- mation Sharing, and Terrorism, the violence there in order to create sta- tivity, I spent more than half of that gentlelady from California, the Honor- bility in Iraq and in the region. That time in solitary confinement. able JANE HARMAN must now be our focus. As you can imagine, the North Viet- Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank The Iraq Study Group made impor- namese would say and do anything to the Speaker and I thank the gentleman tant recommendations to do this, in- break our will. The physical torture is for yielding, and commend our leader- cluding changing the military mission not fit for describing as some of it is ship for organizing this very thought- in Iraq; tying future U.S. support to too graphic and too gory. There were ful and sober 3-day debate on a very se- measurable progress on national rec- many times that I would pray to God rious issue. onciliation; security and governance; that I would pass out and slip into un- Mr. Speaker, as Co-chair of the Blue and aggressive diplomatic outreach to consciousness just to escape the pain if Dog National Security Working Group, Iraq’s neighbors—including Syria and I couldn’t escape the beatings. I rise to oppose the surge and to sup- Iran. But this administration rejected Yet, what also scarred me for life was port tough and smart security strate- them. the emotional torture that the North gies, including those outlined in H. Two weeks ago, a Saban Center re- Vietnamese broadcast to taunt us and Res. 97, authored by the Blue Dogs, to port by Daniel Byman and Ken Pollack break our wills. They constantly blared end war profiteering, put future war carefully assessed options to contain anti-American messages from back costs on budget, and adopt a Truman the spillover from an Iraqi civil war. home over the loud speakers. The Committee to make those who have en- They include not trying to pick win- enemy knows that any anti-American gaged in fraud and abuse in Iraq ac- ners between the Sunnis and Shia; pull- murmur can be used as a weapon. And countable for their actions. ing back from population centers; pro- the same holds true today. As we conduct this historic debate, viding support for Iraq’s neighbors; and The enemy wants our men and however, I am mindful that, eight time laying down ‘‘red lines’’ to Iran. All of women in uniform to think that their zones away, crouched in a tank some- these ideas have merit. Congress doesn’t care about them, that where in Baghdad, a 19-year-old private Further good ideas come from David they are going to cut the funding and is doing his best to restore order to a Schaeffer, a former U.S. ambassador- abandon them and their mission. They city descending into all-out civil war. at-large for war crimes issues, to put want Congress to cave to the wishes of We owe this soldier, his mates, and the Iraqi Government on an ‘‘atrocity those who advocate a cut-and-run atti- their families so much. They volun- watch’’ and warn its leaders that they tude. And we should not allow that to teered to put their lives on the line to can be prosecuted for war crimes if eth- happen. keep this country safe. nic cleansing occurs. We must learn from our mistakes. We We in this Chamber also want to Mr. Speaker, the Bush administra- cannot leave a job undone like we left keep this country safe, but we do not tion has made calamitous mistakes in

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1683 prosecuting this war. The surge, I fear, important to remember that the Amer- Mr. MEEKS of New York. Mr. Speak- is yet another one. With this resolu- ican people have sent us here to solve er, the American people are indeed tion, Congress starts action to force a problems. Unfortunately, this resolu- looking at this debate. They want to change in strategy and to bring that tion makes no attempt to solve the know where their Members stand, sim- soldier in downtown Baghdad and his problems in Iraq. ply whether they support the troops comrades home safely—and soon If Congress believes that the Presi- and their position with the President Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. dent’s plan can be improved on, then and his escalation, and we had the op- Speaker, I yield 51⁄2 minutes to the Congress has the responsibility to work portunity for every Member to speak Representative from Virginia, THELMA with the Commander in Chief to ensure out on that. That is what this House is DRAKE, who represents Norfolk and that the Iraqis are meeting stringent all about. We are doing our jobs. It is America’s Navy. benchmarks and are living up to their just the first step in many steps Mrs. DRAKE. Thank you, Congress- commitments. This resolution is best As a result, the American people man JOHNSON, for your service to our defined by what it lacks. This resolu- also, I am sure, will want to hear the Nation. tion fails to include the proposal for a distinguished gentleman from the Mr. Speaker, the past few years have bipartisan panel tasked with outlining State of Pennsylvania, the Honorable been increasingly difficult ones for the rigorous benchmarks and making sure MIKE DOYLE, who is the vice chair of American people, for our military fam- they are met so that our troops may the Telecommunications and Internet ilies, and, most importantly, for our return home in victory. Subcommittee of the Energy and Com- servicemembers in harm’s way. This resolution fails to specifically merce Committee. Our troops have done everything that protect the funding that our troops The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. PAS- has been asked of them, and more. need to execute the mission. This reso- TOR). The gentleman from Pennsyl- Their sacrifices are unimaginable to lution fails to condemn the terrorists vania is recognized for 5 minutes. many of us here on this floor. Through and insurgents who target both our Mr. DOYLE. Thank you. it all, the only thing that they have troops and Iraqis, and, most impor- Mr. Speaker, as someone who has op- asked is for our support through our tantly, it fails to reiterate that victory posed this misguided version from the words, through our prayers, and, most should always be the goal. war on terror from the very beginning, importantly, through our actions. We were told this week would provide I believe it is way past time for our During my two visits to Iraq, the an opportunity for every Member to go country to take stock of where we have question that I encountered from on the record, yet the majority has not been, where we are, and where we are servicemembers was, What are they allowed a Republican alternative that going in Iraq. I think it is important to saying back home? They watch C– would protect funding for the troops. remember how we got there. SPAN, and I know with certainty that How do the American people know President Bush told Congress and the they are watching us right now. where their Representatives in Wash- American people that Saddam had The resolution that we are discussing ington stand on funding for our troops weapons of mass destruction and was today is nonbinding and, therefore, when the majority will not allow that an imminent threat to the United merely symbolic within the Beltway. to be? States; that Saddam had ties to al The driving force behind it has more to The American people are anxious, Qaeda and the 9/11 attackers; that the do with the situation in Washington but they want progress, not defeat. invasion, occupation, and reconstruc- than it does the situation in Baghdad. They want to see their elected officials tion would cost us nothing; that Iraqi Yet, half a world away this resolution working together to ensure success on oil revenues would cover all the costs. will have demoralizing effects for those behalf of our troops. Simply inserting a So where are we today? We know men and women who we have asked to sentence, saying you support the that Saddam had no weapons of mass go into battle. troops, is not enough when your ac- destruction and that he posed no immi- It is important for the American peo- tions say otherwise. The consequences nent threat to the United States. We ple watching this debate to know that of retreat would be dire. This is under- know Saddam had no operational rela- this plan is currently under way. stood by our allies as well as our re- tionship with al Qaeda. Eighty percent The Second Brigade of the 82nd Air- gional partners who have spoken up of the Iraqi people want us to leave borne Division moved into Baghdad against withdrawal. their country. The invasion, occupa- nearly a month ago. According to the Iraq National Intel- tion, and reconstruction of Iraq will b 1145 ligence Estimate, it would result in an cost us at least half a trillion dollars, The Fourth Brigade of the First In- immediate increase in sectarian vio- not to mention the cost in human lives fantry Division is deploying this lence and genocide and has the poten- and international goodwill. month, with three more brigades set to tial to destabilize the entire region. More than 3,000 American soldiers arrive soon. That means that we are For decades, the instability in the Mid- are dead, more than 20,000 American not here today to discuss whether or dle East has repeatedly resulted in the soldiers are wounded. The burden of not the troops will go, we are dis- deaths of American citizens and the Iraq war is being borne exclusively cussing what message the troops will servicemembers, in places as far apart by our children and grandchildren who hear from us when they get there. as Beirut and Yemen, New York City, will bear the debt, and the families of Like many of my colleagues, I am and the Pentagon. our military personnel, who, at best, concerned about the current situation A retreat at this point in time could, experience long separations and ter- in Iraq. Last April, I witnessed the down the road, necessitate our troops rible worry, and, at worst, lose a be- election of the Iraqi Prime Minister. returning to an Iraq that is much more loved family member forever. Since that time, the Iraqis have failed dangerous than the one they left. I The invasion and occupation of Iraq to make acceptable progress, stabi- truly believe that the United States has alienated our allies, has called our lizing their nation, and strengthening has the most formidable military in credibility into question around the their democratic institutions. the world, not solely because of our world. It has soured Middle Eastern at- Many of us have concerns about the technological and tactical advantages, titudes about the United States and plan. Will Prime Minister Maliki live but because our men and women in uni- Western democracy. Finally, the inva- up to the commitments that he made form fight in the name of a free and sion of Iraq got us into a long-term in November? Does this plan get the Democratic people. They fight on be- bloody occupation of a country with no most out of the 21 trained and equipped half of freedom for all, knowing they significant connection to the war on Iraqi battalions deployed outside of have the full support and confidence of terror and diverted critical military Baghdad? These are reasonable ques- the American people. and intelligence resources from the tions, and ones I believe that are with- When we take that support away, we fight against al Qaeda. in the scope of Congress to discuss and strip our troops of the greatest weapon The recently released National Intel- resolve. in the fight against tyranny. I ask my ligence Estimate concluded that there I appreciate debate, and the Amer- colleagues not to vote for this resolu- is little prospect for political reconcili- ican people appreciate debate. But it is tion, but to once again work together. ation in Iraq at this time. So, what

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1684 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 should the United States do? What does Mr. PEARCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tion was vague, where people of very victory in Iraq mean at this point? opposition to this stay-the-course reso- different beliefs could believe that it Most of us would see victory as any lution, because it is, indeed, a stay the represented them. If you support the kind of political settlement that ended course. It says, blithely, that we sup- war, you believe that it supports your the violence, but the American people port the troops, the troops are in Iraq, position. If you are opposed, you will need to hear the truth, and the truth they are fighting. We support the fight. somehow believe that this is the one is, there is no happy ending for Iraq as We do not, on the other hand, support step that is going to stop us. long as our presence allows the Maliki an escalation, which would be another Yet it really does nothing, the vague government to avoid making the polit- course of action, nor do we present the language, that clever language points ical compromises necessary for peace other alternative that says bring them out, this is not a time for cleverness, it in Iraq. home. We can bring them home, in- is a time for decision, because I will be Now, the President has proposed a crease or stay the course, and so this a constant voice for our soldiers. I read significant increase in the numbers of stay-the-course resolution is one that and I hear the comments today. U.S. troops serving in Iraq. I believe is very curious indeed today. I read when Chrissie Hynde says, that Congress should oppose this esca- The last two speakers that I have ‘‘Let’s get rid of all the economic (ex- lation. I don’t believe it has any real heard say that there is no good mili- pletive) this country represents! Bring chance of producing a political solu- tary action left. That is a credible it on. I hope the Muslims win!’’ tion in the war in Iraq or even curbing viewpoint. It is one that is expressed, I hear from the left, William Arkin, the violence in Baghdad. and yet I ask my friends why did you ‘‘Those soldiers should be grateful that I am not alone in this belief. not have the courage to simply say, if the American public . . . do still offer General Colin Powell, General George there are no goodwill alternatives left their support to them, and their re- Casey, General John Abizaid, General for the military, then bring them spect . . . Joseph Hoar, General Barry McCaffrey, home. That is fair and adequate. ‘‘So we pay the soldiers a decent Major General Don Sheppard and Gen- I have also heard that it is a mis- wage, take care of their families, pro- eral James Conway all question this es- guided conflict. I have also heard that vide them with housing and medical calation. our soldiers’ work is done. If their care and vast social support systems Now, many supporters of the Presi- work is done, please have the courage and ship obscene amenities into the dent’s Iraq policy ask what those of us to bring them home. war zone for them, we support them in who oppose this military escalation I want to speak today on behalf of every possible way, and their attitude would support instead. This Member of our soldiers, the soldiers of today. I is that we should in addition roll over Congress believes that the United will do it while remembering the sol- and play dead.’’ States should begin an immediate or- diers of yesterday. Through no fault of b 1200 derly redeployment of our troops out of my own, I served in the Air Force dur- Iraq with the goal of completing that ing the Vietnam conflict. I say through Our friends on the other side of the redeployment by the end of the year. no fault of my own, because I was not aisle, I do not discount their intent, We should lead and enlist the partici- a volunteer. I got there because I drew but I know what they are trying to do. pation of all neighboring countries in a a very low draft number. As time has They are doing the same thing that massive diplomatic surge to help con- proved, it was going to be the only lot- was done in Vietnam: they are trying tain the civil war already underway, tery that I am going to win, but that to feed that hungry tiger that lives on and that diplomatic surge should in- lottery gave me a free pilot’s certifi- the left, that hates the American way clude all the countries in the region, cate and sent me to Vietnam to fly in of life, that hates the American mili- including Iran and Syria. The only way 1971, 1972 and parts of 1973. tary, that will do anything to dis- to bring stability to that region is I was in Vietnam during the time credit, disrespect, and discount the through a regional effort. that Jane Fonda made her trip to the service of our soldiers. Our troops have performed with cour- North, giving aid and comfort to the My friends, you will not be able to age, compassion, and professionalism. enemy. I was in Vietnam during the appease the left with this toothless res- They did everything that was asked of time that there were demonstrations in olution that you are presenting. You them. Their work in Iraq is done. We the streets back home. I was there dur- know that your own Members, some of gave the Iraqis their freedom. It is up ing the time that our soldiers were your Members, have called for to them to decide what they will do cursed at and spit on. Today, as I beat defunding; but defunding is going to with it. around the back dusty roads of New allow the exit that looks like this, and It is time for the Iraqis to take re- Mexico, I encounter those same sol- it is going to allow the mass catas- sponsibility for their own security. It diers that I encountered back then. For trophe, the mass killings that are is time for Iraqis to decide if Shiites, those soldiers who are my age, who are going to occur, and that is all part of Sunnis and Kurds wish to share re- on walkers, life has been difficult. the problem. sources, share power, and coexist There is a common greeting for sol- But before you allow your friends, peacefully as one country. diers of that era. It is welcome home, who would never vote for me, who dis- America cannot force them to do brother, or welcome home, sister, be- respect our soldiers so much, before this, no matter how long we stay there. cause they were never thanked for you empower them and before you en- Only the Iraqi people can decide this. their duty and they were never wel- courage them, I would recommend that Mr. Speaker, it is time. The Amer- comed home with parades with yellow you think carefully about just cleanly ican people have known for quite a ribbons. We were snuck back into the bringing our soldiers home. while it is time, and I believe this week country. If you are going to do nothing in the that finally the United States Congress I have brought a couple of photos to resolution, you have an obligation to will take the first step to bringing our help us remember, to remember the do no harm. This resolution does no troops home by adopting this resolu- people who were trying to get out of harm. This resolution empowers our tion Saigon, not just Americans, but those enemy, encourages our enemy, and en- Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. people who had sided with us. They are courages people who are going to dis- Speaker, at this time I would like to crawling up the ladder trying to get respect our soldiers. I recommend a yield 6 minutes to the gentleman from into the helicopter. The helicopters vote against the resolution. New Mexico, who was a pilot in the proceeded out to carriers, then the hel- Mr. MEEKS of New York. Mr. Speak- United States Air Force, serving in the icopters were pushed off the side of the er, I know of no one in this House, Philippines, received a Distinguished carriers. This is the way we left Viet- whether you be to the left or to the Flying Cross and an Air Medal before nam. right, who does not believe in our returning to the United States. I bring this up because I am begin- troops and our soldiers, who does not (Mr. PEARCE asked and was given ning to see the same thing today. My respect them and honor them. In fact, permission to revise and extend his re- colleague yesterday spoke of this reso- I think that by having every Member marks.) lution and mentioned that the resolu- have the opportunity to speak on this

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1685 floor to talk about their patriotism is The words of our adversaries in this Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, almost exactly what is supposed to happen in debate have often been very short, but 4 years ago our brave men and women the people’s House. their true conflict is not really with us; in uniform defeated the armed forces of With that, I am proud to yield 51⁄2 it is with reality. They are in a losing a brutal tyrant, and he has been minutes to a man who was one of the war with the truth. Iraq has never been brought to justice. leaders in opposition to giving the the central front in the war on ter- In the years since Saddam’s fall, our President the authority to unilaterally rorism. Like the alleged connection be- troops have won thousands of battles, go into Iraq, a man who is steady and tween 9/11 and Iraq, like the claim that taken numerable objectives, built effective on the Ways and Means Com- Saddam’s nuclear mushroom cloud was schools and utility systems, and pro- mittee, the gentleman from Texas, the looming just over the horizon, this vided all types of humanitarian relief Honorable LLOYD DOGGETT charge is but another falsehood foisted in countless villages, towns, and cities Mr. DOGGETT. I thank the gen- off on the gullible. ravaged by sectarian violence. But now tleman. The central front on the war on ter- our fighting men and women are thrust This debate is late, very late, thou- rorism was largely abandoned by Presi- into a civil war that pits religious and sands of deaths too late. This esca- dent Bush in his ideological rush to in- ethnic factions against each other. lation scheme is an unmitigated dis- vade Iraq. Vital resources and expertise Lurking amid Iraq’s civilian popu- aster. that were needed to capture Osama bin lation, they mercilessly kill their fel- President Bush seems determined to Laden and the terrorists who caused 9/ low Iraqis. continue to make the same old mis- 11 were cut in Afghanistan when Presi- These fanatical killers plant thou- takes, just make them a little bit big- dent Bush ran into Iraq. The real war sands of explosive devices and crouch ger; defying sound military judgement; on terrorism suffered a major setback in thousands of ambush positions to at- defying the Iraq Study Group; defying from which today it has still never re- tack our troops, who seek to replace the wishes of our allies and the Iraqis covered. That is the only ‘‘cut and run’’ senseless sectarian violence with a themselves; and, most particularly, that now endangers our families. Nor measure of stability so that the dys- defying the will of the American peo- does this debate in the people’s House functional and deceitful Maliki govern- ple. embolden the enemies of democracy ment can survive. To fight and die in This President continues to pursue a when we exercise democracy here in the middle of an Iraqi civil war fueled go-it-alone strategy in Iraq. Like most America. by centuries-old religious hatred is not every problem that he has created, and To me, the terrorists seem mighty why we sent our troops into harm’s there are many, he seeks only to pass emboldened with their daily death and way. it along to his successor, who we will destruction that they wreaked across Our troops have stepped up for 4 elect next year—pass along in this case the Middle East long before anyone years. They have paid the price in what is no doubt the most colossal for- ever conceived this resolution. Frank- blood. Now is the time for Iraqi au- eign policy failure in American his- ly, it is the administration that is the thorities to step up. If they are ever to tory. terrorists’ top recruiter. do so, it will be only after they under- The administration’s top budget offi- As we predicted at the outset, this stand that it will be their blood, not cial told me in a hearing just last week war is creating new generations of ter- the blood of young Americans, that that ‘‘the best minds in the Pentagon’’ rorists who view it as a war against all will be shed to stop the horrific sec- see no need to fund this escalation, Islam. We cannot kill our enemies fast tarian violence that is tearing Iraq which has not yet really begun, for enough with the current policies cre- apart. more than another seven months. In ating more of them every day. Throwing 20,000 additional Americans truth, our military has been so over- And now this President is stoking into the carnage of a Sunni-Shiite civil stretched that it cannot sustain a pro- the flames of war with Iran. Ironically, war can only allow the Iraqi Govern- longed escalation, even when it un- that is the only country in the world to ment to continue to shirk its responsi- fairly recalls inadequately supplied have directly benefited from his at- bility for the security of its own peo- troops for a second, third, and fourth tacking Iraq. Widening the war to Iran ple, as they continue to use our troops tour of duty. Little wonder that the with the macho slogan that ‘‘boys go to to eliminate their adversaries rather Secretary of Defense, Mr. Gates, admit- Baghdad, but real men go to Tehran’’ than sitting down and negotiating with ted last week that he is already look- risks an even wider, even more them to share power and oil revenue. ing for another plan after this esca- destabling debacle that can eventually After the election, the President said lation falls short. involve our families in a third world he heard the concerns of the American This week, this House, we say ‘‘stop war. people and he promised a new plan for the increase.’’ And next, we must begin Having failed entirely to learn any victory, but what he has proposed is the decrease with a phased withdrawal lessons from Vietnam, this administra- merely a continuation of the same from Iraq. We should not act precipi- tion seems to already have forgotten failed policy. Sending 20,000 more tously, but we must move very expedi- our experience in Iraq. Some here who American troops to Iraq will do noth- tiously to extract our troops from the profess to be conservative have been ing to further the cause of victory. It crossfire of the warring factions in this very liberal with billions of misspent will only prolong the agony. civil war quagmire. taxpayers’ dollars and very liberal with Our mission in Iraq remains depend- To our troops, whose courage we the blood of others in the sand of Iraq. ent on a viable Iraqi Government with honor today in this very resolution, we President Bush was absolutely cor- both the ability and the will to con- say to you, those of who you who are rect when he personally declared his front the extremists that are tearing out there on the front lines today, we war in Iraq to be a ‘‘catastrophic suc- that country apart. The Maliki govern- will do everything we can to protect cess.’’ He has certainly been successful ment has demonstrated neither the you; but we will also be working as at creating one catastrophe after an- ability nor the will to take the action hard as we can to bring you home safe- other in Iraq. necessary to bring an end to this sec- ly to your families sooner rather than Our Nation is great enough with suf- tarian bloodshed. later. ficient resources and creativity to The Members of his government at There is a better way to show support change course, but each day we delay the highest levels and Maliki’s strong- for our troops than just sending more we sink further into a quagmire from est supporters are using their office to of them to be killed. There is a better which fewer and fewer choices remain. aid the insurgents and are directly in- way than continuing to give this Presi- We must step back from the abyss volved in the sectarian violence grip- dent a blank check for war funding. Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ping and destroying Iraq and killing Unless we move forward to place firm yield now 5 minutes to a longstanding our troops. limitations on the appropriations, we member of the Foreign Affairs Com- At a time when we should be doing will leave this war-making President mittee and presently a member of the everything we can to promote diplo- constrained only by DICK CHENEY’s Ways and Means Committee, the gen- macy in the Middle East, our attention imagination. tlewoman from Nevada (Ms. BERKLEY). to resources have instead been focused

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1686 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 on a civil war in Iraq which threatens goals of America, our allies or the Iraqi leaders with a chance of success in to envelop the surrounding nations and people. Iraq. Second, it begins this Congress further inflame the region. Congress is spending an entire week down a path which ends with cutting The effect of this open-ended conflict on a nonbinding resolution that, even off funding for our troops and aban- on our military preparedness cannot be if it passes, will not change the course doning our foreign policy because of overstated. We have zero active duty or of action in Iraq. Our time could have failed congressional fortitude. I am op- Reserve brigades in the United States been spent much better debating real posed to the resolution and opposed to that are combat-ready. One quarter of issues, such as how to most effectively our micromanaging of the war on ter- our troops deployed in Iraq are Na- win the war that terrorists are waging ror. tional Guard and Reserves. Our Guard on us. Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am units are stretched so thin, only 30 per- Now, personally, I am skeptical that pleased to yield 5 minutes to a member cent of their essential equipment re- an increase of 20,000 troops will make of the Ways and Means Committee, as mains. These units are the ones we de- the difference and that it will stabilize well as the Judiciary Committee, the pend on in case of domestic emergency. Baghdad and Iraq. But, for me, the distinguished gentleman from Ala- By further extending our commitment question is, to whom should we listen bama, ARTUR DAVIS. in Iraq, we are compromising our safe- regarding operational decisions in Mr. DAVIS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, ty here at home. Iraq? Should we listen to the rec- approximately 24 hours from now, this In my home State of Nevada, one- ommendations of the U.S. military or House will bring this debate to a con- third of our Guardsmen have served in to the politicians in Washington? clusion and it will vote. And the vote, Iraq, and with this surge they will face And as an Air Force veteran, I think based on everything we expect, will be the possibility of further tours and ex- we should accept the recommendations an overwhelming one. It will include tended time away from their families. of our military. And in that respect, 2 people from the left of this House, the I commend our troops for their brav- weeks ago the General in command of right of this House, it will include peo- ery in carrying out their mission. They ground forces in Baghdad said, and I ple from both political parties. It will have not let us down; we have let them quote, ‘‘By bringing more troops in, it include people who supported this war down. We cannot ask them to continue provides us the opportunity to work and who believed in it 5 years ago, and their sacrifice while we wait for the with them, to provide more time to de- it will include those who have ques- Iraqi Government to step up. feat this threat, which is both an al tioned it from its inception. I remain opposed to a fixed timetable Qaeda threat as well as sectarian vio- And there is a reason for this con- for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from lence.’’ sensus, Mr. Speaker. There is broad Iraq, and I realize the grave con- I have visited in Germany in the agreement on several things in this sequences we face if our mission fails. medical facilities with our wounded House. There is broad agreement that But that does not mean that I will give troops from Iraq. A member of my fam- we have been caught in the cross-hairs a blank check to the President for a ily served a year in a combat zone in of a civil war between two sets of rad- surge when he has not given us a clear Baghdad, and I am incredibly proud of ical Islamist fundamentalists, neither understanding of why such an increase our men and women in the military. of which shares our values. is needed or how it will help us suc- They are talented. They are dedicated. There is broad agreement in this ceed. They are professional and they are the House that the human and material President Bush has yet to put forth a best in the world. And we owe them a cost of this effort has gone too high, strategy that outlines where we are tremendous debt of gratitude. and there is broad agreement in this going, how we are going to get there, Now, even though it is nonbinding, House that the moral obligation is not how long is it going to take, how much there is, I think, a large omission in to put 21,000 more soldiers into harm’s is it going to cost, and at what sac- this resolution. While it does com- way; but to do the opposite, to begin rifice to the American people. He must pliment the actions of our military the process of pulling our men and define the meaning of victory before it men and women, nowhere does it com- women out of this cauldron that is now is too late. ‘‘Mission accomplished.’’ mit to continue providing funding for Iraq. ‘‘Bring them on.’’ ‘‘Stay the course.’’ troops in the field. And at a time when And there is broad agreement on one And ‘‘we will stand down when the some in this town are talking about other point, Mr. Speaker. It is this: Iraqis stand up.’’ Our campaign slogan cutting off funding for our troops, I that the President of the United States is not ‘‘thoughtful strategies for vic- think we should commit to providing is wrong to say that it doesn’t matter tory.’’ full funding for our Armed Forces as to him what this Congress thinks, or The President has failed to make the long as they are in the field. what this country thinks. case for sending 20,000 more U.S. troops Now, there is no guarantee that this I am reminded, Mr. Speaker, I am into a civil war with an open-ended troop buildup will be successful, or one of the younger Members of this mission and a bull’s-eye on their back. that the Iraqis will succeed in finally House, I was in college a little more re- I say yes and thank you to our troops, taking over the security situation in a cently than some of my colleagues. and I say no to the surge. I ask my col- responsible way. But what we do know I had a very esteemed professor back leagues to join me in doing the same is, at this point there is not a better in the 1980s named Richard Newstadt for the good of our families, our mili- plan proposed which has a chance of who wrote about the American Presi- tary and our Nation. victory. And we also know that failure dency for a number of years. And one Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. in Iraq threatens the security of the night he invited all the freshmen in the Speaker, I would like to recognize Mr. United States, the security of the Mid- class to come over and to have a dia- PAUL GILLMOR, who is a United States dle East, and, in fact, the whole world. logue with him about the future of the Air Force veteran. And he was a judge Early last year I had the privilege of Presidency. And a number of us said to advocate, so he knows some of the leading a delegation to Asia, where we him, Mr. Newstadt, what do you fear legal problems involved in this thing. I met with the Prime Ministers of India, about the Presidency of the United would like to yield him 5 minutes. of Thailand and Singapore. And those States? And it is interesting what he (Mr. GILLMOR asked and was given are all countries that are now and have said, and it is relevant today. He said, permission to revise and extend his re- been under terrorist attack. All of I don’t fear that someone corrupt will marks.) them agreed with the need to cooperate become President one day. I don’t fear Mr. GILLMOR. I thank the gen- for security purposes, and with the im- that someone incompetent will become tleman from Texas, who is a real Amer- portance of winning the war against President. There are too many guard- ican hero, for yielding me the time. terrorism in Iraq because of the con- rails built in the system. The process is sequences of not winning would have too exacting for that to happen. But b 1215 on the rest of the world. what I fear, he said, is that one day Mr. Speaker, the resolution we are Mr. Speaker, this resolution has two someone will come in that office who is considering does not do a single thing purposes. First, it rejects the only plan absolutely convinced he is right about to help our troops or to achieve the which has been suggested by military something on which he is absolutely

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It is not, and the resolution be- women, making America more secure strong. fore us today does nothing to resolve and achieving the victory our military Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Speaker, this conflict, does nothing to reduce personnel are putting their lives on the several of my colleagues on the other the loss of American life, does nothing line for. side of the aisle have said that this res- to stabilize Iraq and does nothing to Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, at olution carries no weight, no legal or advance our security. this time I yield 5 minutes to the moral force. I will tell you the weight I would like to use my time today to chairman of the Energy and Water Ap- that this carries, my friends. Twenty- relate some of the comments that I propriations Subcommittee, the distin- four hours from now, 65 percent of the have received from my constituents in guished gentleman from Indiana, Rep- Members of this Chamber will send a the Fourth District of Michigan. From resentative PETER VISCLOSKY. signal to the American people that we Big Rapids: ‘‘The Congressmen and Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise have heard their voices. That is a pow- women who are opposed to these plans today in support of this resolution and erful thing when I think of all the peo- should come up with better solutions! express my profound disapproval of ple in this country who sent a clear Don’t penalize our military men and President Bush’s decision to increase signal, last November 7, that they were women by making politics a part of our troop levels in Iraq. not heard. their safety and well-being!’’ Late last year the President had an And I end with this point. A number From my hometown of Midland: opportunity to create a new strategy. of my colleagues in this debate, our ad- ‘‘Please stop playing politics with our The voice of the American people was versaries in this debate have said that lives and the lives of young people who heard at this past election. The voice there is a group in Washington. There are defending our country.’’ of the Iraq Study Group gave the Presi- is a group of people on the left. Some of From Alma: ‘‘I am sick of the par- dent a bipartisan plan to draw down you have said there is a group on the tisan politics. We went into Iraq our troops. New leadership at the Pen- other side of the aisle who want to united, but we have let politics divide tagon also could have been a voice of defund, or who don’t somehow have the us. It is time to realize some things are change of strategy. But President Bush strength, the fiber, to support our bigger than the political parties!’’ did not listen to any of these voices. He troops. Friends, we may often disagree. But decided to escalate our troop levels in I remind you, my friends, your dis- the facts are, regardless of how it Iraq. No time frame, no measurable agreement is not with the Democratic began, and irrespective of the benefit benchmarks, no end. Caucus. It is not even with the 50 or so of hindsight, we are at war and Iraq is Mr. Speaker, if President Bush choos- in your ranks who will vote for this the central battleground. es an erroneous path, then it is our resolution. It is a disagreement with Islamic extremists are waging a jihad constitutional responsibility to show the 65 percent of this country. It is a against us, and they are struggling to the way. disagreement with the people in my make Iraq a base camp. Our focus must I have the deepest respect and grati- very conservative State of Alabama, 60 be on winning; and, disturbingly, I see tude for our women and men in uni- percent of whom now think this war is no mention of winning, succeeding, or form. I honor their commitment, their wrong and who say to me, Mr. DAVIS, victory in this resolution. That in why on Earth have we taken sides in a courage and their sacrifice. itself is telling of just how the other battle between radical Islamic fun- b 1230 side perceives this conflict: not in damentalists? Why is a blood feud be- terms of defeating an enemy of Amer- Our troops have done everything we tween Shiia and Sunni worth the spill- ica, but in terms of defeating a polit- have asked them to do. They over- ing of American blood? ical foe. whelmed the old Iraqi Government and They are the ones you are saying are captured Saddam Hussein. They pro- wrong. They are the ones you are say- Our troops deserve better. The Amer- ican people demand more from their vided security while Iraq formed its ing lack strength. provisional government, approved a So, Mr. Speaker, I simply end by leaders. constitution, and elected a permanent thanking my colleagues who had the Again, in the words of one of my con- government. good judgment to be right about the fu- stituents from Bannister: ‘‘I hope Con- Nine individuals from the First Con- tility of this war from the outset, by gress is tough enough to do what gressional District of Indiana have al- thanking the colleagues who were works, not just what is politically cor- ready given their lives and made the wrong 5 years ago and are right today, rect. We need to move carefully and de- and by asking one last thing. liberately, showing a united front, or supreme sacrifice for our Nation. These The President of the United States, we are again going to be the victims of brave men and women will always be who brags that he has watched none of some outrageous terrorist attack.’’ remembered: Sergeant Jeanette Win- this debate, if he could only hear just Sadly, the new majority does not ters; Specialist Gregory Sanders; Ser- one plea from debate, that he listen to seem to understand what so many geant Duane Rios; Specialist Roy some fact, some evidence, because, Mr. Americans readily grasp. ‘‘If you sup- Buckley; Private First Class John Speaker, this is the problem that we port the troops, you must support the Amos, II; Private Luis Perez; Private face with this President. No set of mission or you send the wrong message First Class Nathan Stahl; Corporal facts, no set of truths can tell him that to the enemy,’’ as it was so aptly put Bryan Wilson; Private First Class Ste- he is wrong. Tomorrow this Chamber by a constituent from Ashley. ven Sirko; Specialist Nicholas Idalski; will tell him so From Farwell: ‘‘Congress needs to Specialist Adam Harting; and Staff Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. get behind the President and help, not Sergeant Jonathan Rojas. Speaker, I would like to yield 5 min- hurt, the morale of the soldiers that I am so proud of the dedication and utes to DAVE CAMP, a fellow Member of are fighting. They believe in their mis- service of the people of my State in the Congress from Michigan, and a fellow sion!’’ United States military. We owe them a member of the Ways and Means Com- And I believe in them, which is why commitment equal to their courage. mittee, one of the ranking members. I cannot and will not support this reso- We owe them the courage to act on our Mr. CAMP of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, lution. conviction. I want to thank the distinguished gen- As I conclude my remarks, I want to With the passage of 4 years and the tleman for yielding, and I want to leave you with two comments. The loss of over 3,000 brave Americans and thank him also for his distinguished first is from Traverse City: ‘‘We should countless others who have been perma- service in the United States Congress, all pull together and get the job done.’’ nently injured, I regret to recall that the United States Air Force, seven of And the second, from an airman from we were told we needed to invade Iraq those as a prisoner of war. Corunna: ‘‘Thank you for the much because Saddam Hussein possessed ma- Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposi- needed support of me and my fellow terials for weapons of mass destruc- tion to this nonbinding resolution. And airmen.’’ tion. None could be found. I regret that

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1688 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 the President felt compelled to justify turns out that at the end of the hear- I have more examples here, but one the invasion by claiming a connection ing, each of the three of them had a dif- that we have heard over and over and between al Qaeda and Saddam Hussein ferent idea about what we ought to do. over again in various forms was stated when the 9/11 Commission found this None of them supported what the by one of our colleagues yesterday say- was simply not true. President had been doing. One of them ing: ‘‘Our President, again, is ignoring Our situation in Iraq has redirected sort of supported what the President . . . members of the bipartisan Iraq our Nation from its true mission. The was doing. But each of them had dif- Study Group who opposed this esca- war in Iraq has diverted our attention ferent ideas. They had an opinion, ar- lation.’’ from the global war on terror. We need guably an informed opinion, but an This is the book. I commend it to to reconstitute our Armed Forces. We opinion nevertheless. every American. also need a strategic redeployment of And on this floor we have heard more I would like to quote now from my our forces that will give us the ability opinions. We have heard people say, I dear, dear long-time friend and hunting to focus our efforts directly on the don’t agree with this; I think this is a partner, the former Secretary of State, global terror networks that target in- bad idea; or I think this is a good idea. James A. Baker III, who said on Janu- nocent people around the world. We have heard some people say I have ary 30 of this year: ‘‘This is the lan- I voted against the authorization of a better idea; or I am a member of a guage and all of the language of the re- the Iraq invasion in 2003. There was no caucus who has a better idea; or I pro- port with respect to a surge: ‘We could, plan or exit strategy then, and there pose this; or I think that. And it kind however, support a short-term rede- are clearly no good options now. Yet of reminds me why it is a very bad idea ployment or surge of American combat the Iraq Study Group provided a bipar- to conduct a war by committee. But I forces to stabilize Baghdad or to speed tisan perspective on some changes in fully acknowledge that people are al- up the training and equipping mission strategy. They called for a drawdown lowed to have opinions and certainly if the U.S. commander in Iraq deter- of troops and for intensive diplomatic every Member of this body can have an mines that such steps would be effec- efforts to resolve the sectarian vio- opinion. tive.’ The only two conditions are lence there. We need to listen to their I remember the principal author of ‘short term’ and ‘the commander in recommendations. this resolution before us, the distin- Iraq determines it would be effective.’’’ Mr. Speaker, it is not too late to guished chairman of the Armed Serv- Both of these conditions have been change our strategy, and the first step ices Committee, stood up on the other met. along the new way is to prevent the side of the aisle here on the first day of There have been many claims of fact President’s escalation of this war. It is this debate and he said, ‘‘Everybody is which I have some counterarguments time to obligate the Iraqi Government entitled to their own opinions but not with. to assume the full burden and con- to their own facts.’’ So I would just I would just say to all of my col- sequences of governing their country. like to take a little bit of my remain- leagues that I would concur with We need to listen to the majority of ing time here to talk about some of the Chairman SKELTON that we are entitled the American people. We need to listen claims and some of the facts that have to our own opinion. We can certainly to reasoned voices such as the Iraq been brought forward in this debate. express it. But we are not, in fact, enti- Study Group. The time to pursue a new One of the proponents said the new tled to our own facts. So let’s stick to course is now. I support our troops, and plan ‘‘ignores the recommendations of the facts. that is why I support this resolution. the military commanders on the Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. ground.’’ How many times have we yield at this time 5 minutes to the dis- Speaker, I would like to yield 51⁄2 min- heard that in these two days? Well, tinguished chairman of the Science utes to the great Congressman from what is the truth? General Petraeus, Committee, Representative BART GOR- the State of Minnesota, an ex-Marine, the new commander of the multi- DON of Tennessee. JOHN KLINE. national force in Iraq, confirmed by the Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. I thank Mr. KLINE of Minnesota. Mr. Speak- Senate with no dissenting votes, said: my friend for yielding. er, I thank the gentleman for yielding. ‘‘If we are to carry out the multi- Mr. Speaker, as I have watched this I will overlook the ‘‘ex-Marine’’ slight. national force-Iraq mission in accord- healthy debate over the last 2 days, I Never an ex-Marine; always a Marine. ance with the new strategy, the addi- keep thinking about an e-mail that I It is a tremendous honor for me tional forces that have been directed to received from a lady in Springfield, today to even be on the same floor as move to Iraq will be essential . . . ’’ He Tennessee. You would never accuse this great American here. We heard said that last month. this woman of not supporting the earlier today the hardship of some of General Odierno, a new U.S. com- troops because her husband was a sol- our servicemen and -women missing a mander, Corps commander, says: ‘‘This dier serving in Iraq. He was a month holiday with their families, and I know is about Iraqis taking charge of their from returning home to his wife and in my 25 years in the Marines I missed own security. In order for them to do his two daughters, but he was ordered a number of those. But there is nobody that, we have to buy them time to con- to stay in Iraq for another 6 months be- who has missed more holidays with his tinue to train and for the government cause our troops are spread so thin. He family than this great American next to become more legitimate to the eyes hasn’t been home since October of 2005. to me. of the Iraqi people. They are doing that These are the words that she wrote to We have heard a lot of speeches dur- by moving forward. By bringing more me: ‘‘Mr. Gordon, we need to help other ing this so-called debate. I am not sure troops in, it provides us the oppor- countries, but there are already 3,000 how much real debate there is, but cer- tunity to work with them, to provide families in America whose lives will tainly a lot of speeches. Some of them more time, and defeat this threat, never be the same. I want, need, and have been very eloquent. I think of Mr. which is both al Qaeda threat as well would love to see my husband again.’’ MCHUGH the other night giving one of as sectarian violence.’’ Mr. Speaker, this lady supports the the best speeches I have ever heard on Even General Casey last month said troops. I support the troops in Iraq, and the floor of this House. Some of them he thought we needed more troops. I believe everyone in this Chamber sup- have been partisan. Some of them have Another claim has been by one of our ports our troops. They perform their been shrill. Some persuasive; some not. colleagues: ‘‘Prime Minister al-Maliki missions with bravery and honor, and I We have heard a number of opinions ex- has indicated in virtually every way he commend them for the job they are pressed, and it reminds me a week or so can that he too opposes the surge.’’ doing. But I am unconvinced that de- ago we had a hearing in the Armed And yet on January 13, Prime Minister ploying more troops and spending more Services Committee and we had three Maliki said: ‘‘The strategic plan an- money is the right strategy. And I am experts, Ph.D.s all of them, experts in nounced by U.S. President George W. not the only one. General Colin Powell the field of international relations and Bush represents the common vision said in December: ‘‘I am not persuaded military operations. and mutual understanding between the that another surge of troops into Bagh- One of them, the former Secretary of Iraqi Government and the U.S. Admin- dad for purposes of suppressing this Defense under President Clinton, and it istration’’? civil war will work.’’

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1689 General George Casey, the former have heard their stories and have been hum- united front against elements that seek to de- commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, said bled by their struggles, their heartbreaking stabilize Iraq, and thus bring added pressure last month: ‘‘It’s always been my view loss, and their inspiring instances of achieve- to bear on those actors. Lastly, a multilateral that a heavy and sustained American ment. I have come away from each of these agreement would provide for the formation of military presence was not going to visits with profound gratitude for their sac- a forum in which current and future regional solve the problem in Iraq . . . ’’ rifices and their professionalism. security, political, and economic issues regard- In December it was reported that the Serving in defense of the United States ing Iraq’s continued development can be dis- Joint Chiefs of Staff unanimously dis- does not come without heartache and sac- cussed and addressed. The establishment and agreed with the concept of troop esca- rifice. Eighteen servicemembers from Guam maintenance of conciliatory relations between lation. and our neighboring islands in the Pacific, Iraq, its neighbors, regional states and the General Colin Powell, General George Saipan, Pohnpei, and Palau, are among the international community is essential to stabi- Casey, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, more than 3,000 reported by the Department lizing Iraq internally. these are men who support the troops. of Defense to have made the ultimate sacrifice As the debate today on H. Con. Res. 63 Yet these American generals, the Iraqi in the Global War on Terror. Our island com- continues, I take this opportunity to call atten- Study Group, and the Iraqi Prime Min- munities united to mourn the passing of each tion to H.R. 744 and the various other legisla- ister have all opposed this troop surge. one of our sons and daughters, as we mourn tive proposals that have been brought forth by We have had four other surges since the loss of all servicemembers. We will con- members of this body to help us bring Oper- we first went to Iraq. None produced a tinue to provide support to grieving families ation Iraqi Freedom to a conclusion. In the lasting change on the ground. In Octo- who suffer the burden of these losses. Every weeks ahead I hope that this body will seri- ber more combat troops were sent into American owes a debt of gratitude—albeit an ously consider these measures. It is very dif- Baghdad to fight the growing violence un-payable one—to our fallen and injured ficult to consider the merits of the President’s there. Unfortunately, the sectarian vi- servicemembers and their families. decision to deploy additional troops to Iraq at olence has only grown worse. Many The year 2007 also will be witness to more this time without having received from the Ad- have endured great sacrifices in the 4 tours of duty in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Horn ministration a comprehensive plan that clearly years this war has been waged. More of Africa for our active duty, Guard and Re- communicates to the Congress and the Amer- than 3,000 Americans have lost their serve servicemen and women. For some it will ican people exactly what is necessary to com- lives; 23,000 more have been wounded. be their second, third, and fourth tours of duty plete the mission of Operation Iraqi Freedom. We have spent more than $350 billion in those theaters of operations. This is a lot to Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. with many billions more to go. We ask even of the world’s finest fighting men and Speaker, at this time I would like to have been in Iraq longer than we were women. They serve proudly and their morale yield 3 minutes to Representative JOHN involved in World War II. And there is remains high and their fighting spirits remain SHIMKUS from Illinois. He is an ex- no end in sight. strong. God bless their families and friends Army Academy graduate and served in For 1,300 years Sunnis have been who remain behind supportive and proud of the United States Army and still is in fighting Shias. Now is the time for the their loved ones. the Reserves. Iraqis to take more responsibility for We owe our servicemembers and their fami- (Mr. SHIMKUS asked and was given securing the peace in their own nation. lies our best efforts toward helping our Armed permission to revise and extend his re- No one has offered any evidence that Forces achieve an expeditious and honorable marks.) 20,000 more American troops would completion to Operation Iraqi Freedom. This Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, these change the direction of a 4-year-old should be a primary goal for all of us. But the are real e-mails from veterans, active war or 1,300 years of history. situation in Iraq will not yield a solution easily. duty members, and National Guard and Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is Nevertheless, the President, in consultation Reservists: now my pleasure to yield for the pur- with this Congress, must endeavor to find one. ‘‘John, my son, a Marine gunny ser- pose of making a unanimous-consent And it is for this reason that I introduced H.R. geant embedded with the Iraqi Army request to the distinguished Congress- 744, the Iraq Policy Revitalization and Con- around Rimadi, called a few weeks ago. woman from the U.S. territory of gressional Oversight Enhancement Act. H.R. I asked him if he knew about the Presi- Guam, MADELEINE BORDALLO. 744 also would aim to revitalize U.S.-Iraq pol- dent’s plan for more troops. He hadn’t (Ms. BORDALLO asked and was icy; would require the President to provide to heard about it, but his only comment given permission to revise and extend Congress a plan that addresses the whole of to me was ‘We can use them.’ Please her remarks.) the challenge in Iraq; would improve congres- support the President and the troops. Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise sional oversight of Operation Iraqi Freedom It may be our last, best chance to win in support of H. Con. Res. 63. and events in Iraq; would seek to increase the this thing. Winning is the imperative. I rise today to acknowledge and honor the commitment made by the international com- Semper Fi.’’ service and sacrifice made by military and ci- munity to the stability and security of Iraq; and And another: ‘‘We have to let our vilian personnel who have served and who are would ultimately, help bring our troops home generals be generals and wage this war serving today in Iraq, Afghanistan, on the Horn in an honorable, expeditious manner without as only they are trained to do and have of Africa, and elsewhere around the world in sacrificing their mission. hope that the announced troop buildup defense of the national security of the United The Iraq Study Group, co-chaired by former will be the final key that is needed by States. These individuals, and their families Secretary of State James Baker and former the Iraqis to build a secure, united who support them from home, are to be com- Congressman Lee Hamilton, concluded that country.’’ mended for their dedication to our country. many of the challenges in Iraq are of an inter- I represent the island of Guam. Sons and national nature, and they become more so— b 1245 daughters of Guam, and those from our neigh- not less so—as each day passes. As a result, We have to hope that it is not too boring islands in the Commonwealth of the it is becoming increasingly important to view late for the U.S. to make a difference Northern Mariana Islands, Micronesia, Palau, United States policy toward Iraq as a part of in Iraq.’’ and the Marshalls, serve proudly in the United and not isolated from United States policy to- Another: ‘‘We need to send the mes- States Armed Forces. These individuals serve ward the region as a whole. It also is becom- sage to our troops that America wants at a critical point in our country’s history and ing increasingly important for countries in the them to succeed in Iraq by giving the we are grateful for their dedication to their region and the international community to be- buildup a chance to succeed.’’ mission and their commitment to ensuring our come more fully engaged in the effort to sta- Still another: ‘‘My fellow Guardsmen freedom. bilize Iraq. The Iraq Study Group rec- are ready. We will do whatever is asked I have been able to visit on eight occasions ommended that we support efforts to promote of us. Please ensure that the resources, with our servicemembers deployed in Iraq, Af- a multilateral agreement between the United funds and equipment continue to flow. ghanistan, and the Horn of Africa to see first States, Coalition countries, regional states, Supporting the troops means giving us hand their living conditions, learn about their and multilateral organizations. A multilateral the means to do our job.’’ missions, and gain a better understanding of agreement will help bring renewed focus to And another: ‘‘We also need to stay the challenges that confront them. All of us on and enhanced international cooperation to- in Iraq and put forth the necessary will Guam are immensely proud of our men and ward resolving Iraq’s problems. A multilateral and resources that will allow our strat- women from Guam who serve our Nation. I agreement will help reaffirm the existence of a egy to succeed.’’

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1690 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 And another: ‘‘Moreover, our troops NSS is to support moderate Muslim govern- continue to try to get the job done with the need more open rules of engagement to ments? Another part of the NSS addresses minimum force. If anything we should send do their job effectively.’’ humanitarian rights, to include rights of more than we think we need. Our focus on Another e-mail: ‘‘Elections have con- women. being liberators has caused us to misjudge sequences, and for our recent election My fellow Guardsmen are ready. We will do what is needed. You cannot liberate until you the consequences have been a major whatever is asked of us. Please, ensure that have gained control. We never got there and setback in the war on terror and a the resources, funds and equipment, continue must do so now. greater threat to terrorist attack at to flow. Supporting the troops means giving us Speaking of which, my two cents. The most home.’’ the means to do our jobs. basic job of government is to protect its citi- Still another: ‘‘Like Vietnam, our en- We have not had a failed Iraq policy—we zens. If the Surge is properly designed to do emies view us as not having the stom- have just had overly optimistic expectations of that, then it is a good idea. I say give it a ach to fight a protracted war. If we how fast the Iraqis would be able to establish chance, even though it should have been that withdraw, however, the credibility of a stable government and a unified country that way to begin with. From my experiences in the U.S., our military, and our assur- functions in a manner to our satisfaction. Iron- Desert Storm ’91, I firmly believe that most ances would be lost for years, probably ically, we want the Iraqis to pursue a unity people, Middles Easterners included, just want decades.’’ government and national reconciliation, but we to protect their family, practice their religion, Another: ‘‘The overwhelming re- don’t do that ourselves. The partisanship that and have an opportunity to prosper. sponse among officers is we must stay we are seeing here in the U.S. is no different We have to be able to go after all the killers and finish what we have started. Many that the partisanship that we are seeing in regardless of who or where they are. The Iraqi of these officers have built strong rela- Iraq. follow-on forces then have to maintain the tionships with local Iraqi and Afghan We also need to stay in Iraq and put forth peace, not bring in their individual hatreds to citizens who want to raise their family the necessary will and resources that will the power vacuum. Helping them secure their in peace.’’ allow our strategy to succeed. Imagine a borders from fighters through Jordan and Another: ‘‘We do in fact have many Super Bowl football team quitting the game in Syria and equipment from Iran is also critical more Iraqi Army and National Police the third quarter simply because they were be- (Navy and Air Force tasks with limited ground units moving into Baghdad and many hind. The premise is so absurd it is inconceiv- support?). Getting the ‘‘Rule of Law’’ estab- are effectively partnering with U.S. able so too would be our quitting a war to pro- lished will eventually replace the need for units.’’ tect our way of life simply because battlefield ‘‘Self Protection’’ (Militias). Another: ‘‘They did pass their budget conditions are not going perfectly. The biggest hurdle is at home. If the media for 2007 last week,’’ sooner than the Moreover, our troops need more open rules continues its selective reporting (failures only), U.S. Congress, incidentally, ‘‘and have of engagement to do their job effectively. This then even if its an unqualified success on the made some progress with other legisla- is war, and they are soldiers, not police offi- ground, it will be perceived as a loss at home tion, which indicates they can work cers. The U.S. and Iraqi governments must due to its depiction on TV and Press reports. some political compromises.’’ expect civilian casualties and collateral dam- Tying Iraqis to a yardstick measuring success I will end with this: ‘‘I would hope age. It’s unavoidable. The irony in this matter or failure seems to be a good idea. that your colleagues would be able to is that most Iraqi people would welcome the Press the Senate not to pass the latest Res- continue to support what we are doing, increase security. olution limiting support—it is just a grand because it honestly does have a reason- Elections have consequences. And for our standing event for presidential hopefuls. able chance at success.’’ recent election, the consequences have been We do in fact have many more Iraqi Army These are real communications with a major set back in the war on terror and a and National Police units moving into Baghdad real soldiers, Active Duty, in Iraq, Na- greater threat to terrorist attack at home. and many are effectively partnering with U.S. tional Guardsmen, reservists, and vet- Like Vietnam, our enemies view us as not units. erans throughout our country who say having the stomach to fight a protracted war. They did pass their budget for 2007 last there is no substitute for victory. We If we withdraw, however, the credibility of the week (sooner than the U.S. Congress, inci- have to win this campaign. It is in our U.S., our military, and our assurances would dentally) and have made some progress with national security interest to support be lost for years, probably decades. other legislation, which indicates they can moderate Arab states. The Iraqis are watching all of this, and they work some political compromises. John, my son, a Marine Gunny Sgt. can see which way the wind is blowing. They Everyone is forced to telescope political, imbedded with the Iraqi army around Rimadi, know if we leave either the Sunni insurgency economic, and security reforms that would called a few weeks ago. I asked him if he or the Iranians would likely come in, and their normally take 7–10 years into 7–10 months. knew about the President’s plan for more newly gained freedoms would be lost. This re- So the question that you are debating is troops. He hadn’t heard about it, but his only ality shapes the thoughts and actions of all whether or not $100 billions (less than 0.8% comment to me was: ‘‘We can use them!’’ Iraqi officials, from Prime Minister al-Maliki, GDP) and tragically, probably 700–900 U.S. Please support the President and the Troops. down to the police officers on the street. soldiers’ lives is worth a 50% chance of pre- Maybe our last, best chance to win this thing. Many Americans are in denial about the venting a national security crisis that will set Winning is the imperative. Semper Fi! threat from radical Islam. Unfortunately, it may back U.S. policy for decades. We have to let our generals be generals take another 9/11 before they wake up. God If you are the parent or spouse of one of and wage this war as only they are trained to help us if one of our cities gets nuked when those soldiers who may die, it is GD probably do, and have hope that the announced troop that happens. not worth it. But if you are a national leader, buildup will be the final 3 key that’s needed by The overwhelming response among officers I would hope that your colleagues would be the Iraqis to build a secure and united country. is that we must stay and finish what we start- able to continue to support what we are doing We have to have hope that it’s not too late ed. Many of these officers have built strong re- because it honestly does have a reasonable for the U.S. to make a difference in Iraq. lationships with local Iraqi and Afghan citizens chance of success. We need to send the message to our troops who want to raise their families in peace. They Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am that America wants them to succeed in Iraq by feel we have given our word as a country that pleased to yield 5 minutes to the dis- giving the buildup a chance to succeed. we will stand by them. I agree with this senti- tinguished gentleman from Massachu- The main effort is really the political rec- ment. setts (Mr. MCGOVERN), the vice chair- onciliation and the security of the population is Lincoln/Sherman figured out that to truly de- man of the Rules Committee. the key precondition to that. The language and feat the south, he had to march to Savannah Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I some action from the Iraqi government and to convince the locals that it was not worth thank my colleague from New York for Army leaders have been good in the past sev- continued conflict. WWII had similar actions yielding. eral weeks. The next several months will be for resolution like Hiroshima. While these were Mr. Speaker, I oppose the escalation critical—probably decisive—and I believe there waged against conventional forces, Congress of U.S. forces in Iraq and I strongly op- is reason to be realistically hopeful. must understand that the current conflict is pose this war. We had no basis or jus- I believe that what we are doing in Iraq and more than between insurgents and U.S./Coali- tification or right to invade Iraq. It Afghanistan supports the NSS. What I have tion forces. was a mistake. There are no easy an- heard in the debate is that we no longer have If we do not have the will to do this hard swers or solutions before us. No matter a security interest in Iraq. What part of out work, we need to get out now. We cannot what option we pursue, there is no

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1691 nice, neat, happy ending. Sometimes Mr. Speaker, it is essential to change troops and ultimately to lead to vic- you can’t fix mistakes. the dynamic inside Iraq, and to do that tory. I don’t see how you can claim to Hopefully we can make this awful it is essential that we dramatically protect and support the troops while situation less awful. This war should change our policy. That means we taking away the best option for vic- never have happened. That is not just must end the U.S. occupation and tory. my opinion, it is the opinion of many begin an all-out diplomatic effort to That brings up another serious flaw of the top military leaders in our coun- promote reconciliation and an end to in this resolution: It has no positive al- try. The war has diminished our stand- the violence. That means we should ternative. The resolution seems to say ing in the world. It has been used as a begin the immediate, safe and orderly that we should go on as before, which I recruiting tool by the very terrorists withdrawal of our troops from Iraq. thought my colleagues across the aisle we say we want to defeat. It has cost us That means we should provide protec- said was unacceptable. hundreds of billions of dollars. And, tion and political asylum to those in Yet another serious flaw is that most significantly, we have sacrificed Iraq who have assisted us and who may Members of Congress, who are many the precious lives of so many of our be in danger because of it. That also thousands of miles away from the bat- brave servicemen and women, and means that the United States must tlefield, are substituting their judg- thousands more have returned home demonstrate the maturity and the ment for that of the commanders in severely wounded. common sense to talk to political lead- the field. This is foolish and arrogant. Now, I have listened as many of my ers and to countries we don’t like, in- This gives rise to a constitutional con- colleagues have come to the floor and cluding Syria and Iran. flict as well. The Constitution gives said we must follow our leader and be None of this will be pleasant, none of the President the power of Commander quiet. Some have even suggested that this will be easy and there are no guar- in Chief. President Bush, who was re- those of us who support this resolution antees that it will work. But I am sure elected by a vote of the entire Amer- and want this war to end are doing a of one thing: What we are doing now is ican people just 2 years ago, has the disservice to our troops. failing. What we are doing now is not duty and authority to conduct the war Mr. Speaker, for 4 long years, Con- healing the divisions in Iraq and is not in Iraq. gress has done absolutely nothing in Congress has the power to declare serving the best national security in- the face of mistake after mistake after war and to fund or to not fund war, but terests of the United States. Our own mistake in Iraq. None of us in this does not have the power to conduct a intelligence agencies have reported to Chamber have to wake up tomorrow in war. This constitutional division of us that this war is creating more ter- Baghdad or Fallujah or Tikrit. None of powers is vital, because, among other rorists. us have to wake up each morning and things, a clear chain of command is No one in this House enjoys this dis- go on patrol in Anbar Province. None better calculated to lead to victory cussion. Some, I know, wish that some- of us in this Chamber are in harm’s with the least possible loss of life. War how this issue would go away. But, Mr. way. But we are all responsible, all of by committee, on the other hand, does Speaker, it won’t. So no matter how us, just like the President, for assign- not best serve the interests of our uncomfortable this debate is for some ing tens of thousands of our bravest country or our troops. of my colleagues, it is long overdue. young men and women for being ref- Because this resolution is so deeply The message that Congress will hope- erees in a sectarian civil war. flawed, it will send bad messages if it is If we truly want to protect our fully send tomorrow by passing this passed. It will send a message to our troops, if we truly are concerned with resolution is one that the American enemies that we are weak and unable their safety and well-being, then bring people want us to send and one that the to complete a difficult task. It will them home and reunite them with President needs to hear. send a message to our allies that we their families. President Lyndon Johnson once re- are undependable. It will send a mes- Newsweek columnist Anna Quindlen marked, ‘‘It is easy to get into a war, sage to the families and loved ones of put it this way: ‘‘There is no better but hard as hell to get out of one.’’ The our fallen soldiers and marines, to our way to support those fighting in Iraq choices before us in the next weeks and brave men and women who have been than to guarantee that no more of months will not be easy. Indeed, it will disabled and to the troops in the field, them die in the service of political mis- be difficult, even painful, to extricate that their sacrifice is in vain because calculation.’’ ourselves from this war. But it is the their mission is not worth our commit- Mr. Speaker, the American people right thing to do. ment. These messages will be destruc- are way ahead of the politicians in I urge my colleagues to support this tive, and I urge my colleagues not to Washington. Citizens of all political resolution which strongly supports our go down this road. persuasions are sick and tired of the troops and opposes this escalation If America does abandon Iraq, which political spin and political posturing. Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. many of my colleagues across the aisle Our focus should not be about saving Speaker, I just would like to correct want to be the ultimate outcome, de- face. Instead, it should be about saving something. We are not occupying Iraq. struction will spread across the entire lives. We are helping the Iraqi government, Middle East and will be more likely to The people of this country have been who has complete control over there come to our own shores. misled, they have been deceived, and trying to win this battle. I know that the struggle against ter- they have been lied to. Increasingly, Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to our rorism is difficult, but we cannot give people do not trust their government new representative from Colorado (Mr. up. Yes, we must learn as we go, and, to tell the truth on the war. Mr. Speak- LAMBORN). yes, we must adapt to changing cir- er, I don’t trust my government to tell (Mr. LAMBORN asked and was given cumstances. But we must not think me the truth about this war. permission to revise and extend his re- that retreat will bring relief. We and There is no military victory to be marks.) the entire world will pay a terrible had. The only hope is a political solu- Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I thank price if we go down that road. This res- tion. the gentleman for yielding. olution is the first step down that road. The Iraqi Government and the Iraqi Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to I urge the defeat of this resolution. people have the power and the ability this resolution. There are many flaws Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am to move in a different direction, a di- in this resolution. One of the most seri- pleased to yield 5 minutes to the gen- rection that seeks to calm sectarian vi- ous is that while it gives lip-service to tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. olence and heal sectarian divides, re- a desire to support and protect the HOLDEN), the vice chairman of the Ag- spect the rights of all citizens and up- troops, it turns around and disapproves riculture Committee and the chairman hold the rule of law that applies to ev- of the plan that is best calculated by of the Subcommittee on Conservation, eryone equally. But they have to the commanders on the ground to bring Credit, Energy and Research. choose that path themselves. Regret- order to Baghdad. Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank tably, I have little confidence that the This surge is the best way, in the the gentleman for yielding. current Iraqi Government will make opinion of the commanders, to clamp Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support such a choice. I hope I am wrong. down on the insurgency, to protect our of House Concurrent Resolution 63. I

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1692 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 also rise in strong support of the brave b 1300 We unanimously stand by our troops men and women who have served or are That is why I also rise today in sup- because, almost 5 years ago, this Con- serving in Iraq and around the world. port of the Blue Dog resolution which gress asked them to step forward to I represent thousands of men and provides cost accountability for Oper- protect our country and win the fight women on Active Duty and in the Na- ation Iraqi Freedom. This resolution against terrorism. tional Guard and in the Reserves. I will directly address the infrastructure On October 10, 2002, before many of us have visited our wounded and injured and security failures in Iraq. More spe- were here, including myself, 296 Mem- troops at both Walter Reed and cifically, the resolution requires the bers of this body, including 81 Demo- Landstuhl Regional Center in Ger- Department of Defense Inspector Gen- crats, passed a bipartisan bill author- many. My commitment to our brave eral and the Special Inspector General izing the use of military force in Iraq. The next day, 77 Members of the Sen- men and women is unwavering. How- for Iraqi Reconstruction to report to ate approved a motion authorizing the ever, I disagree with deploying more Congress every 90 days with: than 20,000 more U.S. combat troops to One, a detailed accounting of how same use of force. What Congress realized then was the Iraq. military and reconstruction funds in importance to the security of our own The President has consistently said Iraq have been spent; that the size of the force would be de- Two, a detailed accounting of the country of a free and stable Iraq and a termined by military leaders on the types and terms of contracts awarded peaceful and secure Middle East. Five years ago, Congress was at a crossroads ground. Yet the two previous leading on behalf of the United States; commanders on the ground do not sup- Three, a description of efforts to ob- and made a very difficult decision. port the addition of more troops. Gen- tain support and assistance from other Today, young girls in Iraq can now at- eral George Casey, the former com- countries toward the rehabilitation of tend school, democratic elections have mander of the Multinational Force in Iraq; and, finally, been held, a fledgling government is in Iraq and current chief of staff of the Four, an assessment of what addi- place, and Saddam Hussein, a murderer Army, advocated transferring security tional funding is needed to complete of over 300,000 Iraqis, is no longer a duties to Iraqi soldiers. military operations and reconstruction threat to his own people or to our na- General Casey said, ‘‘The longer we efforts in Iraq, including a plan for the tional security. In Iraq, we have ac- and the U.S. forces continue to bear security of Iraq. knowledged victories and successes. the main burden of Iraq’s security, it Mr. Speaker, our troops have done In the past year, we all recognize the lengthens the time that the Govern- their job and performed with great condition in Iraq has grown more grave. I know a lot has changed since I ment of Iraq has to make the hard de- courage and honor. The solution in visited nearly a year ago. Al Qaeda cisions about reconciliation and deal- Iraq can no longer be resolved mili- operatives, Sunni death squads and ing with the militias.’’ He goes on to tarily. We must win both politically Shia militias, propped up by the reck- say, ‘‘And the other thing is that they and diplomatically. We must ask Iraq’s less dictatorship of Iran, have fueled continue to blame us for all of Iraq’s six neighbors to use influence that is violence and threatened the hopes and problems, which at face are their prob- consistent with our own objectives, and lems. It has always been my view that dreams of the Iraqi people. we must convince them that stability So Congress is once again at a cross- a heavy and sustained American mili- in the region is in their best interests. roads. The reality of the circumstances tary presence was not going to solve In closing, I want to offer my utmost in Iraq require a winning strategy. The the problems in Iraq in the long run.’’ gratitude and appreciation for our Additionally, General John P. information provided by our reformed troops. Our thoughts are with these intelligence community sends a clear Abizaid, the former commander of U.S. brave men and women and also with warning in the National Intelligence Central Command in the Middle East, their families as we pray for them to Estimate on Iraq: ‘‘Unless efforts to re- has said that he did not believe that return safely. verse these conditions show measur- adding more American troops right Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. able progress, the situation will con- now is the solution to the problem, and Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gen- tinue to deteriorate.’’ The solution also advocated transferring responsi- tlewoman from Washington (Mrs. cannot be in leaving things as they are. bility to the Iraqis. MCMORRIS RODGERS). The NIE continues: ‘‘Coalition capa- General Abizaid said, ‘‘I met with Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. bilities remain an essential stabilizing every divisional commander, General Speaker, this afternoon we continue element in Iraq.’’ Casey, the Corps Commander, General here on the House floor another chap- There are three courses of action: Dempsey. We all talked together. And I ter in the long and healthy debate on leave things as they are; we know this said, in your professional opinion, if we promoting freedom and democracy is not sufficient. Draw down Armed were to bring in more American troops around the world, while maintaining Forces in Iraq; this will only lead to now, does it add considerably to our the security of our country, of our cit- deadly indiscriminate violence, costing ability to achieve success in Iraq? And ies, of our homes and our families. the lives of hundreds of thousands of they all said no. And the reason is be- The resolution before us today appro- innocent people. Or respond by giving cause we want the Iraqis to do more. It priately begins with the reaffirmation our commanders in Iraq the resources is easy for the Iraqis to rely upon us to of our vigorous, unwavering commit- and the mission options needed for suc- do this work. I believe that more ment to the brave men and women now cess. American forces prevent the Iraqis serving our country in uniform. We All of us here support our men and from doing more, from taking more re- pledge to give them every tool they women in uniform. We must continue sponsibility for their own future.’’ need to fulfill their assigned missions to empower them to defeat the enemies During the course of the war, I vis- while providing the maximum protec- of freedom in Iraq. ited Iraq twice, in 2003 and 2005. While tion possible. Additionally, we pledge Congress is now in the midst of mak- I was there, the main goal, other than their families every means of support ing a decision that will contribute to achieving victory, was developing when their loved ones are overseas and the future security of our great coun- Iraq’s infrastructure. Yet after 4 years when they return home. try or begin the process of chipping and hundreds of billions of dollars, we My district in eastern Washington is away at the core of this resolve. Sup- have not had much success in improv- the proud home to Fairchild Air Force porting our troops by not supporting ing infrastructure and still face serious Base that houses the 92nd Air Refuel- the war is not an option. Victory is the problems. Oil production is one-half of ing Wing. These men and women have only real choice. The consequences of the prewar level, while conditions of been an important part of fighting the failure are unacceptable. basic services, such as water, power global war on terror. Our community, Abandoning Iraq would embolden the and sewage, are below that. In Bagh- like every community around the militants. It would create a humani- dad, electricity levels are at an all- country, supports our men and women tarian crisis impacting millions. Insta- time low. And while we have spent bil- in uniform. Together, we have cele- bility in the Middle East will create lions of dollars on these problems, $9 brated victory; and, together, we have more violence and leave the U.S. vul- billion is lost and unaccounted for. mourned losses. nerable to future attacks.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1693 I urge my colleagues to oppose this More than 135,000 troops are cur- this is Washington-speak for legisla- resolution. rently serving in Iraq. Many have com- tion that does not have the force of Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I pleted their second or even their third law. Now, the disturbing thing is not yield 5 minutes to the chairman of the tour of duty. Multiple tours of duty for that it is a nonbinding resolution; but Financial Services Subcommittee on the National Guard and Reserve mem- the message that this legislative tool Capital Markets, Insurance and Gov- bers have created hardships for many sends, it sends not only to our Amer- ernment-Sponsored Enterprises, the families in my district and throughout ican people, not only to the troops in distinguished gentleman from Pennsyl- the United States. Currently, these the field, but our allies around the vania (Mr. KANJORSKI). brave American forces are caught in world, and it also emboldens our en- Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise the middle of a religious dispute that emies. today to join the overwhelming major- began in the 7th century between rival This resolution says that this time ity of American people, the Congress Muslim factions. These underlying sec- the Democrats are not prepared to and many top U.S. military com- tarian hostilities have come to the fore offer a new direction, a plan or a solu- manders to voice my opposition to in Iraq and have grown into a full- tion for the challenges we face in Iraq. President Bush’s ill-conceived plan to blown civil war. I offer this bit of wisdom to the Demo- send more American troops into the Bringing stability to Iraq cannot be crats: you must be the change you middle of an ongoing civil war in Iraq. achieved through an escalation of our want to see. The President’s plan, which has been military involvement in that country. If the Democrats are serious about attempted before on four separate oc- Rather, Shiites and Sunnis must decide developing a new plan, then the right casions and failed, is simultaneously for themselves to forge a political solu- thing to do is submit it. That is a true too little and too much. 21,500 troops is tion to this crisis in which the inter- test of leadership, to submit solutions, too little to make a difference in a city ests of all Iraqis are represented. Nev- solutions; and in order to effect of 6 million who are unwilling to see ertheless, President Bush is ignoring change, you have to put forward ideas beyond their sectarian differences, and the advice of his top generals, the bi- for that change. too much burden to place on an Amer- partisan Iraq Study Group, the major- I ask the American people to imagine ican military already stretched to the ity of Congress, and, most of all, the what it would be like if their Rep- breaking point. American people by announcing his in- resentatives used this time to hammer Mr. Speaker, in October 2002, I voted tention to send an additional 21,500 out ideas and positive solutions. That in favor of the legislation to allow American troops into harm’s way to is the American ingenuity that we President Bush to defend the national continue pursuing a flawed policy. should focus on as a Congress. This is security of our country against the Mr. Speaker, I oppose this escalation the American way. stated threats posed by Saddam Hus- of our troop presence in Iraq. The time The Democrats say this debate is to sein. In large part, I based my decision for more troops was 4 years ago when send a message to the President. Well, General Shinseki presciently warned of on the information I learned in several I will tell you, I think he has heard you the need for hundreds of thousands of classified briefings with high-level ad- loud and clear. military personnel to stabilize post- ministration officials about the capa- But let me give you a message from war Iraq. But the President, the Vice bilities of the Iraqis to deliver weapons the battlefield from a friend of mine in President, and the former Secretary of of mass destruction to the United Iraq. He says the argument over what Defense believed they could fight this States. got us to this point is a diversion. The war on the cheap, with too few troops, These officials pointed to an immi- problem set is the present. The terror- too little armor, and too little help. nent threat posed by Saddam Hussein ists and would-be terrorists that have They were wrong, and now it is too and his potential use of unmanned aer- flowed into Iraq will not stand at the ial vehicles to deliver weapons of mass late. Mr. Speaker, from my perspective, border and wave us good-bye and good destruction to our shores. Of course, we the resolution before us today has been luck. They understand our politics, our now know that these weapons, as well long overdue. The American people systems, and our weaknesses. as the Bush administration’s claims re- have called on this Congress to express garding Saddam’s ties to al Qaeda, b 1315 their disapproval of this war of choice were fictional. The consequences of our They believe that it is a war of en- in Iraq and this President’s prosecution action, however, are quite real. durance, and that we have shown his- of it. To that end, I will support this To date, the Iraq war has come at a torically and repeatedly that we don’t resolution and urge my colleagues to terrible cost to the United States. have the national will for prolonged en- do the same. gagement. More than 3,100 servicemembers have Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. been killed and greater than 23,400 have Unfortunately the political Speaker, I yield 31⁄2 minutes to my grandstanding has endorsed their belief been wounded. My home State of Penn- friend and colleague, the gentleman sylvania has lost 149 soldiers and over and ensures the terrorists’ continued from North Carolina (Mr. MCHENRY). bloody engagement until November 1,000 have been wounded. Moreover, the Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Speaker, na- United States has spent almost $380 tional security should be the highest 2008. billion to date, with hundreds of bil- priority of the U.S. Congress. I talk to The bottom line, we need reinforce- lions of dollars more requested by the my constituents in western North ments to set the conditions for success, Bush administration. Carolina a lot about the situation in and we need political support for the The war in Iraq has also diverted Iraq. We understand the challenges. I endurance to continue this fight. That much-needed resources away from think the American people understand is from my friend in the battlefield. fighting the war on terrorism and the challenges of this war. But we also And I say to my colleagues, the eradicating al Qaeda. The focus on Iraq know the consequences of quitting are American people need better than this. and away from the real threat of al too dire and too dangerous. We need a plan of action for results and Qaeda has resulted in an increasing We know that leaving an unstable success in Iraq. number of deadly attacks launched by Iraq endangers Israel, other Western And I say, ‘‘Madam Speaker, you Taliban and al Qaeda forces in and democracies, as well as our own na- have made your points. Now where is around Afghanistan. tional interests and our constituents your plan?’’ On Tuesday, The Washington Post re- here in the United States. Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ported that NATO’s top commander, The President put forward a plan yield 5 minutes to the chairman of the General John Craddock, does not have that he and his generals believe will Energy and Commerce Subcommittee enough forces for the anticipated lead to a safe, secure, and stabilized on Energy and Air Quality, the distin- spring offensive by the Taliban. The Iraq. Let me repeat that: he put for- guished gentleman from Virginia, RICK general warned that ‘‘failure to send ward a plan, a plan of action and a plan BOUCHER. reinforcements was weakening the mis- for success. (Mr. BOUCHER asked and was given sion and jeopardizing the lives of sol- The Democrats, in response, put for- permission to revise and extend his re- diers fighting’’ in Afghanistan. ward a nonbinding resolution. Now, marks.)

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1694 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 Mr. BOUCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in (Mr. FEENEY asked and was given God bless our troops. God bless their support of the resolution, and I hope permission to revise and extend his re- Commander in Chief. God bless Amer- that its adoption by the House will marks.) ica. send yet another powerful message Mr. FEENEY. Mr. Speaker, first I Shortly after I entered Congress in 2003, that a change in the direction of our want to thank the genuine American America used military force to remove the Iraq policy is required. hero from Texas, Mr. JOHNSON, for Saddam Hussein regime. I supported that ac- Sending an additional 21,000 troops leading us this afternoon. tion because it was in America’s interest. into Baghdad only serves to put more I supported the use of military force The Hussein regime repeatedly defied the American forces in harm’s way. The to remove Saddam Hussein’s regime terms that ended the 1991 Gulf War—the troop increase will not bring long-term because it was in America’s interests. transparent and verifiable dismantlement of stability, it will not halt the sectarian Afterwards, it should have been up to the capability to produce weapons of mass de- strife which has plunged Iraq into a the Iraqi people, and not Americans, to struction. Previously, that regime had used civil war, it will do nothing to speed determine their fate and how they gov- such weapons and wielded the potential of the day when U.S. forces can hand over ern themselves. President Bush has such weapons against its enemies. Rather the mission to the Iraqis and come stated: The survival of our liberty de- than resorting to openness to demonstrate home. But there is a better way. pends on its expansion throughout the good faith compliance with its promises, the world and America must actively con- regime relied on Soviet-style deception and Our Virginia colleague FRANK WOLF struct those institutions. Which, to defiance. originated the formation of the com- me, seems like a Wilsonian view of In the face of such opaqueness, why are we mission that was chaired by former America’s role in the world. surprised that the intelligence agencies of the Secretary of State James Baker and by In 2000, Candidate Bush rejected na- United States and its Allies veered to a worst- Lee Hamilton, who for years, with dis- tion-building. A view held by the case scenario? After all, the perceived ‘‘mis- tinction, chaired the Foreign Relations Founding Fathers who believed the ex- sile gap’’ that fueled the arms race between Committee in this House. I commend ceptional calling of the American peo- the United States and the Soviet Union Congressman WOLF for his foresight ple was not to shape the world in our stemmed from Soviet deception about its ac- and for the public service that he pro- image, but to be a light that lightens tual nuclear weapon capabilities. The fault lies vided to our Nation when he originated the world. I prefer Candidate Bush’s po- with those who deceive and not those search- the formation of the Baker-Hamilton sition. ing for the truth. Commission. That commission was bi- Having said that, I cannot support The perceived threat extended beyond the partisan. It was composed of our most Representative SKELTON’s resolution. Middle East and raised the specter of arming experienced foreign policy experts, Nothing better illustrates America’s terrorists dedicated to harming the United spanning administrations of both Re- democratic institutions than this body States and the West. To those who scoff at publican and Democratic Presidencies. having a full and open debate about this notion, I remind them about the dangers Its recommendations were unani- this topic. posed by ‘‘loose nukes’’ and how the West mously presented by the members of I hope the Commander in Chief will works everyday to counter this threat. the Commission. They embody the col- recognize the desires and concerns of Furthermore, this brutal regime repeatedly lective wisdom of these highly experi- the American people as expressed attacked its neighbors—threatening the sta- enced Americans for the best course today through their elected Represent- bility of America’s allies and interests in this that our Nation can take for a new and atives. But America has only one, and region. more promising direction in Iraq. not 535 commanders in chief. We can- So with some sturdy allies, America took ac- At the core of their proposals was a not micromanage the conduct of a war. tion. The Hussein regime was toppled. Others bold recommendation: that the United Representative SKELTON’s resolution took notice. Libya surrendered its weapons of States begin a dialogue with Iraq’s sends horribly mixed signals to our mass destruction capabilities to the U.S. in- neighboring countries about a way to troops who must solely focus on car- cluding materials related to its nuclear weap- achieve regional stability and, most rying out their assigned and dangerous ons program and ballistic missile capabilities. particularly, stability in Iraq. mission. Today’s U.S. military is the finest in world Iran, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia all Once a decision has been made and history. have influence with the various war- mission assigned, this body should sup- America can defeat any contemporary ring factions in Iraq. Iran and Syria in port the troops and their one and only enemy by itself. But, we cannot win the peace particular have a strong interest in a Commander in Chief, as Representative alone. We need help—not just from loyal friends like the British, Poles, and Australians. more normal relationship with the JOHNSON’s resolution, had it been To win a peace, we need less reliable allies United States. All of these countries heard, would have been done. Critics of tactics who resort to a con- like France, Germany, and Spain to help. And have a long-term interest in a stable gressional resolution tell our service- we need support, or at least not hostile oppo- Iraq. The Baker-Hamilton Commis- men and women and their families, in- sition, from former adversaries we are trying to sion’s direction for a U.S.-led negotia- tentionally or not, that their mission befriend, like Russia and China. In this case, tion among these nations is the only is futile. When we undermine hope, we we have had too little help to win the peace. real option we have left in order to undermine resolve, and we reduce the And instead of focusing on establishing a achieve under United States guidance a likelihood of success. free and stable Iraq, America strayed from the peaceful Iraq. President Bush has re- As Senator LIEBERMAN has stated, a wisdom of its Founding Fathers who warned jected this recommendation. He has resolution would, in quotes, ‘‘give the us of the hazards of trying to shape the world acted, in my view, very unwisely. enemy some encouragement, some in our image. As John Quincy Adams noted in More United States troops are not clear expression that the American his 1821 Fourth of July Speech: the answer. Blind faith in the Iraqi people are divided.’’ Or, as Army Ser- ‘‘America does not go abroad in search of Prime Minister with his ties to the geant Daniel Dobson expressed, ‘‘There monsters to destroy.’’ To do so would involve Shia militia leader, al-Sadr, is not the is no honor in retreat, and there is no the United States ‘‘beyond the power of extri- answer. A military solution standing honor in what the Democrats have pro- cation, in all wars of interest and intrigue, of alone is not the answer. The only path posed.’’ individual avarice, envy, and ambition.... to success lies in diplomacy and ac- Instead, the responsible thing for this She might become the dictatress of the world. cepting the wise counsel of the Baker- Democratic-led Congress would have She would be no longer the ruler of her own Hamilton Commission. been to propose a new way forward, spirit.’’ Finally, the administration decided new tactics, new strategies, not just in The Founding Fathers believed that the ex- to try real diplomacy in North Korea, Iraq but in the entire war on terror. ceptional calling of the American people was and it is working. It is also the only Speaker Rayburn, a Democratic Speak- not to shape the world in our image but to be hope we have for stability in Iraq. er, once famously remarked, ‘‘Any a light to lighten the world. Our exercise and Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. jackass can kick down a barn, but it preservation of liberty served as an example Speaker, at this time we would like to takes a carpenter to build one.’’ There to other peoples. In today’s world, we can see allow 3 minutes to the gentleman from are no carpenters at work with this how our culture and international trade influ- Florida, TOM FEENEY. resolution. ence other peoples. But a critical difference

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1695 exists between being an example and trying to tually, also under the very odd conditions of is, or should be, what this debate is impose a set of beliefs. Arabia, your practical work will not be as about. To have this debate is not only The historian Walter McDougall describes good, perhaps, as you think it is. a right but a responsibility of the this original tradition as follows: Having said that, I cannot support Rep- elected Representatives in a Republic . . . the leaders . . . did not interpret resentative SKELTON’s resolution. Nothing bet- such as ours. Indeed, it is to defend [American] Exceptionalism to mean that ter illustrates America’s democratic institutions that very right that our young men U.S. diplomacy ought to be pacifist, rigidly than for this body to have a full and open de- and women are serving not only in Iraq scrupulous, or devoted to the export of do- bate about this war. We are a strong and out- but around the world. mestic ideals. Rather, they saw foreign pol- spoken people. This Chamber has witnessed None of us here today need to be re- icy as an instrument for the preservation similar debates at crucial times in our past. I minded about the threat of terrorism and expansion of American freedom, and hope the Commander in Chief will recognize warned that crusades would belie our ideals, from floor speeches or from Presi- violate our true interests, and sully our free- the desires and concerns of the American dential homilies. But let us not forget dom. people as expressed through their elected rep- that the terrorists of 9/11 did not origi- Accordingly, I support using American mili- resentatives. nate in Iraq, they came from Afghani- But America has only one and not 535 tary might to defend our interests as needed stan. And, with only one exception, Commanders in Chief. We cannot micro- including preemptive strikes to those who every Member of this body, Democrat manage the conduct of a war. Representative would do us harm. and Republican alike, voted to pros- SKELTON’s resolution cannot bring good. Rath- But we strayed from this tradition by under- ecute the war against the terrorists in er, it sends horribly mixed signals to our taking a mission to hold Iraq together, build a Afghanistan, bring al Qaeda to justice, troops who must solely focus on carrying out nation based on Western liberal democracy, and topple the Taliban. their assigned and dangerous mission. Once a and then spread that way of life throughout We were united then, along with vir- decision has been made and a mission as- the Middle East. This Administration labels this tually the entire world, and the fight signed, this body should support the troops effort ‘‘transformational democracy.’’ But it was right. Iraq, however, is different. and their one Commander in Chief as Rep- really is what Walter McDougall calls ‘‘Global The focus on Iraq has distracted and resentative SAM JOHNSON’s resolution would. Meliorism,’’ that assumes: detracted from the mission in Afghani- We should deny the enemy encouragement stan and the real battle against terror- The American model is universally valid, and provide resolve to our servicemen and that morality enjoins the United States to ists. The President and the rest of the help others emulate it, and that the success women. administration took this Nation into of the American experiment itself ultimately Critics of tactics who resort to a Congres- an unnecessary and ill-conceived war depends on other nations escaping from sional Resolution tell our servicemen and based on false threats and with a deep- dearth and oppression. women and their families—intentionally or ly flawed plan. Nothing is further from the conservative tra- not—that their mission is futile. When we un- Before this war, I and many of our dition. Conservatives understand that free so- dermine hope, we undermine resolve and re- other colleagues asked the administra- cieties and peoples take centuries to evolve. duce the likelihood of success. As Senator tion some fundamental questions: How America traces its roots back to the Magna LIEBERMAN has stated: such a resolution would many troops will this take? How many Carta. If you want to illustrate the short- ‘‘give the enemy some encouragement, some lives will be sacrificed? How long will comings of social engineering and the illusive clear expression that the American people are we be there? What will it cost finan- goal of remaking foreign societies, take these divided.’’ Or as Army Sergeant Daniel Dobson cially? How will we pay for it? And how 792 years of hard earned experience and im- expressed: will this impact our security profile pose it on a nation cobbled together by the Most service members would tell you the elsewhere in the world? British after the collapse of the Ottoman Em- same thing: There is no honor in retreat . . . The fact is, this administration has and there is no honor in what the Democrats pire and on a people who identify more with never answered any of those questions have proposed. It stings me to the core to fully or honestly. Never. Either they a tribal than a national identity. think that Americans would rather sell their Conservatives take a realistic assessment of honor than fight for a cause. Those of us who know the answers and refuse to say human nature—including as George Will has fight for [peace] know all too well that peace them, which is duplicitous; or, they do noted ‘‘the limits of power to subdue an unruly has a very bloody price tag. not know the answers, which is incom- world.’’ This sobriety contrasts with the ideal- Instead, the responsible thing for this Demo- petent. Sadly, it appears a little of istic dream of engineering the world—a dream cratic Congress would be to propose a new both is operating. with roots in Woodrow Wilson’s visions for a way forward, new tactics, and new strate- I voted against this war from the post-World War I world. As George gies—not just in Iraq but in the war on terror. outset, and believe to this day it was Clemenceau remarked after Wilson’s 1917 Speaker Sam Rayburn famously remarked: the right vote. But once we were com- Peace Without Victory speech: ‘‘Any jackass can kick a barn down, but it mitted and engaged, I, along with most Never before has any political assembly takes a carpenter to build one.’’ No carpenters of my colleagues, voted to continue to heard so fine a sermon on what human are at work with this resolution. support our troops, to try to achieve beings might be capable of accomplishing if God bless our troops. God bless their Com- success in our mission, and do our best only they weren’t human. mander in Chief. And God bless America. to help the Iraqis rebuild their coun- President Bush has stated that the survival Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I try. We fervently hoped and continue of our liberty depends on its expansion yield 51⁄2 minutes to the distinguished to hope the mission would succeed; but throughout the world and America must ac- chairman of the Science and Tech- now, several years later, more than tively construct those institutions. In 2000, nology Committee, and Science Edu- 3,000 lives later, U.S. lives alone, and Candidate Bush rejected nation building. I pre- cation, the gentleman from Wash- nearly $1 trillion later, as we consider fer Candidate Bush. ington, Representative BRIAN BAIRD. the President’s latest proposal, we It is up to the Iraqi people—and not us—to (Mr. BAIRD asked and was given per- must ask again, ‘‘Mr. President, how determine their fate and how they govern mission to revise and extend his re- many lives? How long will we be there? themselves. That is why in 2003 I proposed marks.) How much will this cost? And how will that the Administration loan and not grant $20 Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, every Mem- you pay for it? And what does it do to billion for Iraqi infrastructure. We weren’t re- ber of this Congress, every Member is the rest of our security position?’’ building things we destroyed during the war. absolutely committed to the security We still have no answers to those Rather, we were attempting to build an infra- of our families, our communities, and questions. And lacking such answers, structure degraded and neglected by the Hus- this Nation. And every Member is abso- which are fundamental to the security sein regime. I wanted the Iraqi people from oil lutely committed to supporting our of this country and the safety of our proceeds—and not Americans—to build, fund, troops and our veterans. troops, I must vote ‘‘yes’’ on this reso- and protect their assets. As T.E. Lawrence The real question today is not wheth- lution and ‘‘no’’ on expansion. noted in an earlier era: er we are committed to security or My colleagues, it is irresponsible to Do not try to do too much with your own whether or not we support the troops; allow a Commander in Chief who has hands. Better the Arabs do it tolerably that the real question is how we believe not been honest or accurate from the you do it perfectly: It is their war, and you that security is best achieved. On that, outset to continue sacrificing the lives, are to help them, not to win it for them. Ac- there is legitimate disagreement which the bodies, and the families of our

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1696 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 troops in a mission that lacks a clear Regardless of whose war this was in Baghdad. Success in Baghdad will be end point or a successful strategy. It is the past, today it is an American war. success for the United States. Failure dangerous to permit a Commander in And the Democratic majority must de- in Iraq is the failure of the United Chief to jeopardize our Nation’s secu- cide do they support the mission, or do States. Their defeat in Iraq will mean rity by letting our military equipment, they not support the mission? defeat in all their wars.’’ readiness, and troop morale continue Now, certainly we are all dis- We must soberly reflect on the chal- to decline, and it is shortsighted and appointed that we have not achieved lenge that we face. Listen to al- unwise to leave our National Guard the success that we would have desired Zawahiri, who is number two in com- and Reserve unprepared and under- by now. And I myself do not know if mand. ‘‘Al Qaeda has the right to kill equipped to respond to challenges over- the new strategy will prove successful. 4 million Americans, 2 million of them seas or at home. It is strategically un- I think it can be successful. I hope it children.’’ sound to concentrate so much of our will be successful. And I know it is a Listen to Hassan Abbassi, Revolu- intelligence resources in one nation. It strategy that has been recommended tionary Guard’s intelligence adviser to is unsustainable for our economy to by the Iraqi Study Group and our new the Iranian President. ‘‘We have a keep pouring billions of dollars every battlefield commander. strategy drawn up for the destruction week into this ill-conceived plan, and So until such a time as somebody of Anglo-Saxon civilization.’’ to pile debt upon our children with no comes to me with a more compelling Listen to Iraqi Ayatollah Ahmad strategy for paying it back. It is a strategy, or until somebody convinces Husseini. ‘‘Even if this means using bi- breach of trust to not fund the needs of me that somehow my Nation and my ological, chemical and bacterial weap- our veterans when they return home. family will be more secure by our pre- ons, we will conquer the world.’’ And it is immoral to leave our soldiers mature withdrawal from Iraq and sub- This is the enemy we face, and we dying and bleeding in the midst of a sequent implosion, I feel I must sup- face him foremost in Iraq. If we leave centuries-old religious conflict that is port this new strategy. I will support Iraq before subduing him, he will fol- not of our making and is not of our this new strategy. Defeat is not an op- low us to America. Make no doubt power or responsibility to resolve. tion. about it, the consequences in Iraq are In written comments, I describe what What are the options, Mr. Speaker? immense. Don’t take my word for it. I believe is a better course. Some of our Clearly, many. Many, if not most, of Read the report of the Iraq Study friends have said there are no plans. I my Democrat colleagues want to cut Group. Read the National Intelligence have offered a plan, and I urge you to off funding for our troops and withdraw Estimate. Read the work of the Middle look at it. from Iraq. This is well known. And I re- East scholars at the American Enter- But before I conclude, I must also re- spect their views when they are heart- prise Institute, Heritage Foundation, spond to those who suggest that if we felt. But since Democrats control a ma- Brookings Institute. don’t give unquestioning support to jority in both houses of Congress, why If we do not pursue success, Iraq will this administration regardless of what are we voting on a nonbinding with- become what Afghanistan once was. It they ask for, regardless of history, and drawal resolution? will be a breeding ground, a safe haven regardless of the evidence on the for the recruitment, training, financing b 1330 ground, that we are empowering the and sanctuary of radical Islamists bent terrorists or undermining our troops. I That is why this is a sad day. Some- upon attacking our Nation and our believe the evidence suggests, from where over in Baghdad right now is a families. We cannot wish it away, we this war, that while there may be dif- marine sergeant who is tired, he is res- cannot hope it away, we cannot dream ferences of opinion about policy, this olute, he has dirt on his face. But you it away. There will be no greater event Congress and the American people have know what? He volunteered, he loves to empower radical Islam than our de- and will continue to support our America, he loves his freedom. He has feat in Iraq. troops. It is a sign of strength of our a picture in his wallet. His parents are Mr. Speaker, it doesn’t have to be very form of government, which is, praying for him. He is thinking about this way. We are Americans. We can after all, what we are hoping to pro- his wife. meet this threat. We can work to- mote in Iraq and elsewhere in the Who, who in this body, what Member gether. Vote against this resolution. world that we should have this debate. can go to that marine and say, you Support our troops. Protect our Nation Our allies and adversaries understand know what? I don’t believe in your mis- and our children from this threat. that if we turn the course of a failed sion. I don’t believe you can succeed. I Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am policy and the President has not been don’t believe you can win, and I am glad to see so many people on the other honest with us, that is not cutting and going to oppose reinforcements. Guess side of the aisle have discovered the re- running; that is wisdom, it is courage, what? I have the power to bring you port of the Iraq Study Group. and it is honesty. That is what this res- home, but I am just not willing to do It is now my pleasure to yield 51⁄2 olution is about. That is what we owe it. Because if I do it now everyone will minutes to a senior member of the the soldiers who have already given know it, and I have to take responsi- Ways and Means and Agriculture Com- their lives, and that is what we owe the bility, and I am just not willing to do mittees, the gentleman from North Da- families and that is what we owe the that. kota (Mr. POMEROY). future of this Nation. Mr. Speaker, if you believe in some- Mr. POMEROY. Mr. Speaker, yester- Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. thing, stand up for it. Where is the day morning I had an experience I will Speaker, I would like to yield now to courage? Where is the conviction in a never forget. In the snow, in the slush the chairman of our Republican Study nonbinding resolution? and the ice, I joined the family of Committee, Mr. JEB HENSARLING from Mr. Speaker, we all know that fight- Major Alan Johnson as his body was Texas, 51⁄2 minutes. ing this war is costly. Like many Mem- laid to rest at Arlington Cemetery. He (Mr. HENSARLING asked and was bers of this body, I have met with the had lost his life in an IED explosion in given permission to revise and extend mothers of the fallen soldiers. Their Iraq just 2 weeks before. his remarks.) burden and sacrifice is profound. But I On behalf of the people of North Da- Mr. HENSARLING. First, I want to never, never, never want to meet with kota, I expressed to the extent I could thank my dear friend, and a genuine the mothers whose children may perish our profound condolences for the fam- American hero, for yielding time to me in the next 9/11 if we accept defeat in ily’s loss. The major’s grieving widow today. Iraq. stared into my eyes and said, ‘‘Do what Mr. Speaker, speaker after speaker Iraq must be seen in the larger con- you can for our troops over there.’’ on the other side of the aisle have come text of the war with radical Islam, and This is not just a plea and a prayer of to the floor to speak against the past whether we like it or not, the battle the families of our soldiers, it is the de- decision to go into Iraq. They criticize lines are drawn in Iraq. Don’t take my mand of the American people. I believe past lapses of intelligence, they criti- word for it, listen to what the jihadists each and every one of us here shares an cize past actions, they criticize past have to say. Listen to Osama bin intense commitment to our soldiers setbacks. They want to live in the past. Laden, ‘‘The epicenter of these wars is that comes right from the bottom of

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1697 our heart. This debate is revealing a ciplined and determined. They have su- We have heard it said that this reso- sharp difference between us in how to perbly performed everything that has lution calls for a new direction in Iraq. proceed in Iraq. been asked of them. But I defy those who say this, to say But there are no differences when it However, the United States alone what that new direction is. It is cer- comes to all we share about the valor cannot create a democracy in Iraq. tainly not apparent in this resolution. our soldiers have displayed in service Only the Iraqi people can achieve that. This resolution is only an empty oppo- to our country. I have seen it person- A broad group of experts, including sition to the Commander in Chief’s ally in the four trips I have been to the bipartisan Iraq Study Group, plan to deploy the Armed Forces as the Iraq. I have seen soldiers in full battle former Secretary of State Colin Pow- generals on the field see fit. gear, in 133 degree heat, doing their ab- ell, the former senior military com- This two-sentence resolution, sense solute best to perform their mission. I mander in the region, General John of Congress, is not a new plan for vic- have seen North Dakota National Abizaid, have all rejected the strategy tory. In fact, it is not even a new plan Guard soldiers charged with training of escalating U.S. troop numbers as a for bringing the troops home now, but up Iraqi soldiers through an impos- means of bringing the factions of Iraq to leave them in the field with under- sible, absolute, language barrier. together. manpower. It is little more than a gift I have seen other soldiers just back The bottom line is that this troop es- to our enemies who have been pa- from the life-threatening business of calation will increase the terrible cost tiently awaiting the American finding and detonating these explosive of this endeavor, more lives lost, more naysayers to erode the American con- devices, saving American lives while young men and women maimed forever, fidence in our mission. keeping essential roads open. Like more tens of billions spent, all without Our enemies do not lack morale, and most of you, I have mourned and improving our prospects for an accept- we fuel their exuberance with this prayed with shattered families whose able outcome. drive for success every time they hear sons and daughters have lost their lives Under these circumstances, I will us speculate on withdrawal. Our en- in selfless service to our country and vote to oppose this escalation of emies are fighting us, against us and all we care about. troops. It is part of what I believe we our servicemen and our allies, with the So I cannot get Tori Johnson’s fer- must do. Under these circumstances, I belief that each headline brings them vent request out of my mind, take care will oppose this escalation of troops. It closer to victory. of our soldiers over there. Honestly, is part of what I believe we must do to Our brave men and women in uniform there is nothing I care more about as a support our soldiers over there and the are up to the task. But they need our Member of this House. American interests they have put their support, not empty proposals that So, how do we respond? We take care lives on the line to defend. doubt their ability to secure the peace. of our soldiers over there by making Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Millions of peaceful Iraqis are strug- certain they have the equipment they Speaker, at this time I would like to gling to rebuild their Nation after the need as they undertake this most dif- yield 41⁄2 minutes to Mr. GARRETT from cruel reign of Saddam. They want an ficult and dangerous mission. We take New Jersey. opportunity to build a better future for care of our soldiers over there by mak- Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. their children, and they ask for our ing certain their deployments are only Speaker, the authors of this resolution help to secure that peace. for acceptable periods and at accept- say that we should provide our troops Will we now stand aside while al able intervals, with enough time at with all the resources they need, Qaeda and Iran support factions that home in between to heal, to rest and to whether it be armor, bullets and would enslave them once again? You train. But beyond these things, we take Humvees. That is, all the resources know, it was Franklin Delano Roo- care of our soldiers over there when we they need, except two; and I would sevelt who knew the repercussions of as a Congress make certain the mission argue they are the two most critically failing to support those nations that they have been sent to perform has a important ones: manpower and the sup- are struggling for liberty, when he reasonable chance of success. port of our national leaders. said, and I quote: ‘‘Enduring peace can- In a war where so many tragic mis- This Democratic resolution can be not be bought at the cost of other peo- takes have been made, this Congress summed up in three simple words, to ple’s freedom.’’ must not sit quietly by while addi- ‘‘stay the course.’’ The irony here is in- FDR also declared that we are com- tional plans are cooked up in Wash- escapable. Just months ago the very mitted to full support of all those reso- ington, whose only certainty is to ac- same supporters of this resolution de- lute people everywhere who are resist- celerate the loss of American lives, rided the Pentagon and the White ing aggression and are thereby keeping compound the already severe strain on House for proposing to stay the course, war away from our hemisphere. We our military capability and accelerate but today they bring exactly that same cannot have peace in Iraq by handing the burn rack of taxpayer dollars spent strategy to life in their resolution. over those who have worked to build a in Iraq. This resolution doesn’t propose a new Nation based on freedom and justice For these reasons, this resolution is a course of action. It doesn’t have the and peace, turn it over to those violent very important opening statement for courage of its author’s rhetoric, con- brethren who seek only destruction of this Congress to make in Iraq in 97 victions, to change the course of the those principles. Make no mistake words. It states our support for our sol- war. It simply states that this Congress about it: If we stay the course, as this diers, while opposing the President’s will not support the new approach pro- resolution would have us do, it will not plan to escalate the number of troops posed by our new commander and the be long before this war returns to our we send into the middle of the Shia- Iraq Study Group. shores Sunni violence taking place in Bagh- General Petraeus, the chief architect I would like to end with the words of two in- dad. of this new plan, was confirmed unani- dividuals. The paths they have traveled to now On one of my trips to Iraq, a soldier mously by the Senate, and yet many in and the paths they desire to take in the future said to me, ‘‘We can stand up an Iraqi that body and this body are adamantly could not be any more different. But, they are Army, but we cannot create a country opposed to this very strategy he now equally strong in the passion they bring to for this army to defend.’’ This simple seeks to implement. So it begs the their beliefs. And, their words should be in- truth goes right to the heart of the question: If the general is the right structive to us in this debate. issue and exposes the flaw of the Presi- man for the job, then why is his plan First are the words of Abu Omar al- dent’s plan. now not appropriate? Baghdadi, the leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq. He Without the commitment between They claim to support the troops but says: ‘‘We have drunk blood in the past, and the warring parties in Iraq to stop the seek to undercut their new leader’s we find no blood sweeter than that of the killing and create a political agree- strategy. How can we support the Christians. Know that offense is the best form ment upon which a national govern- troops when we insist that their orders of defense, and be careful not to lay down ment can exist, 20,000 more U.S. sol- are faulty? We cannot praise the gen- your weapons before the war is over.’’ While diers are not likely to bring about a eral out of one side of our mouth while we quibble over words here on the floor of the lasting peace. Our soldiers are dis- mocking him out of the other. House of Representatives, our enemies speak

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1698 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 with frightening clarity of conviction. Can there We have had phone calls, e-mails, mes- yield 5 minutes to Mr. TODD AKIN from be any doubt that this resolution solidifies the sages. They want our young men and Missouri. resolve of the jihadists he leads and inspires? women back. They do not want to esca- Mr. AKIN. Mr. Speaker, we rise today In stark contrast are the words of one of my late it any more. Families have suf- to discuss this resolution that is in two constituents, Ron Griffin, who 45 months ago fered enough already. There is no jus- parts before us. The first part says that lost his son, Kyle, an Airborne Infantryman tification for causing more pain and we support our troops. The second part serving in Iraq. ‘‘We never felt lost or alone for adding to the suffering of the mothers says that we are not going to send we were literally carried through our sorrow by and of the fathers and of the husbands them reinforcements. This seems to be the resolute, soothing and comforting hands of and the wives and the sons and the kind of a curious proposition, almost a countless human beings whom I only hope daughters and other loved ones. We nonsensical proposition. How do you can truly understand how they made life worth speak of the soldiers who have lost say you support and then say, but we living. . . . What I see [now] is a people pum- their lives in Iraq in this war. We speak don’t want to send them any rein- meled into acquiescence. The loss of these not of the thousands of injured and the forcing troops? Certainly we say that wondrous warriors is of itself a weight that is suffering they and their families are we want to give them body armor, we almost unbearable to struggle under, but when being put through. The consequences of want to give them up-armored accompanied by the din of negativity it be- the war in Iraq extend far beyond the Humvees, we want to send them tanks; comes to most people a burden.’’ awful tally of the 3,100 killed and the but the most important thing that you Can there be any doubt that this resolution 23,000 wounded. need sometimes as troops is some other does nothing more than add to the din of neg- The Nation’s economic consequences troops to support you. So we are say- ativity of which Mr. Griffin speaks? of the escalation are profound. Point ing, oh, we want support, but we don’t I have faith that we can stand strong. I op- one: every portion of our budget has want to support you. pose this empty resolution to stay the course. been cut and continues to be cut except Picture Davy Crockett at the Alamo. I stand up for an America that is just and free for defense spending. The worst budget He has his back to the wall. Santa Ana and a friend to those who seek liberty and cuts are taking funding away from our has got thousands of troops. So he gets peace. veterans, the very men and women who his BlackBerry out. He checks with put their lives on the line in Iraq and Congress. Congress says, Hey, Davy, we b 1345 in other wars. We regularly receive let- really support you but we’re not going Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I now ters and phone calls, e-mails, from con- to send you any troops. That doesn’t yield 5 minutes to the Chair of the Nat- stituents who ask me to fund vital, make a whole lot of sense to me. ural Resources Subcommittee on Water successful, necessary programs for Now, as I said, this resolution has and Power, the distinguished their communities; but we cannot sup- two parts. It says, We support you but gentlelady from California, Represent- port our communities with the funds we’re not really going to send any ative GRACE NAPOLITANO. they truly need as they are instead troops over. Mrs. NAPOLITANO. I thank the gen- being diverted to a war we did not The third part is what concerns me tleman for yielding. seek. Vital social services, critical to the most. As Congressmen, we have the Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in the well-being of the people of my dis- responsibility to listen, to pay atten- total opposition to the President’s trict and certainly of all other dis- tion. If somebody has a better idea, plan, a plan that escalates the number tricts, are again being cut. that is just fine. Send your better idea of our young men and women, Amer- Other consequences of the war are forward. We are ready to be taught or ican troops, being sent to Iraq. But the social consequences. These soldiers to learn. If there is a better way to ap- what are we talking about? What are fortunate enough to return home alive proach Iraq and the situation there, the words in this resolution? It says, and in good physical health suffer long- good. But this proposal has no positive Resolved by the House of Representa- term mental health problems, Mr. suggestion whatsoever. It just says we tives that, one, Congress and the Amer- Speaker, as a direct consequence of support and we don’t support. All that ican people will continue to support their deployment, not one, not two, but does is to encourage our enemies. And and protect the members of the United possibly three and more deployments without any positive recommendation, States Armed Forces who are serving in Iraq. this can only be viewed as something Yet our services to them and their or who have served bravely and honor- which strengthens our opponents’ families not only are sadly lacking and ably in Iraq; and, secondly, Congress hands. They say, Goody, we’ve got the underfunded; they are being cut. We disapproves of the decision of President Americans all confused. They’re saying have not enough money to be able to George W. Bush announced on January support and don’t support at the same deal with the devastation in the minds 10, 2007, to deploy more than 20,000 ad- time, with no positive recommenda- of not only these men and women but ditional United States combat troops tions whatsoever. their families to be able to deal with to Iraq. That is what we speak to. Now, I have heard people say that the consequences when they return I did not vote for the war resolution, this is a civil war. It is not really a home and try to regain a normal life. and I do not believe that sending more Families are being torn apart more civil war yet. If we pull all the troops young Americans to Iraq and putting so by this war than any other war. out immediately, it will turn into a their lives at risk will change the situ- There are suicides. There is divorce. civil war, no doubt about that. But ation. Since the beginning of the Iraq There is homelessness now. Their chil- what we do have is, we do know this, conflict, our valiant men and women in dren are forced to grow up without that the terrorists have been involved uniform have not received the adequate their father or their mother. Parents in setting one group of people against training nor the proper life-protection are losing children. No mother should another. They blow up a holy place of equipment required to ensure their have to bury a son or a daughter. the Shias and the Shias start fighting safety. I visited one of the armories I urge the President to work with the Sunnis. And so, yes, they have where 2 years after the Iraq war had Iraq’s neighbors and the international sparked a whole lot of unrest, particu- started. They were still making the community to ensure other countries’ larly in Baghdad. It is not a civil war doors for the Humvees to protect them commitments to Iraq’s security situa- yet. But do we think that the terrorists from those bombs that were killing and tion, the training of Iraqi troops and aren’t going to do the same thing in maiming our men and women. police, and, of course, financial sup- other countries where you have the one The President’s proposal to put more port. Escalation is certainly not the leadership with a majority of people in troops in harm’s way, into the middle answer and I cannot and will not sup- the other tribe. of a civil war, whether you like it or port such a policy. So I don’t think it is much of an es- not, it may be local, but it is a civil I certainly want to say thank you to cape to say, oh, well, this is a civil war. war, where neither side backs our con- our brave men and women in uniform What it is, it is a war against terror- tinued occupation, further endangers for your bravery and your service. Our ists. Regardless of how you want to our troops. prayers are with you and your families speculate what might happen if we My constituents are not in favor of Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. leave all of a sudden, at least I would the escalation by a margin of 50 to 1. Speaker, at this point I would like to respect the Democrats more if you

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1699 would just simply say, we need to cut our lives, that we will be fighting the objective war. If it had not been, we and run, or we need to stay where we terrorists here. would be ruling Baghdad today, at are. But don’t just leave a blank piece Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I unpardonable expense in terms of of paper and say we support and don’t yield 5 minutes to the chairman of the money, lives lost, and regional rela- support. It doesn’t make any sense. All Small Business Subcommittee on Reg- tionships.’’ it does is help the enemy. ulation, Health Care and Trade, the Now, a year earlier there was an ob- It seems to me that we need to as distinguished gentleman from Texas, servation, ‘‘Once you got Baghdad, it’s Americans one more time as we have in CHARLIE GONZALEZ. not clear what you do with it. It’s not the past take a good, serious gut Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, I clear what kind of government you check. I have a chance to speak to would like to establish a ground rule would put in place of the one that is American audiences everywhere and for all my colleagues, and that is, re- there now, Saddam Hussein. Is it going lots of little kids and I always ask the gardless of how you vote on this resolu- to be a Shia regime, a Sunni regime, or same question. I ask the question, If tion, no one will question your patriot- a Kurdish regime? Or one that tilts to- you were to take America that you ism. If we can just start with that wards the Baathists, or one that tilts love and condense it down as to what benchmark, I think we will have a towards the Islamic fundamentalists? do you really believe about this coun- higher degree of debate and in good How much credibility is that govern- try, what is the heart and core of faith. ment going to have if it is set up by the America? The answer that I almost al- Mr. Speaker, this resolution is about United States military when it is ways get is the word ‘‘freedom.’’ duty and responsibility, the duty and there? How long does the United States But freedom needs a little bit more responsibility that Congress owes to military have to stay to protect the definition. The Tiananmen Square Chi- our men and women in uniform. Our people that sign on for that govern- nese students wanted freedom and they first duty is to make wise and educated ment? And what happens to it once you greased the tank treads with their bod- choices in identifying a threat, the ne- leave?’’ That was 1991, spoken by then- ies. But they didn’t get freedom. Just cessity of action and the legitimacy of Secretary of Defense and current Vice because you want freedom doesn’t the goal before committing or con- President of the United States, Dick mean you can have it. tinuing to commit more of our troops Cheney. So what is the heart of what we be- to the war. We remain a good and great Nation, lieve as Americans? Well, I will tell When considering this resolution, but we have done all the good in Iraq you. The first time we went to war we which reflects that an escalation of the that we are going to do. An escalation stated that and we had quite an argu- war is unwarranted and is not in the only delays the day that the Iraqis as- ment and discussion about it. And it best interests of our Nation and our sume the responsibility of setting aside was put in the Declaration of Independ- troops, each of us must ask one funda- their sectarian differences and embrace ence: We hold these truths to be self- mental question: Is escalating and con- the promise of democracy that we have evident that all men are endowed by tinuing the war in Iraq worth fighting delivered to them. We cannot do this for them, whether we send in 20,000 or their Creator with certain inalienable and dying for? Because that, in the 200,000 more troops. And we cannot ig- rights, that among these is life, liberty final analysis, is what we decide. We nore the lessons of history, the views of and the pursuit of happiness. And the seek an answer to this question, but we military experts and the will of the job of government is to protect those must be ever mindful that the courage American people. basic, fundamental, God-given rights. and bravery of our troops is never ques- That is what they believed and they It is time for our troops to start com- tioned. Our soldiers’ valor and commit- ing home. And it is time for the Iraqis had to decide: Are we going to fight the ment are not diminished by the errors to start building a home. Vote ‘‘yes’’ British or not? Those are the things in judgment made by their civilian on this resolution. that I taught to my children. leaders. The question is whether the Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, for the This is a picture of the Marine Club mission in Iraq is worth their sacrifice. purpose of unanimous consent, I recog- with my 9-year-old son standing here, As we move forward with this decision, nize the gentleman from Arizona. saluting the flag as it is going up. We we must recognize the lessons of his- (Mr. PASTOR asked and was given taught him that there are some things tory, or we are doomed to repeat its permission to revise and extend his re- in this world that are worth dying for grave mistakes. marks.) and that one of those things is the fact b 1400 Mr. PASTOR. Madam Speaker, I rise that God gives us basic inalienable in support of the resolution. rights. That little Marine Club kid has For example, ‘‘The public has been Madam Speaker, I am proud that grown up. led into a trap from which it will be under our Speaker’s leadership, Con- There he is in Fallujah in 2005. That hard to escape with dignity and honor. gress today is voicing the will of the is the cache of terrorist weapons that They have been tricked into it by a American people in opposition to the they found in Fallujah. He has grown steady withholding of information. The Administration’s deployment of more up. He understands the risk to his life. Baghdad communiques are belated, in- U.S. military personnel to Iraq. Voters He almost died in Fallujah. He be- sincere, and incomplete. Things have made it clear in November that they do lieves, as I do, that there are some been far worse than we have been told, not support the administration’s cur- things in this world that are worth de- our administration more bloody and in- rent strategy. It is time that Congress fending. This is not a war about a civil efficient than any that public knows. act to bring U.S. policy in line with re- war. This is head to head with terror- We are, today, not far from a disaster.’’ ality. ists. Now, the parallels are uncanny, and I opposed the initial resolution au- And is it surprising that we find our- you are wondering who may have said thorizing the President to invade Iraq, selves fighting terrorists? Terrorists that. The quote was 86 years ago, and it because I felt that the administration believe, we blow up innocent people to was a communication from T.E. Law- had failed to exhaust diplomatic rem- make a political statement. We believe rence, better known as Lawrence of edies and allow the U.N. weapons in- that the right to life comes from God, Arabia, in August of 1920, from Bagh- spectors to finish their job. Since the that it is an inalienable right. The ter- dad. invasion, however, I have supported rorists terrorize people to compel you Continuing. ‘‘The situation in Iraq is funding the war effort to ensure that to take your liberty away and we be- grave and deteriorating. In addition, our troops on the ground have the lieve that liberty is a gift that comes there is significant underreporting of equipment and support that they need- from God. We are going head to head violence in Iraq. The standard for re- ed. But increasing troop levels and fail- with people that have always been the cording attacks acts as a filter to keep ing to question the President’s policy enemies of America, and I am con- events out of reports and databases.’’ is a disservice to our courageous men cerned that if we do not stand up and More Lawrence of Arabia? More 1920? and women in uniform. We cannot keep show that we not only think that it is No. 2006, the Iraq Study Group report. asking them to put their lives on the a nice idea in our Declaration but it is Let me continue. 1992, General Colin line every day for objectives that have a conviction that we will defend with Powell. ‘‘The Gulf War was a limited become increasingly unclear.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1700 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 The President declared ‘‘mission ac- other nations that we are unreliable as the Sunni and Shia militias, with our complished’’ in May 2003, and in a sense an ally, and they can no longer count troops in the middle. he was right. Saddam Hussein and Iraqi on us in times of distress. In fact, in a recent hearing here in weapons of mass destruction are no My son proudly served in the Army. Washington, it was entitled, ‘‘Iraq: longer a threat to our nation. The Iraqi And during this time of service, I got What Will it Take to Achieve National people have held free elections and to know many of his peers in uniform. Reconciliation?’’ drafted a constitution. The violence we I am not prepared to say to these men Basically, as this hearing pointed see in Iraq today is based in sectarian and women, nor to the young man fall- out, the key mission that we have conflict—it has become a civil war. The en in battle, that I will go to right given to our troops is to somehow now outcome depends not on the American after this speech at Walter Reed Hos- reconcile the differences between will to stay in the fight, but on the will pital, that I support you but I don’t Sunni and Shia in Iraq. Just to be clear of the Iraqi people to forge their own support the mission you serve, and the on this, Madam Speaker, the Sunni and future. We cannot do it for them. blood you shed on the battlefield was Shia have been in frequent conflict Troop surges in the past have not in vain. since the year 632 A.D., following the worked. No number of American troops I am not prepared to call for a pre- death of the prophet Mohammed. That in Iraq can fix what is essentially a po- cipitous withdrawal from Iraq that will is what we have asked our troops to do, litical problem. The only surge I sup- leave the Nation ripe for terrorism and in essence, to convince the Iraqis now port is a surge of diplomacy. It is time ultimately bring the war on terror to stop killing each other and to em- to bring our brave young men and back to American soil. brace democracy instead. women home from Iraq. Their job there My neighbors in south central Michi- The President has now asked our is done, and their skills and dedication gan and across the country deserve to brave sons and daughters to take up a can be better used on the real fronts of be protected from enemies of freedom. police action or essentially a civil af- the war on terrorism, both domestic And they ought to have a Congress fairs action, going door to door in and abroad. that doesn’t shirk its responsibilities Baghdad. The mission in Iraq has Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam to soldiers and sailors and airmen sent changed. I have to wonder, how many votes Speaker, at this time I would like to into harm’s way to ensure this war is would the President and Vice President yield 31⁄2 minutes to my colleague from fought off American soil. have gotten initially if they had been Michigan, TIM WALBERG. So we come to this time of choosing honest and said, We want to send our Mr. WALBERG. Madam Speaker, today. Are we willing to abandon our sons and/or daughters to Iraq in order throughout our Nation’s rich history, troops as they implement the new to reconcile the differences between we have reached moments where we ar- strategy based on quantifiable goals the Sunni and the Shia who have been rive at what President Ronald Reagan and measurable results? I hope not. fighting for almost 1,400 years. Not described as a time for choosing. Today I challenge my colleagues to honor many, I think. But that is where we is such a day. America’s brave men and women serv- now find ourselves and our troops. This week, the House is asking our- ing in the name of freedom and oppose While the mission in Iraq has changed, selves a simple question: Will we this resolution of retreat. the President is staying the course. choose to go forward with the resolve Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I now What’s more, he has decided to push and determination needed to win the yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from even harder in the wrong direction. war on terror by supporting our brave Massachusetts, a member of the Finan- Now is the time that the American troops, or will we retreat and wait for cial Services, Oversight and Govern- people have fairly asked, What will the fight to return to American soil? ment Reform Committees, and chair of Congress do? Many of my colleagues It was Winston Churchill who once the House Task Force on Anti-Ter- believe that this resolution doesn’t go said, ‘‘Never believe any war will be rorism Funding, Mr. LYNCH. far enough; and in honesty, I tend to smooth or easy or that anyone who em- Mr. LYNCH. I thank the gentleman agree with that assessment. But I do barks on a strange voyage can measure for yielding. believe that this resolution presents a Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the tides and hurricanes he will en- solid and meaningful step in the right counter.’’ House Concurrent Resolution 63, which direction. With this in mind, I acknowledge opposes the President’s plan to esca- There will be a further debate in that the war in Iraq is not going as late the war in Iraq. I do so because I coming weeks on the funding on how to well as we all had hoped or wanted. am in total agreement with Generals best protect our troops while Mistakes have been made. Thousands Casey and Abizaid, who have said that transitioning to Iraqi control in Iraq, of precious lives have been lost, and what is needed in Iraq is a political so- and we will have more opportunity to there are likely more tough times to lution and not a military one, and that do that. come. additional troops are not rec- Lastly, I would like to address the My wife and I pray for the men and ommended. argument that the continuing war in women in uniform and grieve for every I have had a chance to travel to Iraq Iraq is necessary for fighting the global loss of life and injuries inflicted on five times now, and based on my own war on terrorism. As I have said before, these heroes who proudly serve our Na- observations in places like Fallujah I have been to Iraq five times now. One tion. I, as much as anyone else speak- and Tikrit and Al Qaim out on the Syr- of the questions that I have repeatedly ing today, want this war to be over. ian border, I firmly believe that it is asked our people on the ground is, How But this resolution essentially tells the Iraqi people who must ultimately much of this fight in Iraq is part of the these soldiers to give up because the decide whether they are committed to global war on terror? How much of it is cause they have nobly served is no building a better life for their children involving foreign fighters in al Qaeda? longer worth the courage and vigor through democracy, or whether they Unanimously, they have recommended necessary, and protecting the Amer- are more committed to an all-or-noth- that it is about 10 percent of the fight ican people and keeping terrorists off ing sectarian conflict between Sunni in Iraq. American soil are no longer national and Shia. So 90 percent of our cost, 90 percent priorities. Madam Speaker, I believe that pack- of our sacrifice, is in a matter that has As Americans we are reluctant war- ing more troops into the narrow streets nothing to do with the global war on riors, but throughout history, when our of Baghdad would be a disaster. As our terror. In fact, the Defense Department troops have been in harm’s way, Amer- daily briefings indicate, the dominant now says that the Mahdi Army, the ica has supported them and made cer- conflict now on the ground in Iraq is no main Shia militia, has replaced al tain our troops have the necessary re- longer Coalition forces against al Qaeda as the most dangerous force in sources to accomplish their mission. Qaeda and supporters of the Baathist the increasing violence there. In a cynical way, this resolution says regime. As the daily body counts of If we are truly committed to the America has already lost and the lead- tortured and executed Iraqis indicate, global war on terror, I might point out ers of our country no longer believe our the prevailing conflict on the ground in we have a situation in southeast Af- troops can achieve victory. It tells Iraq now is a brutal civil war between ghanistan and in Waziristan, where the

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My fear is not based on wild as- There is a reason that the framers of haven to be established for the Taliban. sumptions or partisan politics, but our constitutional system chose in Ar- If we are indeed committed to pro- what leaders are already saying they ticle I to establish that Congress is the tecting America and the global war on are planning to do. first branch of the government, to terror, I would suggest that there are The passage of this resolution has oversee the Executive. One of the rea- smarter and better ways to do that. been called a baseline. And the Speaker sons that we are here today is because Yes, the American people are waiting of the House has called it a first step. the majority at the time never asked a for this Congress to take a stand. It is And then she added that approval of question of the Administration. Every- time to step up. I ask my colleagues to this resolution will set the stage for thing the Administration said, the Re- support this resolution. It is the first additional Iraq legislation which is set publican majority at that time in Con- step in eventually bringing the troops to come before the House. gress went along with. home safely I am mindful of the thousands of sol- b 1415 ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE diers who have died, more than 3,200. I The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. Leaders have been tight lipped about am mindful of the 21,000 today who have been wounded. I am mindful of BALDWIN). The Chair must remind all the pending legislation. But we have Members that it is not in order to en- learned that what they want to do is those who continue to serve our coun- gage in personalities toward the Presi- set the stage for legislation that will try bravely and honorably, and that dent or the Vice President fence off and limit funding by tying the the burden of this war has fallen on Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam hands of our commanders on the these troops and their families. There Speaker, at this time I would like to ground, by presenting benchmarks that has been very little sacrifice asked of the American people. yield 4 minutes to Mrs. SHELLEY MOORE will be written so that certainly those But those who have sacrificed de- CAPITO of West Virginia. funds cannot be spent. To be sure, such serve a frank and honest debate about Mrs. CAPITO. I would like to thank actions would restrict funds and tie the President Bush’s policy. This is the de- the gentleman from Texas for yielding hands of our commanders in Iraq. I cannot and will not support any effort bate we should have had 4 years ago. me time. You cannot edit history. We know Madam Speaker, I rise today real- to systematically disassemble our today there were no weapons of mass izing the seriousness of this resolution greater effort, to defend our liberties destruction. There was no enriched and the importance of the debate on and our way of life, and to provide our enemies with a breath of hope that we uranium from Niger. There was no con- the war in Iraq. nection to al Qaeda. We were not wel- As we continue this debate, I hope have lost our will. comed as liberators in war. And 31⁄2 that all of us remember we have seri- Let me be very clear to my constitu- years later, the mission has not been ous disagreements about what this res- ents and the men and women in uni- form. I will never vote to cut funding accomplished. olution says or intends to do, but that Madam Speaker, like the vast major- for our troops, nor will I allow my vote we cannot and should not besmirch one ity of the American people, I agree on a symbolic resolution, one that has another’s opinions and the right to that the war in Iraq is going badly and the force of politics and not the force that opinion and belief. getting worse. I attach great signifi- of law, to be used as a baseline or a I would also like to say how proud I cance to the National Intelligence Es- first step towards cutting funding for am to be an American, to realize the timate. The overall security situation bounty of our Nation, to appreciate the our troops. in Iraq has deteriorated, as they have I will assertively maintain my sup- strength of our forefathers, and to said, with 2006 being one of the dead- stand in awe of our democracy. port for the troops in my words and my liest years to date. The war has in- As the daughter of a World War II vote, and I will continue to analyze creased Islamic radicalism around the Purple Heart veteran, I have a great how I can best help achieve success in world and has helped to destabilize the understanding of the sacrifices that Iraq so that we may begin to bring our entire Middle East. By any objective have been made in the past to allow us men and women home. standard, Iraq has descended into to live freely. I understand and fullly In that spirit I plan to vote against something worse than a civil war, as appreciate the men and women who this resolution. noted by the Iraq Study Group, and our have so bravely put themselves on the Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I now American troops are caught in the mid- frontline to protect our country. yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from dle. And let us call it for what it is: a I have thought a great deal about Massachusetts (Mr. NEAL), a classmate civil war. what I want to say today and how I of mine and distinguished member of Yet President Bush, nearly 3 years want to say it. When the President an- the Ways and Means Committee. after declaring an end to major combat nounced his plan for a troop surge last Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Madam operations in Iraq, is sending another month, I expressed my disagreement. Speaker, I thank Mr. ENGEL for yield- 20,000 American troops into battle. And And as we debate this resolution today, ing. Vice President CHENEY, in the face of I still harbor those grave concerns. Last Saturday in my hometown of insurmountable evidence, continues to While I have voiced a disagreement Springfield, Massachusetts, I spent the declare that Iraq is a success. over tactics on how to achieve success day welcoming back 150 brave Amer- As we debate this resolution today, it in Iraq, the fact remains that I have ican soldiers from the 181st Engineer is clear that support for the war is at a not backed away from my belief that Battalion of the National Guard who tipping point. Our intelligence commu- success in Iraq is vital, and that leav- just completed a year-long deployment nity, speaking collectively in the re- ing Iraq prematurely would be disas- in Iraq. Their mission was to provide cent NIE, they believe that the future trous for our Nation’s security and the security for their fellow of Iraq is grim. And, most signifi- stability of the Middle East. servicemembers and to protect mili- cantly, our distinguished military com- And let me stress that I will never tary facilities. This group included manders believe it is time for a new di- back away from my commitment to members who possessed the Bronze rection. General Powell, General Zinni, the men and women who serve in our Star, the Combat Action Badge, and General Batiste, General Gregory New- military, and I will not support any- the Purple Heart. Every Member of bold, and others have all expressed con- thing that I believe endangers their this House and Senate has participated cern about the future of Iraq. These are safety while they serve in harm’s way in ceremonies similar to this across the individuals who were involved in the to protect our country. country. We might have our differences planning and execution of the war; and, So I rise today in opposition to this about the war, but we find common obviously, they do not like what they resolution. My opposition lies not in ground in our steadfast support for see.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1702 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 Even former director of the National ment in a speech about the radical ele- What is great about this country is Security Agency under President ment, small but radical element, with- the respect we place on human life, the Reagan, retired Lieutenant General in the Islamic faith and the violence preciousness and sacredness that William Odom, acknowledged on Sun- associated with that element. And the Americans have for human life. That is day that ‘‘the President’s policy in Iraq reaction to the Pope’s statement about the difference between us and the ter- is based on illusions, not realities.’’ violence among this radical, but small, rorists. That is why it is so important I do not believe that public opinion element, the reaction to his statement to confront these folks wherever they alone should shape public policy, but about violence was violence. It was the choose to fight us. Right now that no one should underestimate the intel- destruction of churches, the destruc- place is Iraq. That is why this resolu- ligence of the American people. They tion of buildings. It was the taking of tion is bad. are convinced that ‘‘stay the course,’’ a life of an innocent nun in Italy. That Ladies and gentlemen, we should not as President Bush has suggested, has is what we are up against. pass a resolution in which politicians not succeeded. This Democratic resolution puts us second guess our military leaders in Every Member of Congress wants our on a path towards leaving Iraq before the field. We should not pass a resolu- soldiers to succeed in Iraq. No elected victory is attained. It puts us on a path tion that will embolden our enemy. representative in this institution that will cut funds to our brave men And, most importantly, we should not would ever seek to undermine our serv- and women already in battle. It puts us waver in our commitment to protect icemen and women. But the facts are on a path that is wrong for America. human life and to confront the evil clear. The war in Iraq is the most im- And, most importantly, I think, it puts that is among us. portant issue facing America today, us on the wrong path that will most as- I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote on the resolution and our constituents are entitled to suredly embolden the very people who Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I now know where their representatives stand are responsible for the terrorist acts I yield 5 minutes to my sister’s Con- on the way forward. That is why this just listed. gressman, a gentleman who worked If you remember, shortly after 9/11 debate, finally, is so important. Just as hard to become a member of the Ways the President gave a series of speeches the debate in 2002 led us into the war and Means Committee, the gentleman where he outlined a policy. He said if with Iraq, perhaps this conversation from New Jersey (Mr. PASCRELL). you are a country that harbors terror- Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, the with the American people that we are ists, if you are a country that provides Wall Street Journal accused us of try- having today will begin the process of financing to terrorists, if you are a ing to micromanage this war. Well, bringing our troops back home. country that trains terrorists, if you this President has not listened to the More than 4 years ago, I came to the are a country that is producing weap- generals. He hasn’t listened to the floor of the House with deep reserva- ons that are going to harm vast num- American people. And he hasn’t lis- tions about granting President Bush bers of people, if you are doing those tened to the Iraqi people. He has micro- unlimited powers to authorize this in- things, we are going to put you on no- managed this failure. vasion of a sovereign country. It is the tice that we are not going to tolerate Four and a half years ago, Madam best vote of opposition that I have of- it. Speaker, on this floor I stood in this fered in my 19 years in this House of And if you remember, it was amazing Chamber, along with 295 of my col- Representatives how quickly Moammar Kadafi in Libya leagues, to support the resolution au- Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam found the Lord and saw the light and thorizing the President to attack Iraq. Speaker, at this time I would like to how quickly he was willing to say, I am I regret that vote deeply. And I told yield 41⁄2 minutes to the gentleman going to work now with the United my constituents in my district 11⁄2 from Ohio, Mr. JIM JORDAN. States. He understood that when Amer- years ago that I made a mistake. Down Mr. JORDAN of Ohio. Madam Speak- ica says something, we mean it. If we the street they make no mistakes. er, I thank the gentleman for yielding, just do what this Democratic resolu- They are infallible. and I thank him for his amazing serv- tions puts us on the path to do, I am I did so because the premise on which ice to our country. afraid of the message it sends to the we authorized this war was false, the Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition Kadafis around the world and what military plan for victory has been to this resolution. There have been that can mean for the future safety of weak, and more than 5 years later, this many good arguments made as to why Americans and for our military. war has made our Nation less safe. this resolution is not in the best inter- This is a great country. We have been We stand ready to vote on a different est of our military, not in the best in- able to overcome whatever challenges resolution that could take a significant terest of our country. But I want to have presented themselves to us step towards remedying the historic focus on one point, and that is just how throughout our history. And it is im- mistake we made in October of 2002. real and how serious the threat of ter- portant that we have the same resolve The troop escalation advocated by rorism is, because that is what this as we approach this challenge. President Bush will only widen our in- struggle in Iraq is really about. And I I am just a freshman Member of the volvement in this conflict and put am just going to read the list of ter- Congress; and just a few weeks ago it more brave American troops in the rorist attacks against Americans, and was put on display about what is so middle of a vicious civil war. Voting in we have heard this list before, but I great about America, as we said, in favor of the President’s escalation plan think it is important to refocus on this Chamber during the State of the is an historic error, and I stress the this: Union address. And during that speech, historic nature of this debate because I In 1979, 66 American hostages were the President pointed up to the gallery, am a firm believer that history is tell- taken in Iran. In 1983, 241 Marines were and he highlighted some great Ameri- ing of the future. killed in Beirut. In 1988, 189 Americans cans, some American heroes. And the The history of this war shows that were killed in the PanAm bombing. In one that stuck out in my mind, and this President cannot form the right 1993 in the first World Trade Center many of you may remember this, was policy for victory. He should have sent bombing, we lost six Americans. In Wesley Autrey, the subway man. And I additional troops in 2003 when the gen- 1996, 19 servicemembers were killed in thought it was so amazing to see what erals asked him to do that, when it was the Khobar Towers bombing. In 2000, 17 this man had done and how that con- possible to restore order in Baghdad, American sailors lost their lives in the trasts with the actions of the terror- instead of now in 2007 when violence USS Cole. And, of course, in 2001, that ists. Wesley Autrey in the subway, reigns supreme. date we all remember, 9/11, 2,973 Ameri- willing to jump in front of a train on The history of Iraq shows it has been cans lost their lives in the World Trade the track to save a complete stranger wracked by sectarian and ethnic divi- Center bombing, in the Pentagon, and simply because he was a fellow human sion long before it was even a state, a in Pennsylvania. being. Contrast that action with the fact conveniently ignored by this When you think about the actions of action of the terrorist who will jump President and his supporters on their these terrorists and how real and dan- into that same subway, blow himself march to Baghdad. gerous they are, I am reminded of last up to kill as many innocent people as Remember, Iran and Syria and others summer when the Pope made a state- he can. are possibly fighting a proxy war by

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1703 supplying insurgents against an un- I urge my colleagues to support this rious, oh, it is very serious, it is not popular foreign occupier, the same role resolution. substantive. This is the ultimate ex- that we played in helping the Afghans Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam pression of legislative passive aggres- to fight the Soviets 20 years ago; and Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to Mr. sion. It offers no substantive alter- we know how that conflict turned out. PETER ROSKAM from Illinois. native. In history I see the lessons, Madam Mr. ROSKAM. I thank the gentleman Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition, Speaker. As I speak today, in 280 B.C. for yielding. and ask my colleagues to do the same. when King Pyrrhus of Greece defeated Madam Speaker, we are here to de- Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I yield the Romans during the Pyrrhic War, bate a House Concurrent Resolution, 5 minutes to my dear friend in the ad- his army suffered irreplaceable casual- and the root verb of ‘‘resolution’’ is joining district, the gentlewoman from ties in battle. And when he was con- resolute. I just want to challenge the New York (Mrs. LOWEY gratulated on his victory, he replied: House today to consider the resolution ), the Chair of ‘‘Another such victory like that over of our enemies. I would like to read the Foreign Operations Subcommittee the Romans and we are undone.’’ three quotes to you. of the House Appropriations Com- We have heard the word ‘‘success’’ Resolved, by Osama bin Laden. The mittee. and we have heard the word ‘‘victory’’ whole world is watching this war, and Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, a vio- so many times that they are now as the two adversaries, the Islamic nation lent civil war is raging in Iraq, with pyrrhic, empty, fleeting, hollow. on the one hand and the United States atrocities against innocent civilians b 1430 and its allies on the other. It is either mounting every day. Our troops, our brave troops, are caught in the cross- The lesson is clear. The President’s victory and glory or misery and humil- iation. fire, dying and being maimed driving escalation plan offers an illusion, when on local roads, patrolling neighbor- only the real hope is that it offers a Or how about this? Resolved, in the al Quaeda charter: There will be con- hoods and moving about by helicopter. Pyrrhic victory at best. What is their mission today? What is Our Armed Forces have been used, tinuing enmity until everyone believes the strategic objective of the esca- abused, refused and accused. They have in Allah. We will not meet the enemy lation proposed by the President? been overstretched. They were ill- halfway, and there will be no room for equipped from the very beginning. dialogue with them. President Bush’s plan to deploy 20,000 Don’t tell us we don’t support the Or how about this, and I am para- additional U.S. combat troops to Iraq troops, when you did not give what phrasing: Resolved, from Osama bin is not a new strategy, and nothing I they deserved in the field of battle. Our Ladens deputy, who said that the plan have seen or heard has convinced me military readiness to fight the ongoing is to extend the jihad wave; to expel that this escalation will make a posi- war on terror is now in serious doubt the Americans from Iraq and extend tive difference in Iraq or hasten the because of this war. Don’t question our the jihad wave to secular countries safe return of U.S. troops. In fact, Gen- patriotism. Don’t question our support neighboring Iraq, clash with Israel and eral Abizaid said that ‘‘more American or the American people’s. Listen. establish an Islamic authority. forces prevent the Iraqis from taking By the way, Madam Speaker, have we Is there anyone among us who doubts responsibility for their own future.’’ asked the Iraqis what they feel? Well, the resolve and clarity with which our Four previous troop surges between 80 percent of them want us out. Don’t opponents are speaking? I don’t. December 2003 and October 2006 have they count? Can’t we ask and listen to I think what is lacking today in our not made a dent in the level of violence at least the very people whose country conversation is the consequences of nor in the number of U.S. casualties. we occupy, this sovereign nation? This failure. The previous speaker used the We have spent nearly $500 billion in is unbelievable. It is illusionary at words ‘‘victory’’ and ‘‘success.’’ He had Iraq and Afghanistan, and yet best. And what will we say to these a very low view of them, and I under- inexplicably our troops still do not Iraqi people? I want to hear the answer stand his characterization of those have the protection they need. from the other side. What is your an- words. He said we have heard those Throughout this war, many in Congress swer for them when they say, Don’t words before. That is what the gen- have addressed the lack of equipment stay here, and certainly don’t escalate. tleman from New Jersey said. and protection for our troops. Now, I ask the loyal opposition to our reso- But, do you know what? We will hear military leaders are saying there are lution to tell the American people how the word ‘‘failure’’ when it is used in not enough armor kits and vehicles to much do the intentions of the Iraqi the context of this challenge that is be- protect these additional five brigades people really matter to you? fore us. the President plans to send to Iraq. It There is no question that there has The epicenter of our fight against is unacceptable to send more soldiers been great difficulty that has gone be- terror is on the border of Afghanistan to Iraq, but it is unconscionable to fore us in this fight. There is no ques- and Pakistan. Many of us have been send them without proper armaments tion that there have been great mis- there. Many of us have gone there. You or an explanation from the administra- takes that have been made, and I am have forgotten that part of the world, tion about how our troops will be pro- wholeheartedly in favor of us acting as which many did not even know on Sep- tected. tember 11, 2001, where Afghanistan was a coequal branch of government and Madam Speaker, 3,132 Americans in in the first place. calling for benchmarks and demarca- The clear message we send to the tion and holding the administration ac- uniform have died and 23,417 have been Iraqi people and the American people is countable for its decisions. wounded since the start of the war in that we will bring freedom to Iraq, But if we fail in this, if we pull out, Iraq. I visited our wounded soldiers at even if it takes the blood of every Iraqi if we retreat, if we yield, what will hap- Walter Reed, Bethesda Naval Hospital, and the lives of more American sol- pen? Is there anybody really who and, most recently, at Landstuhl Mili- diers. That is not good enough. That is thinks that Iran, for example, will be tary Hospital in Germany during my not acceptable. less provocative? Is there anybody who visit to Iraq with the Speaker. You have heard the statistics from thinks that al Quaeda will be less pro- I stood at the bedside of a 23-year old speaker after speaker. Previous esca- vocative? severely wounded soldier, a soldier who lations in this war have not worked. If we fail, extremism in this world, was holding the hand of his 21-year old Why will this one work? Our ill-fated will it be ascendant or will it be de- brother, currently serving in Iraq, and presence in Iraq is being used as a prop- scendant? the hand of his father, who had also aganda tool for the enemy, al Quaeda, Madam Speaker, I close with a sim- served in the Armed Forces, a soldier and other terrorists worldwide. ple question, and that is, we need to who will likely never come home. In the years since 9/11, more terror- ask, What is it about this resolution These families are making the ulti- ists have been created through this that will do one of two things? Does mate sacrifice for our family. I am President’s policies than were captured this encourage our troops, or does this humbled by their commitment, their or killed. There weren’t any terrorists discourage our enemies? I would sug- professionalism and dedication. We in Iraq in 2003, but there are now. gest that this resolution, while it is se- have a responsibility to our Armed

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

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1705 I will never ever forget September 11, risking their lives and their limbs need get out and do not continue to ask our 2001. And we have to go after al Qaeda to be able to understand the mission. troops to fight with one hand behind and we have to fight terrorism, but I President Bush has said that the mis- their backs. believe that the war in Iraq has now sion is to achieve stability in Iraq, to Mistakes have been made, as they al- become a distraction against the war train the Iraqi forces so that they will ways are in war; but another lesson on terror. be able to stand up so that we will be that I learned from Vietnam is that the So by staying in Iraq, are we fighting able to stand down. He says that the only thing worse than micromanaging the war on terror, or are we making it so-called surge is a necessary thing to a war from the White House is micro- more difficult? A troop surge will not do. managing it from here in Congress. work. There are other priorities that As a member of the Armed Services And this is a time when every Member we have. Our young people are sitting Committee, I have listened to the tes- in this House needs to dig down deep ducks. This is more and more like Viet- timony from the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and vote their conscience, knowing nam. You cannot leave and you cannot the Secretary of Defense as well, about that sending the right message to the stay. how this surge will work, and in my administration has the very real con- We support our troops. This surge mind, a surge is a quick, overwhelming sequence of sending the wrong message will not work. Congress needs to send show of force. However, as it has been to the troops who so bravely and pro- this message to the President and to explained to me, this action will have fessionally fight for freedom and lib- Iraq and to the world. two of a total of five brigades begin to erty and democracy. Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam deploy to Baghdad and the Anbar prov- Vote ‘‘no’’ on this resolution. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gen- ince and then gradually the other three Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I yield tlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. MIL- brigades will be deployed as an assess- 51⁄2 minutes to my fellow New Yorker LER). ment can be made on how the first two (Mr. BISHOP). Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Madam are doing. (Mr. BISHOP of New York asked and Speaker, I am proud to be yielded time I will note that I have read that Gen- was given permission to revise and ex- from a true American hero. eral Schoomaker, Army Chief of Staff, tend his remarks.) If at any time while I am in the Con- has said in a closed door hearing that Mr. BISHOP of New York. Madam gress and I am asked to vote to author- he thought the surge had a 50–50 chance Speaker, I rise in strong support of this ize war, I will ask myself two funda- of success. resolution which is a clear and concise mental questions, two caveats to such Madam Speaker, our troops have response on behalf of the majority of action. Number one, what are the done everything that we have asked Americans who share our opposition to United States’ vital interests? How are them to do and more, and you cannot the President’s misguided plan to esca- our vital interests being advanced? blame America for the Iraqis’ failure to late the presence of U.S. troops in Iraq. Number two, what is the mission and stop killing one another in a religious We can all agree upon and indeed how is the mission being defined? frenzy. must take this opportunity once again I was not in the Congress when the I am a product of the Vietnam era. to affirm that our support for the brave vote to give the President the author- My husband was an Air Force pilot in men and women of the United States ity to go to war in Iraq was taken, but Vietnam. My county has the largest Armed Forces is steadfast and as I remember the debate during that chapter of Vietnam veterans in the en- unyielding. vote, it was heavily predicated on the tire Nation, and although I have re- As this resolution declares, our first fact that we thought that Saddam Hus- sisted making any analogy from Iraq priority must continue to be protecting sein had weapons of mass destruction, to Vietnam, I will make this one per- the brave men and women in uniform and the mission seemed to be prin- sonal observation. who have served this Nation honorably cipally defined as finding WMDs. It is From the very beginning of the Iraq and valiantly. The decision to invade clear that he had them at one time be- conflict, we should have allowed our Iraq is the single most devastating and cause he used them on his own people. troops to go in and use overwhelming misguided foreign policy decision our However, since we have gone into force; but we were told, no, that we had Nation has ever made, and the process Iraq, whether it is because they have enough. Those that suggested other- of protecting our Nation from transited the country or they were de- wise were dismissed, and so they compounding this tragic error must stroyed, or whatever the reason, we micromanaged from the White House, begin this week under new leadership have not found them. and now I think they are doing the with a clear vision and a plan that fi- Then the mission was defined as top- same with this surge. Our troops can nally acknowledges that we can no pling the oppressor, the butcher of win, but they are being held back. longer stay the course in Iraq. Baghdad, Saddam Hussein. And we They are being micromanaged by our have done so. We let the Iraqi courts politicians. We are not letting them b 1500 exercise their due diligence in a court win, and this is the lesson that I After nearly 4 years of war, the sac- of law, and he is dead now. Good rid- learned from Vietnam. rifice of more than 3,100 brave service- dance, and hanging was too good for In Vietnam, we used a graduated re- men and -women, tens of thousands him. sponse. We held back our troops. We more injured, and over $600 billion Then we defined the mission as pro- did not use overwhelming force, and spent on the war to date, President viding a stable framework that would after many died, we left the field and I Bush’s ‘‘mission accomplished’’ dec- allow the Iraqis to build a democracy cannot believe in my lifetime that once laration certainly rings hollow. because we can all agree that having a again we are repeating this mistake. We must not forget whose war and democracy in an Arab country in the I support the troops and I support misguided strategy failed us, and we Middle East would be optimal for the victory. I recognize how incredibly must ask who the President is listen- entire world. They have had their elec- complex this situation is. I recognize ing to beyond the small circle of advis- tions. They have adopted a Constitu- that having our troops leave will prob- ers who were the architects of this fi- tion, and they have elected leadership ably result in a loss of human life that asco in the first place. that is in place. will be horrifying. I recognize that The only strategy this administra- Again, I ask about the United States’ leaving will probably encourage the tion has proposed is to stay the course, vital interests and how we are defining neighbors to move in to protect their augmented by four earlier surges, the mission because, Madam Speaker, own interests, and I recognize that the along with the most recent plan to de- the mission needs to be understood. It war on terror will follow us if we leave. ploy the additional 21,500 U.S. troops, is important that those of us in Con- Yet, recognizing all of this, since the likely to escalate further to 40,000 to gress can understand it, of course. It is Iraqis will, for whatever reason, not 60,000 more troops before the year’s important that the American people stand up to ensure their own freedom, end. This latest policy is stay the can understand it. But most impor- how can we ask Americans and for how course writ large. tantly, the brave men and women who long to continue to do so for them? Ei- The President’s plan operates under wear the uniform and are in theater ther use overwhelming force to win, or the assumption that somehow, despite

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

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1707 war. So far, $400 billion, with an addi- their opinion that, with his policy of very clear message of our weakness, tional supplemental request of $100 bil- escalation, the President is heading and our enemies are watching today. lion pending. down the wrong path. Just listen to the words of Osama bin We were told that we would be greet- The best way forward is for the Presi- Laden. He said, The whole world is ed as liberators. Nothing could be fur- dent to work with Congress, to change watching this war and the two adver- ther from the truth. More than 3,000 course, and adopt a responsible strat- saries, the Islamic Nation on the one American troops have been killed, egy that protects American interests hand, and the United States and its al- more than 23,000 injured, and violence in Iraq, around the region, and at lies on the other. It is either victory or in Iraq continues to escalate. There are home. glory, or it is either misery or humilia- over 900 weekly attacks on U.S. troops. I urge every Member of this House on tion. These predictions were in the past, both sides of the aisle to heed the call We cannot be the Nation of humilia- but they are instructive as we consider for change and vote for this resolution. tion. The terrorists know what is at the President’s current predictions on Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam stake, and it is time that we show how to achieve success in Iraq. Speaker, at this time I would like to them that we know as well, and that The American people have expressed yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman failure is not an option for our Nation. their clear frustration with the con- from Oklahoma, Mary Fallin. We have to ask ourselves, what is at duct of the war. The bipartisan Iraq Ms. FALLIN. Madam Speaker, I risk for the future of our Nation? Will Study Group offered a comprehensive would like to begin by reviewing a lit- our Nation be safer from radical Is- strategy to successfully move combat tle history. There have been a number lamic terrorists if we pull out before forces out of Iraq. High-level military of times in American history when the new Iraqi democracy becomes sta- leaders, including General John wars didn’t go as we had hoped or ble and an ally in the war on terror? Abizaid, have expressed opposition to planned. That winter at Valley Forge Ask yourself, what Islamic terrorist an escalation of troops. But the Presi- was certainly difficult. During the War leader has said that if America leaves dent continues to ignore public opin- of 1812, the British occupied this very Iraq that he will be satisfied and the ion, rejects sound advice, and stub- building, and the Civil War was far terrorists will end their attack? Has bornly adhere to his failed go-it-alone more costly and far longer than we not been said. policies. hoped it would be. We must take extraordinary pre- He says he wants a bipartisanship In World War II, the North African cautions to protect our Nation from study; but when his results are not to campaign was something of a mess. those who would do us harm, and some- his liking, he dismisses it. He says he And the bloody island campaigns of the day our children and our grandchildren wants to hear from his advisers; but South Pacific were not something we will look back on this decision this when they disagree with them, he dis- had foreseen. week, and they will reflect on their misses them. He says he wants to hear In Korea and Vietnam, we brought lives, and the question we have to ask from his generals on the ground; but limited force to bear, and we wound up ourselves today is will our children live when they tell him what he doesn’t settling for stalemate and ultimately in a safer America? I urge the rejection of this resolu- want to hear, they are reassigned. defeat. The fact is, Madam Speaker, the tion. So some of our wars went well, but Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, before President’s plan to escalate the war in more often they look a lot simpler and I yield to my next speaker, I am told Iraq is not a new policy, just more of cleaner in the history books than they we are rapidly running out of time, and the same failed policy. really were in reality. And if there is I will not be able to yield additional The solution in Iraq requires the one constant warning that runs time to anyone beyond the 5 minutes. Iraqis themselves to reach a political throughout our history, it is this: Con- I now have the pleasure of calling on solution and take responsibility for gress has a vital role to play in helping another new star in this Congress, Rep- their own government. The continued America win its wars. But it can also resentative BRUCE BRALEY of Iowa, for open-ended commitment of U.S. forces play a role that is unintended in losing 5 minutes. only deters the Iraqis from making the them if it says or if it does the wrong Mr. BRALEY of Iowa. Madam Speak- appropriate political decisions, train- thing at the wrong time. And that is er, I grew up surrounded by heroes. My ing security forces, and enacting the what this resolution says and does, the father, Byard Braley, got permission reforms necessary to achieve stability. wrong thing. from his mother at the age of 17 to en- The Iraq war resolution before us This is a nonbinding resolution, list in the Marine Corps, and 1 year today is simple and straight forward. which is nothing more than a political later found himself landing on Iwo Let me explain what it does and what game. But the war on terror is not a Jima, the same day the flags were it doesn’t do. game. We have to consider what our raised on Mount Suribachi. Thirty First and foremost, this resolution enemies will read into this resolution. thousand marines and Japanese sol- expresses our continued support for our What if Congress during the Valley diers lost their lives in 1 month on an military men and women who are serv- Forge winter had passed a resolution island the same size as my hometown ing bravely and honorably. It also ex- saying it is time to send our troops of Brooklyn, Iowa. presses the sense of Congress that we home, retire General Washington, and My father saw one of his best friends disapprove of the decision made by the go ahead and pay the tax anyway? vaporized by a shell burst, and we did President to send additional troops to What if Congress in the spring of 1863 not learn that fact until 15 years after Iraq. had looked at the results of Bull Run he died. So make no mistake, this resolution and said, We can’t win this, it’s a civil The same night that my father land- is in support of our troops. Anyone who war. Forget the idealism about freeing ed on Iwo Jima, another marine from says otherwise is simply wrong. No the slaves. my hometown of Brooklyn slept under Member of this House, Republican or What if Congress in 1942 or 1943 had those flags as Japanese bombs flew Democrat, wants anything less than told Franklin Roosevelt to pull out of overhead. Harold Keller was the real victory in Iraq and to support our North Africa and Italy and to give up deal. He was the second marine to troops. those silly ideas of liberating France? reach the summit of Mount Suribachi, This resolution does not affect the What would our enemies have thought and he single-handedly fought off a funding levels to carry out the war. about America’s lack of will? They Japanese counterattack and rescued And on that point, let me be clear. As would have assumed that we had lost the people you see depicted in Flags of long as we have troops in the field of our will to win, and they would have Our Fathers. battle and brave Americans in harm’s said America can’t cut it. When he came home to my home- way, I will never vote to withhold their town, he repaired milking equipment funding. b 1515 for area farmers. My uncle Gordon I support this resolution because we Well, make no mistake, Iraq is just Braley served in the merchant marine, have the duty as representatives of the one battle in our overall war on terror. guarding allied shipping lanes in the American people to continue to voice If this resolution passes, it is sending a North Atlantic.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1708 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 My Uncle Bert Braley served in the known Republicans who agree that the What if George Washington had suc- Army Air Corps, and my Uncle Lyle escalation is a mistake: cumbed to the critics of his day who Nesselroad served in the Navy. My People like Senator CHUCK HAGEL of said those things? What if Abraham cousin, Dick Braley, was a Marine my neighboring State of Nebraska, who Lincoln, FDR and President Truman Corps artillery officer at a firebase in called the President’s escalation plan had taken that attitude? Where would Vietnam. the most dangerous foreign policy we be now? We are here today because These ordinary men taught me that blunder in this country since Vietnam, people who came before us refused to patriotism is not something you claim if it is carried out. listen to the naysayers and the defeat- by putting down others who disagree People like former Iowa Representa- ists. with your viewpoints. It is something tive Jim Leach, who said that the The true leaders of this Nation have you earn by the way you live your life, President’s policy in Iraq may go down always focused on the possible and ac- the respect you have for the institu- as the greatest foreign policy blunder complished it. These people remind me tions that make the United States a in U.S. history. of the attitude of the Carter adminis- great beacon of liberty, freedom and Well-respected military experts also tration in dealing with Iran. justice. oppose this escalation, including Gen- Let me quote a recent article by When I return to my hometown of eral Colin Powell, General George Dinesh D’Souza. ‘‘ . . . they are willing Waterloo, Iowa, I am still surrounded Casey and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. to risk the country falling into the by heroes. These heroes belong to the The President truly stands alone hands of Islamic radicals. Little do the battalion of the Ironman Battalion of with a strategy that his own generals, people waging ’the war against the the Iowa National Guard. They are ap- key Republicans, and the American war’ know that in exchange for a tem- proximately 560 fathers, mothers, people oppose. The time is long over- porary political advantage, they are brothers and sisters from Waterloo, due for the people’s House to reassert gravely endangering America’s secu- Dubuque, Oelwein and everywhere in its rightful place in our constitutional rity and well-being, ultimately even between. system of checks and balances. their own.’’ One of them, Ray Zirkelbach, is miss- We have a duty to send a message Let us band together as Americans, ing his second consecutive year in the that it is time for real change in Iraq, put aside political differences to show Iowa House of Representatives, because change characterized by accountability that we understand the need to defend their latest tour was recently ex- and redeployment of our troops. There freedom for the long and short terms. tended. A flag is draped over his desk will be no more blank checks. There This is the decisive battle of our gen- in the House chamber. will be tough questions in oversight, eration, and this is a defining moment These heroes are the reason why I and I will work hard to make sure that of our time. stand here today in opposition to the this happens. I ask everyone to support We cannot afford to lose and should President’s plan to escalate the war in the resolution vote ‘‘no’’ on this resolution Iraq. On November 7, 2006, the voters of Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam [From the American Legion Magazine, Feb. this country went to the polls and Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the 2007] clearly stated that it is time for a new gentlelady from North Carolina (Ms. HOW WE LOST IRAN—AND WHY WE CAN’T direction in Iraq. FOXX). AFFORD ANOTHER LOSS IN IRAQ Soon after, the bipartisan Iraq Study Ms. FOXX. Thank you, a true pa- (By Dinesh D’Souza) Group presented President Bush with a triot, Mr. JOHNSON. There are four important Muslim countries desperately needed blueprint for Madam Speaker, I rise today not in the Middle East: Iran, Iraq, Egypt and change. They recognized that the dete- only in support of the brave men and Saudi Arabia. Islamic radicals control Iran, riorating crisis in Iraq couldn’t be women of the American Armed Forces, and have since the Khomeini revolution a quarter century ago. Now they have their solved by military action. Instead, it but also in support of the cause for sights on Iraq. If they get Iraq, we can be required a political solution between which they fight. They heroically give sure they will target Egypt and Saudi Ara- warring factions for a stable democ- of themselves every day to ensure the bia. Let’s remember that this is a region racy to evolve. safety of our Nation and the freedom upon which the United States will continue The Iraq Study Group recognized that we Americans enjoy. to be oil-dependent for the foreseeable fu- that ‘‘stay the course’’ was a failed Like my colleagues on both sides of ture. If the Islamic radicals succeed, the strategy, and that three prior troop the aisle, I want America’s troops American way of life will be seriously home as soon as possible, but dis- threatened. surges had done little to stem the To understand the high stakes in Iraq, it’s growing violence. They knew that the engaging at this time would invite the helpful to understand what happened in Iran Iraqis would never get serious about terrorists to follow us home. This reso- a generation ago. How did America ‘‘lose’’ standing up for their own country until lution sends the wrong message and Iran, and how can we avoid another debacle they were confronted with a timetable will have grave consequences. It will in Iraq? Islamic radicals have been around for redeploying our forces. demoralize our troops and embolden since the 1920s, but for decades they were After I was sworn in as a Member of our enemies. We are combating a glob- outsiders even in the Muslim countries. One Congress on January 4, I hoped that al adversary who sees an enemy in any of their leading theoreticians, Sayyid Qutb, President Bush would listen to the ad- Nation that supports the ideals of free- argued that radical Muslims could not just promulgate theories and have meetings; they vice of this bipartisan group whose rec- dom. In the interest of democracy, must seek to realize the Islamic state ‘‘in a ommendations he welcomed. global safety and rural peace, victory concrete form.’’ What was needed, he wrote, I hoped that he would move to fulfill in Iraq is absolutely crucial. was ‘‘to initiate the movement of Islamic re- the promise of the Defense Authoriza- While some seem happy to complain vival in some Muslim country.’’ Once the tion Act of 2006, when this Congress about the war, they have offered noth- radicals controlled a major state, he sug- stated that 2006 would be a period of ing in the way of a solution to defeat gested, they could then use it as a beachhead significant transition in Iraq, with the the jihadists. It is fine to disagree, but for launching the takeover of other Muslim Iraqi Security Forces taking the lead your opinion holds little weight if you countries. The ultimate objective was the unification of the Muslim community into a for their own security, so we could fail to offer a constructive alternative. single Islamic nation, governed by Islamic begin a phased redeployment of U.S. Leadership takes strengths and cour- holy law. forces from Iraq. Instead, the President age to succeed in the face of adversity, In 1979, Qutb’s goal was achieved when the ignored the recommendations of the although mistakes may be made along Ayatollah Khomeini seized power in Iran. study group and chose to escalate the the way. Muslim scholar Hamid Algar terms the Kho- war in Iraq without charting a new Many comments have been made by meini revolution ‘‘the most significant event course. those who support this resolution, but in contemporary Islamic history.’’ It was an To my friends on the other side of one that deserves a response is the oft- event comparable to the French or the Rus- sian revolutions. Virtually no one predicted the aisle who disagree with the resolu- repeated phrase that this is an impos- it, yet it overturned the entire imperial tion we are debating today, by all sible war to win. What a terrible atti- structure and created a new order, even a means vote your conscience. I will be tude for Members of the United States new way of life. The mullahs restored the Is- voting my conscience and joining well- Congress to have. lamic calendar, abolished Western languages

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1709 from the schools, instituted an Islamic cur- Sullivan even compared Khomeini to Ma- international relations, Falk was surely fa- riculum, declared a new set of religious holi- hatma Gandhi, and Andrew Young termed miliar with what Khomeini had been consist- days, stopped men from wearing ties, re- the ayatollah a ‘‘20th-century saint.’’ ently saying for three decades. Along with quired women to cover their heads, changed As the resistance gained momentum and Ramsey Clark, former attorney general in the banking system to outlaw usury or inter- the Shah’s position weakened, he looked to the Johnson administration, Falk met with est, abolished Western-style criminal and the U.S. government to help him. Sick re- Khomeini on his last day in Paris, before his civil laws, and placed the entire society ports that the Shah discovered he had many triumphal return to Iran. Shortly after that under sharia, or laws based on the Koran. enemies, and few friends, in the Carter ad- meeting Clark conducted a press conference The importance of the Khomeini revolu- ministration. Increasingly paranoid, he to champion Khomeini’s cause. Falk, too, tion is that it demonstrated the viability of pleaded with the United States to help him seems to have acted as a kind of unpaid pub- the Islamic theocracy in the modern age. Be- stay in power. Carter refused. Deprived of his lic-relations agent for the ayatollah’s re- fore Khomeini, the prospect of a large Mus- last hope, with the Persian rug pulled out gime. lim nation being ruled by clergy according to from under him, the Shah decided to abdi- Upon consolidating his power, Khomeini 8th-century precepts would have seemed far- cate. The Carter administration encouraged launched a bloody campaign of wiping out fetched, even preposterous. Khomeini showed him to do so, and the cultural left celebrated his political opposition and reversing the lib- it could be done, and his successors have his departure. The result, of course, was erties extended by the Shah to student shown that it can last. To this day, post- Khomeini. groups, women’s groups and religious mi- Khomeini Iran provides a viable model of The Carter administration’s role in the what the Islamic radicals hope to achieve downfall of the Shah is one of America’s norities. In one year, the Khomeini revolu- throughout the Muslim world. Khomeini also great foreign-policy disasters of the 20th cen- tion killed more people than the Shah had popularized the idea of the United States as tury. In trying to get rid of the bad guy, executed during his entire quarter-century a ‘‘great Satan.’’ Before Khomeini, no Mus- Carter got the worse guy. His failure, as reign. Despite the fact that many progres- lim head of state had said this about Amer- former Democratic senator Daniel Patrick sive figures were imprisoned, tortured and ica. Muslim leaders like Nasser might dis- Moynihan once said, was the result of being executed, agree with the United States, but they never ‘‘unable to distinguish between America’s Khomeini’s actions produced a great yawn identified it as the primary source of evil on friends and enemies.’’ According to Moy- of indifference from America’s cultural left. the planet. During the Khomeini era, there nihan, the Carter administration had essen- The same people who were shocked and out- were large demonstrations by frenzied Mus- tially adopted ‘‘the enemy’s view of the raged by the crimes of the Shah showed no lims who cursed the United States and world.’’ Carter does not deserve sole dis- comparable outrage at the greater crimes of burned its flag. For the first time, banners credit for these actions. This intellectual Khomeini. They knew, as well as everyone and posters began to appear all over Iran: framework that shaped Carter’s misguided else, that liberty would be largely extin- DEATH TO AMERICA! THE GREAT SATAN strategy was supplied by the political left. guished in Iran, and they greeted this pros- WILL INCUR GOD’S PUNISHMENT! USA, Of course, the primary force behind the pect with equanimity. GO TO HELL! AMERICA IS OUR NO. 1 Shah’s fall was the fundamentalist move- Even when radical students overran the ENEMY! These slogans have since become ment led by Khomeini. But it is possible that U.S. Embassy in Tehran on Nov. 4, 1979, and the mantra of Islamic radicalism. Khomeini the Shah, with U.S. support, could have de- took more than 60 American hostages, the was also the first Muslim leader in the mod- feated this resistance. Another option would left’s sympathy was with the hostage-takers. ern era to advocate violence as a religious have been for the United States to use its in- During this period, three liberal clergymen— duty and to give special place to martyrdom. fluence to press for democratic elections, an William Sloane Coffin of New York’s River- Since Khomeini, Islamic radicalism has con- option unattractive both to the Shah and to side Church, National Council of Churches tinued to attract aspiring martyrs ready to the Islamic militants. Even after the Shah’s executive director William Howard and confront the Great Satan. In this sense, the departure, a U.S. force could have routed the Catholic Bishop Thomas Gumbleton—visited seeds of 9/11 were sown a quarter of a century Khomeini regime—an action that would have the hostages and looked with approval as ago when Khomeini and his followers cap- been fully justified given Iran’s seizure of the they recorded anti-U.S. statements for use as tured the government in Tehran. U.S. embassy and the taking of American Iranian propaganda. The U.S. religious lead- Khomeini’s ascent to power was aided by hostages. Determined at all costs to prevent ers did not seem embarrassed to be used by the policies of Jimmy Carter and his allies these outcomes, the left sought not only to the Iranian hostage-takers. Many of the alle- on the political left. The Carter administra- demonize the Shah but also to favorably por- gations against the United States launched tion’s own expert on Iran, Gary Sick, pro- tray Khomeini and his radical cohorts. In by the Iranian radicals corresponded exactly vides the details in his memoir ‘‘All Fall Sick’s words, Khomeini became ‘‘the instant with the views of these liberal clergymen. Down,’’ a riveting story that has been large- darling of the Western media.’’ The tone of Going beyond the expectations of the hos- ly erased from our national memory. Carter American press coverage can be gleaned tage-takers, Coffin even faulted his fellow won the presidency in 1976 by stressing his from Time’s cover story on Feb. 12, 1979: Americans for ‘‘self pity’’ and urged them to support for human rights. From the time he ‘‘Now that the country’s cry for the Aya- hold hands with their captors and sing. In took office, the left contrasted Carter’s tollah’s return has been answered, Iranians the hostage crisis, these clergymen quite rights doctrine with the Shah’s practices. will surely insist that the revolution live up consciously contributed to America’s humil- The left denounced the Shah as a vicious and to its democratic aims. Khomeini believes iation. corrupt dictator, highlighting and in some that Iran should become a parliamentary de- By aiding the Shah’s ouster and with Kho- cases magnifying his misdeeds. Left-leaning mocracy. Those who know the ayatollah ex- meini’s consolidation of power, the left col- officials such as Secretary of State Cyrus pect that eventually he will settle in the laborated in giving radical Islam its greatest Vance, U.N. envoy Andrew Young and State holy city of Qom and resume a life of teach- victory in the modern era. Thanks in part to Department human-rights officer Patricia ing and prayer.’’ Derian pressed Carter to sever America’s Immediately following Khomeini’s seizure Jimmy Carter, Muslim radicals got what longstanding alliance with the Shah. Even- of power, political scientist Richard Falk they had been seeking for a long time: con- tually Carter came to agree with his advisers wrote in the Feb. 16, 1979, New York Times, trol of a major Islamic state. Now, irony of that he could not in good conscience support ‘‘To suppose that Ayatollah Khomeini is dis- ironies, Carter and some of the same people the Shah. sembling seems almost beyond belief. He has who lost Iran are back in the news, criti- When the Shah moved to arrest mullahs been depicted in a manner calculated to cizing the Bush administration for what it is who called for his overthrow, the United frighten. The depiction of him as fanatical, doing in Iraq. Some of their points may be States and Europe denounced his actions. reactionary and the bearer of crude preju- valid, but once again, they are forgetting Former diplomat George Ball called on the dices seems certainly and happily false. His that when you try and get rid of something U.S. government to curtail the Shah’s exer- close advisers are uniformly composed of terrible, you should at least make sure that cise of power. Acceding to this pressure, moderate, progressive individuals . . . who you don’t get something even more terrible. Carter called for the release of political pris- share a notable record of concern with Carter never understood that, and he still oners and warned the Shah not to use force human rights. What is distinctive about his doesn’t. Rather than dispensing advice, the against the demonstrators in the streets. vision is the concern with resisting oppres- 39th president should be offering the United When the Shah petitioned the Carter admin- sion and promoting social justice. Many non- States an apology. istration to purchase tear gas and riot-con- religious Iranians talk of this period as Is- Yes, what’s going on in Iraq today is not trol gear, the human-rights office in the lam’s finest hour. Iran may yet provide us pretty, but that could be said of just about State Department held up the request. Some, with a desperately needed model of humane any war. In trying to escape from a difficult like State Department official Henry Precht, governance for a Third World country.’’ situation, America should not put itself into urged the United States to prepare the way The naivete´ of Falk’s essay is of such mag- an even more perilous situation. We should for the Shah to make a ‘‘graceful exit’’ from nitude as to be almost unbelievable. Falk always keep in mind what’s at stake in this power. William Miller, chief of staff on the should have known better, and I believe he conflict. Today in Iraq, the Islamic radicals Senate Intelligence Committee, said the did know better. Sick notes that in terms of are after their second big prize. Iraq is, in a United States had nothing to fear from Kho- the kind of regime he wanted to institute in sense, even more important to the radicals meini since he would be a progressive force Iran, ‘‘Khomeini was remarkably candid in than Iran. The reason is that the Khomeini for human rights. U.S. Ambassador William describing his objectives.’’ As an expert on Revolution, despite its global aspirations,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1710 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 proved to be very difficult to export. Ira- But over the course of this conflict, in one part, and the President has nians are Persian, and thus ethnically dis- the mission of our troops has been eliminated the rules of engagement tinct from the Arabs who dominate the Mid- transformed, and now they find them- that we had laid on our troops over dle East. Even within Islam, Iranians belong to the selves in the middle of a civil war that there, so we have a way to make this Shia minority, while 80 percent of Muslims involves not just two sides, but almost thing really happen. worldwide are Sunni. Consequently, Islamic innumerable factions in conflict with I really want to know, if the Demo- radicals have been attempting for the better one another. crats insist they are supporting our part of two decades now to carry the revolu- What is worse is the continued pres- troops, why they would not let me in- tion beyond Iran, to bring a second Muslim ence of American troops in Iraq will troduce my measure that mandates state under radical control, and to establish likely only inflame the ongoing sec- a model for theocracy and terrorism that the that Congress would support and fully Sunni majority in the Islamic world can tarian strife and create more, if not fund the men and women in uniform. emulate. So unlike in Vietnam, the United fewer, enemies of America. The bottom I am positive that Democrats will at- States faces an adversary that is not merely line is that a continued presence of tempt to cut funding as soon as the ideologically hostile, but one whose success American troops will only exacerbate spending bills come up this spring, and would threaten our vital interests and our the multiple conflicts in Iraq. maybe earlier, because there was a security, as well as our economic well-being. As a member of the Readiness Sub- Given this, the insouciance and even an- press conference earlier today that in- ticipation with which some of the Bush ad- committee of the House Armed Serv- dicated exactly that. ices Committee, I have additional con- ministration’s critics propose prompt U.S. b 1530 withdrawal from Iraq is remarkable. In a re- cerns regarding President Bush’s pro- cent article in Harper’s, former presidential posed escalation. I believe such an es- I fear what that means for our troops candidate George McGovern proposed that calation will further strain the limited on the ground, for their morale. The re- the United States get out of Iraq, give up its resources available to our military. Al- ality is that President Bush realized he bases there, apologize for having invaded in ready we know our readiness levels for needed to change the course in Iraq, the first place, accept responsibility for any and that is why he worked with folks bloodbath that ensues, and offer to pay rep- our troops not yet deployed are inad- arations to Iraq for its war crimes. This ad- equate. on the ground in Iraq to hear fresh vice goes beyond recklessness. What do A further escalation of troop levels in ideas and came up with a new plan. McGovern and his allies think is going to Iraq will only exacerbate this problem The President wants change and that happen when U.S. troops leave? They seem and put more servicemen and women in is why he changed the rules of engage- eerily eager for the insurgents to topple the harm’s way without the proper train- ment, enabling our guys to shoot at elected government and seize power. ing or equipment. Our troops were not any suspected terrorists. The President Apparently their dislike for President wants change. That is why he removed Bush is great enough that they are willing to trained to be peacemakers in situa- risk the country falling into the hands of Is- tions such as today’s Iraq. Some have political protections of all insurgents, lamic radicals. Little do the people waging argued that we need to increase the so all of the bad guys could be brought ‘‘the war against the war’’ know that, in ex- number of troops, so that we can en- to justice regardless of who they knew change for a temporary political advantage, gage in an action similar to what our or who they worked for. they are gravely endangering America’s se- forces did in Bosnia. These ideas are huge breakthroughs curity and well-being, ultimately even their Madam Speaker, this is at best a and real solutions. These ideas rep- own. false analogy. Iraq today is not Bosnia resent fresh starts and new plans. What Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, it is of 1995. Today’s Iraq is in the early is the Democratic plan to move for- my pleasure now to call on another one stages of a series of conflicts that may ward and win? They do not have one. of our great new freshmen I have got- indeed intensify, but this will occur ir- Thirty-six hours of political ten to know, the gentleman from Iowa respective of whether we insert another grandstanding, nonbinding resolutions (Mr. LOEBSACK) for 5 minutes. 21,500 troops. We simply cannot solve and petty posturing, they are not pro- Mr. LOEBSACK. Thank you, Mr. the sectarian conflicts militarily. posing solutions. They are not even en- ENGEL, for yielding. While it was the Bush administration couraging new ideas. In fact, they stop Madam Speaker, today with all my them like when they squashed my colleagues I stand here in support our who initiated hostile actions in March amendment. brave men and women of the Armed of 2003, I believe it is now necessary for Many hope that the troop surge is Services, as well as their families. We the Iraqi people to step up and assume the beginning of the end. We should all should honor their great commitment responsibility for their future. want that if it gets the job done. Yet and sacrifices without hesitation. I What is also needed now more than the Democrats just say no. You know, support this resolution because I be- ever is for this administration to reach the time will come when you can put lieve the President’s plan for esca- out to our traditional allies and those the money behind these nonbinding lation is the wrong approach to the in the region who have a significant resolutions. You better believe we will conflicts in Iraq. stake in the future of Iraq. The Bush But this must not be the end of our administration must do something be watching and calling for those fund- efforts in Congress. For too long, Con- that it has been woefully reluctant to ing cuts loud and clear. America needs gress refused to stand up to the admin- do. It must admit that it made a major to know, cutting funds for our troops istration. Our actions today must strategic and foreign policy mistake in harm’s way is not a remedy. It is a mark the beginning of Congress’ role, when it invaded Iraq in the first place. ruse. not the end. The time has come to tell And I am willing to wager that such an Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- President Bush enough is enough. admission would go a distance towards ance of my time, and yield the balance Last November, the American people at least beginning to repair our rela- of my time to the next moderator, Mr. spoke. They spoke loudly and clearly tions with the rest of the world, and SAXTON. on a number of issues, but none more the improvement of our relations with Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I now passionately and forcefully than the our traditional allies beyond the Brit- yield to another one of our rising fresh- war in Iraq. The American people, long ish is a prerequisite to securing their man stars, the gentleman from Mary- before this debate this week, decided help on Iraq. land, Representative JOHN SARBANES, 5 that the misadventure in Iraq must Madam Speaker, I call on my col- minutes. end. leagues to support this resolution Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, Our troops have performed valiantly today, as the beginning of this Cham- the resolution we are debating today is in Iraq. In just a matter of a few weeks ber’s efforts to protect our troops and simple and direct. It declares strong they removed from power a brutal dic- bring our country’s involvement in this support for our troops on the ground in tator and began to provide the Iraqi war to an end. Iraq and opposition to the President’s people the opportunity to construct a Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam decision to send an additional 21,000 new political order. Our troops have Speaker, in closing, we have heard a men and women into harm’s way. I also contributed mightily to the recon- lot of excellent presentation points wholeheartedly endorse the resolution struction and development of the Iraqi today. I might just clarify the fact that and pray that the President will heed economy and infrastructure. the study group did recommend a surge its call.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1711 Most agree now that it was a mistake Madam Speaker, the American peo- our freshman rising stars, STEVE to invade Iraq. Hearings in the Senate ple are tired, they are tired of rhetoric, KAGEN of Wisconsin. I yield 5 minutes and the House are stripping away the they are tired of promises to put poli- to him. last thin veneers of justification for tics and partisanship aside when all Mr. KAGEN. Madam Speaker, my that fateful decision. They are offering they see is bickering and recrimina- name is Dr. STEVE KAGEN. I am from compelling evidence that the adminis- tion. Let’s give them hope. Let’s send a Appleton, Wisconsin, and during the tration sacrificed wisdom, judgment, powerful message contained in this res- past 30 years I have cared for thou- and conscience in favor of shock and olution, but let’s not stop there. sands of military veterans as their phy- awe. Let all of us, the President, the sician. Many of us sense a similar impulse at House, the Senate, have the decency The resolution under consideration work in this administration’s dealings and dignity of purpose to put dif- today and voted on tomorrow will an- with Iran. Let us serve notice, this ferences aside and work every day, be- swer these questions: What kind of Na- Congress will not allow the administra- ginning this day, to bring our troops tion are we? In which direction shall tion to pursue yet another ill-fated home to their families, to their com- we move? During these past several mission. Madam Speaker, bringing our munities, and to a Nation that stands days we have all benefited from listen- troops home from Iraq is no longer a humbled by their sacrifice ing to hundreds of points of view from whispered prayer; it is now the clarion Mr. SAXTON. Madam Speaker, I our elected representatives from every call of the American people. yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from region of this great country on our on- One year ago those proposing a new Arizona (Mr. FLAKE). going involvement in Iraq. direction in Iraq were labeled as unpa- Mr. FLAKE. I thank the gentleman During these past several months, I triotic and marginalized in the na- for yielding. have been listening to the people who tional discourse. But we have come a Madam Speaker, I rise today in oppo- sent me here from northeast Wis- long way. Elections do matter. On No- sition to the resolution before us. I consin, people a lot like you, fiscally vember 7, the people in my district in wish I could do so with the type of cer- responsible and socially progressive, Maryland and across the Nation sent a tainty that seems to motivate many of the citizens of northeast Wisconsin. strong message. my colleagues on the issue. But such People in Wisconsin, like many else- The next day Secretary Rumsfeld re- resolute certainty escapes me. I do not where, voted for a positive change and signed. Shortly thereafter the Iraq have a military background. In fact, a new direction. The new congressional Study Group issued its report sharply few of us debating this resolution do. class of 2006 has given us hope again. criticizing the war. And in the next few But each of us can find generals or We are indeed not just in name but in days the United States House of Rep- former generals who will support vir- spirit America’s hope, and I am proud resentatives will pass this resolution tually every option we wish to put on to be associated with these talented in- signaling stiff opposition to the admin- the table. In the end, as legislators, we dividuals. istration’s proposal for a troop surge in are left with our own council. Hope- I rise today in support of our troops Iraq. fully, such council is informed by brief- and their families and to encourage all To those patriotic Americans who ings, hearings, meetings, and visits to of you to support this resolution. For it have been relentless in their call for an the region. is the first step in bringing an end to end to the war, know this: collective But we cannot and should not try to our costly involvement in a senseless voice has been heard. In my home place ourselves in the position of Com- civil war between the Sunni and Shiite State of Maryland, nearly 400 men and mander in Chief. Our system of govern- people. woman have died or been wounded in ment wisely gives that role to the Like every American, I strongly sup- Iraq. Two days ago, one of my constituents Chief Executive. port our troops, but I cannot support reminded me that the war is no longer This is not to say, however, that we the President’s poor judgment in pro- being measured in time, but in lives. should not be having this discussion. moting violence instead of diplomacy. To the families who have sacrificed so Some have said that simply debating The President has been wrong in every much and who have suffered the ulti- this resolution emboldens our enemies. decision he has made in Iraq. mate loss, do not fear for a moment Perhaps they are right, but we would Indeed, on four separate occasions, that a change in our policy in Iraq, not suspend due process in this country prior escalations have failed. And his that the effort to stop the escalation because it might embolden criminals. current plan makes no sense even to and begin drawing down our troops in It is a price we are willing to pay. the generals who understand it most. any way dilutes the value this country Likewise, debating the merits of war The reality is this, it was poor judg- places on the service of your loved is what democratic nations do. My own ment that took us to war in the first ones. thoughts on the situation in Iraq are as place. It is time to take a different History will treat harshly those pol- follows: I have little confidence that a course. For the path we are on now is icymakers at the highest levels who let surge in troop levels will change the morally unacceptable. And here are the ideology trump sound and informed situation in Iraq in any substantive facts: more than 650,000 Iraq civilians judgment. It will fairly criticize politi- fashion. It seems clear that the vio- dead; over 3,000 American heroes gone cians who have exploited this war for lence in Iraq is increasingly sectarian, forever; over 20,000 of our troops partisan gain. But it will reserve only and inserting more troops in this at- maimed for life, many with scars we pride and lasting gratitude for the sac- mosphere is unlikely to improve mat- will never see, at an economic cost rifice of our men and women in uni- ters very much. that may rise above $2 trillion. form amidst this sad tale of bungled in- Without a more sincere commitment Make no mistake, we must do what- telligence and ill-advised policy. They to step up to the plate from the Iraqi ever it takes to defend America and alone are untarnished. Government, we are unlikely to make keep hostilities from our shores. But Madam Speaker, I have never been to significant progress. But when all is what we need now is a tough and smart the war. Never kissed my wife and chil- said and done, we have a Commander in national defense policy. It is time now dren goodbye, wondering whether I will Chief whom we have authorized to go to get the smart part right. ever see them again. Far from the to war. This resolution has been criticized on harsh reality in Iraq, I am blessed with Inserting ourselves as legislators into both sides. Some say it is not enough; the sweet ebb and flow of life’s daily the chain of command by passing a res- some say it is too tough. But I am con- routines. olution, nonbinding though it may be, vinced it offers us the opportunity to But like many Americans who wit- that questions the President’s decision ask these questions again: What kind ness our soldiers dutifully pushing for- to conduct a mission that is clearly al- of Nation are we, when a President ward every day under impossible cir- ready under way strikes me as folly. takes us to war based on lies and de- cumstances, I am ill at ease. I know I urge my colleagues to vote ‘‘no’’ on ceptions, when our energy policy is de- that the current policy in Iraq will the resolution. cided behind closed doors, and when in only lead to more pain for many fami- Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, it is our free elections not everyone’s vote lies and for our country. my pleasure to again introduce one of is counted?

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1712 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 What kind of Nation will we be when b 1545 who lost; rather, the Mujahadin are the all of our manufacturing jobs are taken If we fail, Iraq will be a hotbed of ones who won and the American forces overseas, when workers lose their radical Islamic activity, a pivotal safe and their allies lost.’’ rights to effective collective bar- haven, a base from which to plan and I ask my colleagues, how can you gaining, and when our government fund attacks against us. offer this resolution, knowing the closes its eyes to global warming? Madam Speaker, how is the danger enemy we face? Do you really have What kind of Nation are we and in associated with defeat in Iraq not nothing to offer the American people which direction shall we move? Let’s clear? I ask my colleagues, what evi- but this? Is this resolution the best ef- begin now to work together and take a dence do you need? Have you listened fort of the new Democrat majority in different path, a path where people to the words of our enemies? Must we response to our challenge in Iraq? come first ahead of political parties, have more casualties in American cit- Madam Speaker, we should have an ahead of profit and loss statements, ies before you accept the nature of this honest debate about Iraq. And my ahead of politics of fear. When we put global threat? How quickly we forget, friends who are convinced that the war people ahead of political calculations, Madam Speaker. is wrong need to be accountable for we will begin to see a different world. I urge my colleagues to listen care- failing to say what is right. We will see that we must begin to solve fully to the words of Osama bin Laden. In closing, I want to say how proud I our differences by means other than Last year, bin Laden said, ‘‘Iraq is the am of the men and women who are going to war. After all, war is our focal point of the war on terror. The fighting for our freedom and security greatest human failure. most important and serious issue today all over the world. They don’t deserve This is not an idealistic sentiment, a for the whole world is this Third World what we are doing to them today. This realistic assessment of the chronicle of War. It is raging in Iraq. The world’s resolution is a sham. It is nothing horrors witnessed every day in Iraq, millstone and pillar is in Baghdad, the more than political grandstanding, and and even our own experiences here at capital of the caliphate.’’ Another one, it is feeding the propaganda machine of home, in New York City, in Virginia, in ‘‘Jihad against America will continue. our enemy. Pennsylvania, in Oklahoma City. Jihad against America will continue I have been to Iraq. I have seen the We must teach our children and our economically and militarily. By the efforts of our soldiers firsthand. They leaders alike that in the end diplomacy grace of Allah, America is in retreat. want to win. They have seen the face of defeats violence. We must begin to But more attacks are required.’’ the enemy and I can assure you they think differently in America as we es- Madam Speaker, Osama bin Laden, are committed to winning. If you are tablish a new direction for hope in the as well as other Islamic extremists committed to winning, vote ‘‘no’’ on world and a new beginning for our around the world, view the conflict in this resolution American era. By working together we Iraq as the central battleground in Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I now will build a better future for all of us, their ideological struggle. yield 5 minutes to Representative MIKE beginning right here and right now. Make no mistake, we are at war, and ARCURI of New York, another rising Like the new congressional class of it is about time that some of our mem- star from my home State. 2006, America’s hope, I strongly sup- bers of our government figured it out. Mr. ARCURI. Madam Speaker, Amer- port our troops, but not the President’s Someday soon, the Representatives icans are outraged with the present failed policy. I encourage all of my col- who are supporting this resolution will course in Iraq. Here we are more than leagues to join the class of 2006 and have to explain to the voters what they 4 years later with 3,100 of our brave vote ‘‘yes’’ on this important resolu- have done to make us safer at home men and women killed, fighting a war tion. Join us. Be part of America’s and abroad. Since this resolution does that has cost our Nation $370 billion. hope. nothing more than embolden our en- It has become overwhelmingly clear Mr. SAXTON. Madam Speaker, I emies, demoralize our troops, and send that the current strategy to secure the yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from mixed messages to our allies, they will peace of Iraq is failing. And yet the ad- California (Mr. NUNES). have a difficult task before them. ministration contends that sending Mr. NUNES. Madam Speaker, I rise Today, unfortunately, we won’t hear more combat troops into Iraq is some- today in opposition to this intellectu- much about the Democrat plan for how a silver bullet that is going to ally dishonest resolution. I do so in Iraq. We will, instead, hear a lot about quell the ongoing violence. I couldn’t order to challenge the majority party failure and defeat. We might even hear disagree more. to put their legislating where their a conspiracy theory or two. And, of The resolution before us today estab- mouths have been. The endless criti- course, we will hear a lot of political lishes two overwhelmingly clear and cism to the war in Iraq is clouded by posturing. concise principles that are supported political opportunism and has done lit- But Madam Speaker, the American by a large majority of Americans, and tle or nothing to improve our chances people deserve to know the truth. What I am confident will garner a great deal of victory. happens next, Madam Speaker, to of support for many of my colleagues We need an honest debate. We need those who believe the President is on the other side of the aisle. answers from those who support this wrong, to those who believe we rushed First and foremost, we support our resolution. What is next? What is your to war, to those who can’t get beyond brave service men and women. They plan? It should come as no surprise our national intelligence failures and, have done everything that has been that the resolution we are debating instead, persist on conspiracy theories? asked of them, bravely and honorably; today says very little. There are less Tell us, what is next? What is your and for that, we in Congress and the than 100 words. And while the rhetoric plan to protect the American people? people all over America will be forever has been flying during the debate, it Madam Speaker, I demand answers grateful. seems to me that the new Democratic from the authors of this resolution. Second, and simply, we oppose send- majority is hoping to avoid debate in The American people have a right to ing additional troops into Iraq. which they might have to defend their know. Is your plan to simply stand Madam Speaker, during this debate plan in Iraq. aside and allow an ideology of hate to some of my colleagues have used the What we have here is nothing more consume the Middle East? term ‘‘victory’’ in their remarks. Vic- than a political exercise, a nonbinding I implore my colleagues, if you won’t tory. But no one, not one of my col- resolution, words with no meaning. heed the warnings of our military and leagues in this Chamber, nor anyone in Make no mistake, their opposition to intelligence organizations, listen to al this administration, has yet to clearly the President’s plan is political. There Qaeda’s own words. They are speaking define what victory in Iraq really is no constructive criticism here. Read directly to you. means. their resolution. This is from Deputy leader al- At one point we were told victory Iraq is the battleground, Madam Zawahiri recently. ‘‘I wish to talk to meant getting rid of weapons of mass Speaker, a key battleground against the Democrats in America. You aren’t destruction. Then, of course, we extremism, terrorism and the expan- the ones who won the midterm elec- learned there were no weapons of mass sionist goals of our enemies. tions, nor are the Republicans the ones destruction. When that didn’t work, we

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1713 were told victory meant toppling a dic- Mr. GOODLATTE. Madam Speaker, I However, today we will not be voting tator, and that we would be greeted as rise in opposition to the nonbinding for change. We will not be voting for a heroes. We toppled the dictator, but of resolution being offered by the major- comprehensive review of our strategy course we were never greeted as heroes. ity which, despite the rhetoric, in Iraq. It is too bad that when we all And yet, still no victory. amounts to nothing more than a vote have concerns about how best to The administration then told us es- to maintain the status quo in Iraq. achieve success in Iraq, the Democratic tablishing elections would constitute This resolution offers no change from leadership has brought this polarizing victory. There have been several elec- the recent course of events in Iraq. It and political resolution to the floor to tions in Iraq, yet still no victory. And does not take into consideration the divide us, rather than unite us, on the all the while, the casualties have con- recommendations of the bipartisan most serious question facing the coun- tinued to rise. Iraq Study Group. It does not require try today. Earlier this week, I had an oppor- the Iraqi people and their elected lead- For this reason, I urge my colleagues tunity, for the first time, to visit with ers to step up and take responsibility to vote against this nonbinding resolu- wounded soldiers recovering at Walter for their own future. It certainly does tion, which lacks any substance. I re- Reed Army Medical Hospital. Seeing not set any benchmark that must be mind my colleagues that a ‘‘no’’ vote firsthand the devastating injuries that met by the Iraqis. Most importantly, on this resolution is certainly not a some of our brave soldiers have en- passage of this nonbinding resolution rubber stamp for the President’s troop dured has troubled me in a way that I does not protect the funding of our surge. have not known before. As an Amer- troops in Iraq and, according to many While I continue to support the mis- ican who loves his country very much, Democrats, it is likely the first step in sion in Iraq, I think it is clear that the and as a father of two teenagers, it be- cutting off that funding altogether. administration’s efforts to achieve the came crystal clear to me right then Madam Speaker, we have spent 3 mission have not been flawless. But a and there what exactly victory in Iraq days debating a resolution that does vote against this resolution is a clear means. I think victory in Iraq means nothing more than serve as a vote of no vote to support our commanders and bringing as many of our troops home confidence in the brave men and troops and all those who have lost alive as possible, the way I would want women who are fighting for freedom their lives spreading freedom to the to see my two children brought home, and democracy in Iraq. Not only is this people of Iraq. if they were in Iraq. That is what vic- resolution discouraging to our com- I believe that more should be done to tory is about, is bringing as many manders and forces, it will fuel the ef- press the now established Iraqi Govern- ment and U.S.-trained Iraqi military to Americans home alive as we possibly forts of our enemies who are deter- take the lead. I believe more can be can. mined to spread terror and suppress Madam Speaker, my colleagues on done on the diplomatic front to engage freedom. the other side of the aisle had the bet- Despite numerous attacks by terror- the countries of the Middle East to ter part of 3 years to use their position ists on U.S. military and diplomatic help. in the majority to change the course in But unfortunately, no such resolu- targets throughout the 1990s, Ameri- Iraq. They did nothing. No resolutions; tion offering concrete evidence has cans on September 11, 2001 awoke to few, if any hearings; and no account- been allowed, and this hollow process the painful realization that we are en- ability. How many more American has resulted in a hollow resolution. gaged in a long-term global war with lives are worth risking to continue an I urge my colleagues to vote ‘‘no.’’ terrorists, an international campaign ill-conceived and poorly planned strat- Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, it is to combat an ideology that spreads egy that is clearly not working? my pleasure to yield 5 minutes to a The American people answered that hate and destruction. great new member of our Foreign Af- question last November. They have had Iraq is now the central front in this fairs Committee, Mr. ALBIO SIRES of enough, enough political rhetoric, global war. Success in bringing about a New Jersey. enough stay the course, and most im- stable and democratic Iraq in the heart Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, I rise portantly, enough of the loss of life. of the Middle East is a goal that I be- today in support of this resolution on Some of my colleagues are trying to lieve we all share. behalf of the 32,000 men and women mischaracterize this resolution. They While the difficulties cannot be mini- from my State of New Jersey, and all say this resolution somehow dem- mized, neither can the consequences of the other servicemen and women that onstrates a failure to support our failure and withdrawal. If we fail, the have been deployed since 9/11. I am so troops. That is ridiculous. resources now devoted by terrorist or- proud of their sacrifice and service to Let me be clear, perfectly clear. Ev- ganizations and nations sponsoring ter- our Nation, and I will continue and al- eryone in this Chamber, Republicans rorism in Iraq will be turned to spread- ways support them. After all, I am and Democrats alike, support our brave ing terror around the globe including, standing in front of you as a product of men and women serving in the Armed again, on American soil. Do not em- the sacrifices our soldiers have made in Forces. Simply because we believe the bolden them with this resolution. the name of liberty and freedom best way to support our troops is to The United States and our allies, in throughout the history of this country. bring them home does not mean that fact, all freedom-loving peoples, need I also rise on behalf of my constitu- we don’t stand behind them. In fact, I to support the popularly elected Iraqi ents, the people of New Jersey, and the think it means a greater commitment Government in establishing control people of this Nation whose tax dollars of support to them. over their country and providing a sta- are paying for this war in Iraq. Since Madam Speaker, I was not elected to ble environment for the Iraqi people the beginning of the war, $379 billion blindly follow along. I was not elected and our troops as they assist in this has been appropriated. Another $235 to accept the status quo, and I was not process. Together, we have made sig- billion is slated for the upcoming sup- elected to be a rubber stamp. I was, nificant progress, despite numerous ob- plemental appropriations. We are cur- however, elected to stand up when nec- stacles. rently spending $8 billion a month in essary and say no, I disagree. And that Iraqis made history when they Iraq, and the American people are foot- is exactly what we are doing here turned out in record numbers, despite ing the bill. today, we are standing and saying we increased violence, to vote in the first All this money could have been used disagree. free elections in over 50 years. Millions to declare war on some of our domestic The American people have run out of of Iraqis waved their purple-tipped fin- problems here at home such as poverty, hope. They are tired of the failed poli- gers with pride as they came out of the improving our schools, ensuring access cies of this administration. It is time voting stations, a message to the world to health care and investing in afford- for a new approach. It is time for a new that they chose freedom. able housing. This money could have strategy, and it is time for a new direc- The President is the Commander in been used to invest in our children, our tion Chief and has the authority to make family, our veterans, and especially Mr. SAXTON. Madam Speaker, I decisions about the best way to accom- our elderly. But it wasn’t. yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from plish our goals in Iraq. He has initiated Instead, American taxpayers have Roanoke, VA (Mr. GOODLATTE). changes to our course in Iraq. also committed more than $38 billion

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1714 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 to Iraq reconstruction. About 33 per- stay the course, a scenario that every- Mr. SPACE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today cent of this money is targeted for in- one agrees is unacceptable. This resolu- to share with you my belief that we, as frastructure projects like roads, sanita- tion offers no alternative strategy. a people, are at a crossroads unlike any tion, water, electric power and oil pro- As we consider the challenges in Iraq, in our history. We have seen our manu- duction. However, I am concerned that we need to remember and learn from facturing-based economy assaulted by only 25 percent of the Iraqi population the lessons of Afghanistan. In the 1980s, the forces of globalization, the chal- has access to drinkable water. we supported the people of Afghanistan lenges of the ensuing revolution and in defeating the Soviets, helping throw energy production squarely upon us, b 1600 the Soviets out of that country. In 1989, and we are at the dawning of a new un- I am concerned that of the 136 sanita- when that happened, what did we do? derstanding, the fragileness of our en- tion and water projects, only 49 are We walked away. We did not finish the vironment. All of these things are, in said to be completed. I am concerned job. We did not help the people of Af- their own right, seminal concerns of a that the residents of Baghdad only ghanistan to stand up a secure and sta- profound scale, but in spite of the grav- have 41⁄2 hours of electricity per day. ble government. Instead, we walked ity and import of these issues, there is And I am concerned that the current away. Who filled the vacuum? The perhaps no more compelling matter be- oil production in Iraq is half of what it Taliban, and ultimately al Qaeda, a fore us than that of the war in Iraq. was prior to the war. safe haven for them to plan attacks My colleagues on both sides of the Since the reconstruction project against America and its interests. aisle are distressed by the tragic turns started, the Coalition Provisional Au- In 1989, I imagine that few Americans that this war has taken. I do not, at thority can’t account for almost $9 bil- believed that what went on in the this moment, nor do my colleagues, I lion of the taxpayers’ money. Every mountains of Afghanistan would im- presume, wish to draw upon the moti- year, $4 billion has been lost because of pact the lives of Americans here at vations or lack of candor exhibited by lack of oversight. home. On September 11, 2001, in a trag- our President in letting slip the dogs of There have also been many problems ic fashion we learned that that was the war. But I do long for leadership, lead- with poor project and quality manage- case, that what went on in Afghanistan ership seasoned and honest enough to ment. For example, the Baghdad Police mattered here at home. We cannot af- admit when a mistake has been made, College cost $75 million, and it was ford to make the same mistake now in leadership that has a vision for the fu- built without the proper plumbing for Iraq, to allow Iraq to become a safe ture, leadership able to meld the inher- waste water. It has become a health haven for al Qaeda and other enemies ent wisdom of man with the realities of and a structural hazard. The Basrah of our Nation and our citizens. the modern world. Children’s Hospital is running $48 mil- The Iraq Study Group offered a com- Under our form of government, it is the President who is singularly en- lion over budget and is a year behind prehensive approach to the challenges dowed with this leadership; yet at this schedule. And after spending $186 mil- of Iraq. It included political, diplo- critical historical moment, our call for lion, Parsons has only 6 of the 150 matic, and military options. As part of leadership and inspiration has been planned health care centers completed the military proposal, it dismissed in- unmet. As a result, Mr. Speaker, I and only 14 more will be finished. The creasing our troop levels by 100,000 to today voice my opposition to the Presi- list goes on and on. 200,000 troops, saying it was not fea- dent’s plan to deploy additional troops Madam Speaker, the Iraqi Govern- sible and would lend to the argument ment says $100 billion is needed over to Iraq. of an occupation. The crisis that Iraq has become will the next 4 years to rebuild the coun- However, the Iraq Study Group did try’s infrastructure. Madam Speaker, not be resolved merely with more, support more limited troop reinforce- more, more, more troops, more tours the Iraqi Government seems to think ments. And I quote from the Iraq they have open access to U.S. dollars. and deployment extensions, more inju- Study Group report: ‘‘We could, how- ries, more deaths. Simply providing The Iraqi Government and the Iraqi ever, support a short-term deployment more without a blueprint is not people must take responsibility and or a surge of American combat forces enough. Without a clear plan and a help rebuild their country. Our support to stabilize Baghdad or to speed up the clear objective, a troop increase will is not open-ended, and neither are our training and equipping mission if the not help our Iraq policy. In fact, it will tax dollars. United States commander in Iraq de- only deepen the disaster that Iraq has Madam Speaker, I support this reso- termined that such steps would be ef- become. lution and this debate because our fective.’’ I do not utter these thoughts lightly. troops and our constituents can no The report goes on to dismiss the I share these sentiments, knowing that longer afford to have this Congress sup- idea of an immediate withdrawal. Well, all of the people that I represent will port the administration’s failed Iraqi our commander in Iraq today, General not necessarily agree with me. I fear policies. They failed to give us the nec- Petraeus, an individual confirmed that my remarks will be misconstrued essary oversight for Iraq reconstruc- unanimously by the United States Sen- as reflecting something less than a full tion efforts, they failed to listen to the ate, is on record supporting the need commitment to the brave men and advice of the military commanders, for these additional reinforcements. women who have served or are serving they failed to listen to the American Ultimately, the key to long-term their country in uniform, or to those people, and, as a result, they failed to success in Iraq is the Iraqi people heroes who have given their very lives provide a plan to success in Iraq. themselves. They need to show the for this cause. Mr. SAXTON. Madam Speaker, I ability and the will to stand up and se- Let there be no mistake, Mr. Speak- would like to yield 4 minutes to the cure their emerging democracy. Having er, I have at the very heart of my moti- gentleman from York, PA (Mr. liberated Iraq from a regime of terror vation for these remarks a sincere ap- PLATTS). and torture, our role today is to assist preciation for the sacrifice of our Mr. PLATTS. I thank the gentleman the Iraqis in achieving a stable and se- brothers and sisters who have been dis- for yielding. cure nation. This reinforcement effort patched to fight this war. They, and Madam Speaker, I want to first take is part of that effort, along with re- their families by extension, have been this opportunity to express my heart- gional diplomatic efforts and internal called into action under trying cir- felt gratitude and deep respect for our Iraqi political reconciliation efforts. cumstances, and I am profoundly troops and civilians serving in harm’s We are now in the role of helping the moved by their sense of courage and way. I have had the privilege of vis- Iraqis help themselves. We cannot for- dedication to country. In fact, it is my iting our troops in Iraq on four occa- get the lessons of Afghanistan and admiration and respect for our brave sions and Afghanistan twice, and they walk away. warriors that motivate my decision to and their families are truly the heroes I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote express my dissatisfaction with the in America. Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, it is now President’s plan to subject more of I rise today in opposition to this res- my pleasure to yield 5 minutes to an- them to the ravages of war. olution, a resolution that seeks to other great new freshman, Representa- To date, over 3,000 Americans have maintain the status quo, in essence, to tive ZACK SPACE of Ohio. fallen in this war. All of them loved

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1715 their country enough to place them- tuting change, claimed to be the party gentleman from New Hampshire (Mr. selves in harm’s way in her defense. All of change, and has control of the gavel HODES). of them left behind their families, who in both Houses of Congress. Instead of Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I come to will never stop grieving. All of them offering a path to victory, they are the floor today to voice support for our have been deprived of the pleasures and playing politics. troops, without reservation, and to op- privileges of a full life, just as we who My question is, what does this vote pose the administration’s proposed es- remain have been deprived of the con- actually accomplish? Does it imple- calation in Iraq. tributions to our society that each ment new ideas to win the war in Iraq? We are at a turning point in Amer- would have given. Will our country be safer because of ican history. This Congress will shortly Fifteen young men from Ohio’s dis- this resolution? Does it enable our vote on a bold, clear resolution, repudi- trict have died in this war, all of them troops to fight more effectively by giv- ating the administration’s failed policy were loved dearly. They are fathers, ing them the supplies that they need? in Iraq, a fiasco which has weakened sons, brothers, and husbands. Ohio’s The answer to these questions is a sim- our security, threatened our military 18th is exclusively rural in makeup, ple ‘‘no.’’ readiness, cost thousands of lives and dotted by one small town and village As a newly elected Member, I came wasted billions of dollars. after another. Our people are decent, here to find solutions to our country’s I was elected to Congress from the hardworking, and imbued with a strong problems. To that end, I am supporting great State of New Hampshire, prom- sense of personal responsibility. Our legislation to institute benchmarks. I ising return of congressional account- community is close knit and sup- am supporting legislation that will ability and oversight. For the past 6 portive. The death of each one of these make our troops and their needs fully years, while Congress was under Re- brave soldiers was met with a deep funded. I support diplomacy and mak- publican control, only 12 hearings were sense of communal grief. ing the Iraqi Government more ac- held on the Iraq war, but in the past 6 This resolution stresses a message countable. weeks this Congress has held 52 hear- that many believed in. We support our The message that I want to send on ings. troops, we support their commitment our troop is, I am with you, and you The evidence is clear that the Amer- to and sacrifice for our Nation, we sup- can count on me. ican people and Congress were misled port their families and those of the b 1615 into the war in Iraq. No weapons of fallen in their silent and eternal heart- Because, really, we are counting on mass destruction, no links between ache. We cannot fully understand their them. Saddam Hussein and al Qaeda, no im- pain, but perhaps we can learn from it. Mr. Speaker, why can’t we be for minent threat to our national security. Mr. Speaker, I cannot support a something today, an actual alter- Our resources, effort and attention troop surge without real answers as to native, instead of debating a non- were recklessly diverted from the war how it will bring success in Iraq. I can- binding resolution that tells our sol- in Afghanistan, which I supported, and not support escalation without regard diers we don’t support your mission? which continues to require our vigi- to diplomacy, without regard to the po- Our enemies believe America is weak lance and commitment. litical realities of the region, and with- and their propaganda says the United This administration has now lost its out regard to the underlying dynamics States is losing the war against ter- credibility with the American people of this conflict. rorism. and with the world. To succeed in the There is an unspoken pledge between Osama bin Laden’s deputy and ter- Middle East, we must regain our moral a soldier of war and the mechanisms of rorist network have stated that Iraq is compass and embrace a new direction power. That warrior unquestioningly the central front in their fight against in Iraq. The administration’s stubborn serves, defends and, if need be, dies. In American and Western ideals. Iraq is arrogance and incompetence has mag- consideration, he expects his govern- the central front to push their radical nified the chaos in Iraq. ment to only place him in harm’s way ideology of hate and intolerance. These Our brave troops have done every- when need be, and only through a are the real bad guys. These are the thing asked of them, but the adminis- painstakingly thought-out plan for vic- people we should be focusing our atten- tration’s failures in planning tory. tion on, not tearing down our leaders, postconflict reconstruction and its Our troops have fulfilled their pledge commanders and brave soldiers in the shocking incompetence in management to our country. It is time that our field. The reality is the terrorists are have opened the Pandora’s box of sec- country fulfill its pledge to our troops. determined to kill Americans, wher- tarian violence and civil war. Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, at this ever we may be. Therefore, we must Escalation has been tried before and time I would like to yield 3 minutes to take the fight to them. it has failed before. The administration the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. HELL- The fact is, this resolution only claims this escalation is different. The ER). strengthens our enemies and does noth- administration says there are bench- Mr. HELLER of Nevada. Thank you ing to solve or address any of the na- marks for the Iraqis, but what I have for the time. tional security issues facing our coun- concluded from our hearings and brief- Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk try. The stakes are high in Iraq. Noth- ings is that no firm benchmarks for the about the issue before us, the war in ing less than our very safety and sur- Iraqis have been set. Iraq. vival is at issue. Nothing less than the Clearly, the administration intends In this past year, the American peo- lives of the courageous members of our to escalate, whether or not the Iraqis ple clearly demanded change. I am new armed services are on the line. It is step up. And today it is reported that to this body, but I know Nevadans critical that we have a real debate on they plan to send our troops off to Iraq wanted me to help institute changes in the issues and address these points. without up-armored Humvees. This is the direction of this country. Let’s, instead, together look for a deja vu all over again, a lack of plan- As we debate this resolution, I really new way forward, for a path to victory ning, combined with a lack of candor. have to wonder if we have heard the and for the best way to support our Relying on a military force alone as American people. This resolution brave men and women overseas who are a strategy continues the administra- brought forth by the majority says two fighting to keep us safe. Let’s instead tion’s one-legged-stool approach to for- conflicting things: we are opposed to focus on what we need to win this vital eign policy. Absent an Iraqi Govern- the war in Iraq, but we are for staying conflict, not a meaningless resolution, ment committed to forging a political the course. These two positions are ir- which is what we are offered here solution to the country’s woes and ab- reconcilable. today. sent the infrastructure for jobs and re- As I watch this debate, I have not To paraphrase the late Charlie Nor- construction programs, the one-legged seen any proposals for change. What we wood, a decorated war veteran, ‘‘The stool cannot stand. We have already are debating today is the same as what choice before us today is clear: either lost billions in U.S. and Iraqi dollars to has been debated in the past. We stand America or al Qaeda.’’ fraud, waste and abuse. here in this body controlled by a new Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 Baghdad is a city of some 7 million majority who campaigned on insti- minutes to a great new Member, the people. In a city that size, an injection

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1716 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 of 20,000 troops is too little too late. This House is about different points of We can do much more than debate a The administration talks of victory in view, speech and debate, in an institu- nonbinding resolution, one that allows Iraq. The word is meant to stir our pa- tion that belongs to the people. politics to creep into the question of triotic fervor. But in this matter, it Our Nation is protected by the brav- support for our troops at a time when has, unfortunately, a sad and hollow est of the brave, who leave their homes our support must be complete and it ring. and families to stand guard on foreign must be unquestioned. As a result of the administration’s shores. Some of them are the first in The liberation of Iraq means more ineptitude, we are left making the best their families to wear the uniform of than words and more than weapons. out of a bad situation. We owe it to our our country. Others have done so for Liberation needs diplomacy, libraries, troops, the American people, and the generations. schools and economic stability, steady Iraqis to act wisely and strategically. These young men and women hold work and clean water, safe streets, as The administration talks tough. We dear connections to every town in well as safe passage. The measures of must be tough, smart and fearless. America. We are wrapping the fallen in this progress must be widely known That means a new direction in Iraq. our flag. They deserve the best plan- and the planners of this war must be Our first order should be to address ning, the clearest execution, the ut- completely accountable. the missing second leg of the stool. Re- most care in their deployments, and Every day we do not define the terms place the military surge with a diplo- heroes’ welcomes when they return. of progress, we lay a grave trans- matic surge, convene a high-level team But it is not enough to give them pa- gression at the feet of the mothers of of special envoys, send them to the re- rades. It is not enough to give ampu- the fallen, of the brothers of the killed, gion, and send them there until the job tees the best VA care. Nor is it enough of the soldiers who were just far is done. to bury them well. We cannot allow enough away from the IED that, when The third leg of the stool is eco- their service to be undermined. it exploded, they lost their limbs but nomic. We need a real economic recon- Congress and the administration not their lives. struction program, but only on strict have been locked in a struggle to show Mr. Speaker, I cannot lend my sup- conditions that the Iraqi Government the proper support very nearly from port to this resolution. It sets too poor step up to quell the violence and en- the beginning of this war. Personnel a precedent in this Congress when our gage in reconciliation and oil revenue- armor, communications equipment, ve- standards for action must be high. sharing. hicle kits, the things these Americans Words cannot replace deeds in support It is past time to remove our troops need, not for comfort but to preserve of our American troops. from the middle of this civil war, rede- their lives amid danger, have in some Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I can’t tell ploy them strategically in the region cases been supplied by soldiers’ fami- you how much pleasure it gives me to to give pause to our foes and send the lies and others because the Department introduce our next speaker, who rep- troops we need to Afghanistan where of Defense, which received $500 billion resents a district adjacent to mine. I they can support the government and last year, has run out. Supply-chain am so delighted to have him in Con- deal with the resurgent Taliban. Deal- issues abound. Training has been in- gress, and I know his constituents are ing with Iran is, of course, challenging; complete or insufficient for the new de- as well. but harsh rhetoric and saber-rattling mands on our troops. I still cannot dis- I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman are counterproductive in the complex, cern a clear articulation of the mission from New York (Mr. HALL). destabilized Middle East. of these men and women in the field. I Mr. HALL of New York. Mr. Speaker, The true test of leadership is facing loathe revisiting these failures, but re- I thank the gentleman. reality and having the good judgment sponsible representation demands we Mr. Speaker, I stand with the other and wisdom to adapt to the reality. By do so. members of my freshman class to sup- passing this resolution, we are sending Every American knows that America port this important resolution. My the administration an unambiguous cannot do the work of Iraq’s natural al- election and those of my fellow fresh- message: No more blank checks. We lies. We cannot supplant Iraq’s neigh- man colleagues were an unmistakable have had enough. It is time to face the bors who depend on the nation’s viabil- signal from the American people. They reality in Iraq and develop a respon- ity for their own stability. We can be believe the President’s path in Iraq is sible and comprehensive strategy to many things in Iraq, but we cannot be wrong and they want new voices to protect American security in the re- all things to Iraq. produce change. gion. We can make good on our commit- Mr. Speaker, I am one of those Much has been asked of this country ment to American troops serving in voices, and today I rise to speak with in the past, and the future will inevi- Iraq, and here is how: We can offer the American people to oppose the tably require sacrifice, but it does not them the support of a robust American President’s escalation. require sending 20,000 more American Diplomatic Corps to do jobs our sol- The United States requires a new troops to Iraq. It does not require an diers should not have to do and to path in Iraq, a path that will deploy escalation of this war. I urge my col- avoid conflicts and enemies they our troops out of Iraq; a path that will leagues to support the resolution, and I should not have to engage. force the Iraqi Government to plan for oppose the administration’s escalation We can secure funds for Iraq that its own defense; a path that will engage of the war in Iraq. guarantee our soldiers have the gear countries throughout the region and Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 and training they need to stay safe, around the world to help stabilize and minutes to the gentlelady from Cape and that means more than writing the protect Iraq; and a path that will allow Girardeau, Missouri (Mrs. EMERSON). taxpayers’ check. That means diligent, the United States military to rebuild Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, it lit- scrutinizing oversight of how our and refocus on the important mission erally breaks my heart to be here money is spent. of destroying al Qaeda and defending today. Young Americans from my dis- We can assure that the deployment of America from the threat of inter- trict have gone to Iraq and we have American troops is deliberate in every national terrorism. lost some of our best, brightest sol- way. Sadly, the escalation proposed by the diers. One of the finest men I ever met, We can offset the engagement of President does none of these things. who I had the privilege of appointing to American troops far from home with The President’s plan continues down West Point, lost his life in Iraq just the engagement of Iraqi troops in their the same path we have traveled for the last September. I feel responsible in own cities and towns. We can speed last 4 years. These years have taught part. We all are, in part. this transition by immediately secur- us that U.S. military power alone is Very little has been asked of most ing Iraq’s borders, by providing aggres- not sufficient to stabilize Iraq, yet it is Americans in this war, but too much sive training to Iraqi units and by lend- the only tool this President employs. has been asked of a very few. ing our expertise to building Iraqi in- From the outset, this administration If anything comes from this debate, stitutions in addition to building the has been wrong. The administration led Mr. Speaker, I hope it is a consensus Iraqi army. We can do these things, us into a war with flawed intelligence. for our responsibilities in this conflict. and we must. That is one wrong. The administration

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1717 went to war without a plan to win the Currently, there is a backlog of near- time we went there to make freedom, peace. Two wrongs. This administra- ly 600,000 pending veterans claims at never once did the Congress in that tion chose to protect Iraqi oil fields be- the VA. We must reduce this number so role undermine the military or the fore securing the ammunition dumps that all veterans can be better served. Commander in Chief. throughout the country. Three wrongs. We must provide funding to better di- Then we came to Vietnam, and we This administration sent our troops agnose and treat post-traumatic stress began to fight a war by the media, a into harm’s way without enough body disorder. I am appalled that during this war without allowing the troops to do armor or armored vehicles. Four time of war the administration would the job they should have done, and in wrongs. This administration gave no- cut funding for research on prosthetic fact, we lost that war. And imme- bid contracts to its friends and polit- technologies that will let our wounded diately after withdrawing, we saw what ical allies. That is five wrongs. veterans lead more normal lives. happened. Khymer Rouge killed 2 mil- My district is the home of West Point lion people. People forget that. Two b 1630 Military Academy and, as such, has a million heads were laying around, Years ago now, President Bush stood unique perspective on the war. The lolling around Cambodia. And then we on the deck of the USS Abraham Lin- leaders that emerge from the halls of had Grenada, which was very short and coln before a banner declaring mission that institution are an invaluable re- very sweet, and of the course, the Gulf accomplished and said, ‘‘Major combat source for our Nation. Sadly, we have War was 110 days. And now we come to operations in Iraq have ended.’’ That is lost over 50 West Point graduates in the Afghanistan war and the Iraq war. six wrongs. Iraq and others in the services and I suggest to you this resolution will Now, this administration wants us to throughout my district. undermine and cause a morale disrup- blindly place our faith and the lives of My brother-in-law is a lieutenant tion to our troops. Nowhere can you be 20,000 more of our troops in an Iraqi colonel who works at West Point. My in the field and understand the Con- Government that has failed to meet nephew is a cadet. The courage, devo- gress of the United States now is not every security obligation it has tion and conscientiousness of the men going to support them when they say pledged. Sadly, once again, this Presi- and women of the United States Mili- they do, when they say they are going dent is wrong, and no amount of tary Academy embody the best of to cut their funding in the future. wrongs is going to make the Presi- America. It is a slippery slope down this slide dent’s policy towards Iraq right. In the words of the sheriff of Putnam of not being the leaders of this Nation It is time for a new kind of escalation County, a retired brigadier general, one for freedom, and this is what I thought on the diplomatic front. A stable Iraq should never send our Armed Forces to this country is about, freedom for each is in the United States’ interests and in do a job which is not militarily achiev- individual in this world and in our the interests of Iraq’s neighbors. How- able. country. And to have this occur tomor- ever, the President has done next to I support this resolution row on the 16th is a disservice to the nothing to gain the assistance of re- Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 future generations, the generations of gional partners. minutes to the gentleman from Alaska Americans who will not have the op- Inside Iraq, the government must (Mr. YOUNG). portunity to be in the greatest country meet its promises to reach out beyond (Mr. YOUNG of Alaska asked and was in the world because of the action of its base of support and unite the Iraqi given permission to revise and extend this Congress. people. Sending more troops into Iraq his remarks.) I urge a very, very strong ‘‘no’’ on H. does nothing to push the Iraqi Govern- Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I Con. Res. 63. ment towards greater self-reliance. At have listened to this debate on both Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, it is now a time when it is incumbent upon the sides of the aisle for the last 2 days, the my privilege to yield 5 minutes to the Iraqi Government to step up and do third day in fact, and probably will lis- gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. more, why should we give them the op- ten to it tomorrow. CARNEY). portunity to do less? I rise in opposition to H. Con. Res. 63, Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Speaker, I stand This resolution is an important first and I would like to make a quote: today as a proud veteran in support of step that voices loud and clear the ‘‘Congressmen who willfully take ac- this bipartisan resolution which states message America sent last November, tions during wartime that damage mo- that Congress and the American people and it puts the President on notice rale and undermine the military are support our men and women in uni- that the Congress will no longer stand saboteurs and should be arrested, ex- form, but do not support deploying by and allow him to recklessly endan- iled or hanged,’’ Abraham Lincoln, who over 21,000 additional troops to Iraq. ger American lives and security. If the had the same problem this President I fear that President Bush’s plan to President refuses to change course, had with a very unpopular war. The increase troop levels is a mistake. this Congress will be forced to act. same problem with people trying to re- Sending more troops will not reduce We will no longer allow him to send direct the Commander in Chief; the the violence. Indeed, in the past 2 underequipped and underprepared units same problem, if they had been suc- years, we have had three surges to Iraq, into combat. We will demand appro- cessful, we would not have had the only to see dramatic increases in vio- priate accounting standards and no freedom of the people in this country. lence. Why would we think a fourth longer allow billions of taxpayer dol- What I say today is for my daughters, surge will be different? lars to disappear unaccounted for into my Joanie, my Dawn; my grandkids, Mr. Speaker, 21,000 troop is far less the rabbit hole of Iraq. And we must Wyatt, Guy, James Duffy, Katie, Jes- than a half measure of what is truly not let our National Guard continue to sie, Don, Niky, Dougy and Don, Eric needed to secure Iraq, but the unfortu- be decimated by repeated and extended and all the rest of them I missed and I nate reality is that we no longer have activation. apologize, because what we are about the troops available to do the job prop- I recently met a young man from my to do tomorrow in voting for this reso- erly. Indeed, the Army’s strategic re- district who has been accepted at West lution is beginning a slippery slope serve is used up. They told us so. We Point and who will soon serve as a fu- down the slide of not being able to pro- are now less able to respond in other ture leader in the United States Army. vide the freedom and the position in trouble spots around the globe because I want to ensure that when he grad- this world this country has done for of this failed policy. uates from West Point and accepts his the last 90 years, beginning in 1916, Why are we not matching our mili- commission, the Army he joins will not 1917, in World War I, which my father tary surge with a diplomatic surge? be decimated by the mistakes in Iraq. fought in; in World War II, where five Why are we not engaging every nation I also want to talk about the vet- of my cousins were shot numerous in the region to end this civil war? erans of this war and the unique chal- times for freedom of the people and A superpower at war uses all means lenges they will face. I am proud and freedom of this country; and, yes, the at its disposal to win, including diplo- honored to be on the Veterans’ Affairs Korean War, the time in which I was macy. Diplomacy is the only way for us Committee. I am proud that one of my drafted. to succeed now, and I urge the adminis- first votes in Congress was to provide Fortunately or unfortunately, I did tration to launch a diplomatic offen- an increase in VA health care funding. not serve, but my colleagues did. Each sive in the region.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1718 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 Our enemies are encouraged and have the potential of being demor- our enemies. And what could be better emboldened by the successes that they alizing and possibly even destructive. news for our enemies than that Amer- have enjoyed already. We do not need Make no mistake that the resolution ica is divided, an America that does to send 21,000 troops additional to rein- we are debating today does not have not have the will to succeed. force this. Instead, we should be chang- the force of law behind it. So for those On this topic, let’s look to the man ing our focus. Rather than sending of you who are watching at home, let who knows the enemy in Iraq better more American troops into combat, we us be clear. At a time when the Presi- than anyone, General David Petraeus. should be training Iraqis to handle the dent recognizes that the situation in You remember General Petraeus; he job for themselves. For every Iraqi bat- Iraq is unacceptable and it is clear that just received an overwhelming vote of talion we train, we need to bring an we need to change our strategy, this confidence when he was unanimously American battalion home. resolution will not stop the deploy- confirmed by the United States Senate My district in northeastern and cen- ment of a single soldier or marine to to command our forces in Iraq. At his tral Pennsylvania has many of its Iraq, nor will it bring a single soldier confirmation hearing, General bravest men and women in harm’s way. or marine home to their families or Petraeus was asked if a congressional I am very proud of them, so are their loved ones. resolution disapproving the deploy- families and their communities. Our More importantly, this resolution ment of additional troops would en- district, sadly, has lost 22 men in this does not offer any alternative strategy. courage the enemy. His response was war, brave troops who paid the ulti- Nothing. Zip. It is silent with regard to direct and unequivocal. ‘‘That is cor- mate sacrifice for their country. I rise our country’s ongoing efforts in fight- rect, sir.’’ today to honor them and also to stand ing the global war on terror. Instead, it Let me say that again. General up for the troops currently in combat. is simply and unfortunately a method Petraeus, our commander in the The stories I hear from soldiers who by which the House Democratic major- ground on Iraq, believes that a resolu- return home leave me concerned that ity is seeking to send a message to the tion disapproving the deployment of the administration has not done President of the United States. additional troops, which is what we are enough to protect them. One of my own But let us not kid ourselves. The debating today, will encourage our former students, a member of a Penn- words spoken in this Chamber this enemy. sylvania National Guard unit, told me week will travel much farther than the He went on to say that this is a test how his unit had to scrounge through distance between this building, the of wills, and at the end of the day a Iraqi junkyards for scrap metal to weld Capitol, and where the President lives, commander in such an endeavor would on to their trucks for more protection. the White House. In reality, these obviously like the enemy to feel that Junkyards? Scrap metal? Where is words will travel far beyond our shores, there is no hope. But instead of saying the outrage that this administration across the globe to the 140,000 men and there is no hope to the enemy, we are has not given the troops the protection women who are currently deployed in saying there is no hope to the Amer- that they need? Where is the outrage Iraq and engaged in but one part, ad- ican soldier and the American people. that our fine men and women, whose mittedly an important part, of the Let’s not forget that our words as job it is to protect our Nation, are global war on terror and the Islamic well as our actions do have con- scrounging through foreign junkyards militant extremists we are fighting. sequences. Vote ‘‘no’’ on this resolu- for that protection? I know we have heard Democrat after tion. The troops have won the war, but the Democrat and a few Republicans, to be Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, it is now administration has failed to secure the fair, come to this floor and say, we sup- my privilege to yield 5 minutes to the peace. We must now pursue policies port our troops and we support this res- gentleman from Florida (Mr. KLEIN). worthy of our troops and their sac- olution; but with all due respect, I find Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rifices. it totally inconsistent to say you sup- stand here today in support of House Mr. Speaker, I came to Congress to port our troops and at the same time Concurrent Resolution 63 which op- serve and protect my country. That is you support this resolution. poses the President’s decision to deploy why I rise in support of this resolution. How can we really expect our soldiers 21,000 additional U.S. combat troops to In the Navy, when we run a ship to have the will to succeed when this Iraq. aground, we change the course. It is body as a whole does not have the re- I am also here to specifically honor now time to change the course in Iraq, solve to stand by them and their mis- the Broward County Veterans Council, not needlessly send more American sion? Do we think our troops do not lis- who recently adopted a resolution con- troops in harm’s way. ten to what is being said here in Wash- cerning the war in Iraq. The Broward Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 ington and around the country? During County Veterans Council represents a minutes to the gentleman from Mobile, my visits to Iraq, I found just the oppo- host of veterans groups throughout Alabama (Mr. BONNER). site to be the case. Broward County, Florida, including the Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, as my So while the underlying message of Broward chapters of the American Le- colleagues and certainly the people this resolution is intended for the gion, AMVETS, Disabled American from my home in south Alabama know, President, it is only logical to ask who Veterans, Fleet Reserve, Gold Star I do not often come to this floor, either else might be listening. What about the Mothers, Italian American Veterans, to hear my own voice or to offer some families of these soldiers who are anx- Jewish War Veterans, Marine Corps prophetic words of wisdom on whatever iously awaiting their safe return home. League, Navy League Council, The the topic of the day happens to be. Make no mistake, they will hear this Order of the Purple Heart, The Para- My father often taught me that you message loud and clear. lyzed Veterans Association, Reserved learn a lot more from listening than And then there is the very real Officers Association, Retired Officers you do from talking. So in many ways, chance that the families of the thou- Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, that is what I have been doing the past sands of Alabama National Guard Vietnam Veterans of America, and few days, listening to my colleagues members who have been deployed to World War I Barracks. and thinking about the consequences of Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as the The Broward County Veterans Coun- the words that we are debating. families of all active and Reserve cil led by its Chairman, Bill Kling, After a lot of listening to a lot of forces, will read the glaring subtext of adopted this resolution unanimously words, however, I find myself com- this resolution and hear the people’s on January 16, 2007. And the spirit of pelled to come and say in the most di- House signaling that we will not be this resolution is as follows: rect way I know that I am opposed to able to prevail in Iraq, the cause is Whereas, the President of the United this nonbinding resolution. Let me say lost, and their loved one’s sacrifice is States has put forth a plan to the that again for that is, after all, what for naught. American people and to Congress which we are talking about. This is a non- calls for an escalation of 20,000 or more binding resolution. It is nothing more b 1645 of our troops going to Iraq to combat than a few words on a piece of paper, Unfortunately, the words of this res- the insurrection in Baghdad and the and yet they are powerful words that olution will also travel to the ears of Anbar province; and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1719 Whereas, the majority in Congress selves in the precarious position of pose President Bush’s plan to send more has put forth several plans that do not dealing with real threats like Iran, troops to Iraq. include an escalation of combat troops; while at the same time protecting our Traveling through my district, people in and allies like Israel and some other Middle south Florida are demanding that Congress Whereas, the American people have Eastern friends. ask the tough questions concerning our policy made it clear they want a new direc- For these reasons, I am advocating in Iraq. tion in Iraq and Afghanistan; and for a plan, as others are, devised by our Well, we have asked those tough questions Whereas, the administration’s at- military experts that supports a phased and I, along with many of my fellow Members tempts to escalate the war previously withdrawal of our troops. But while our of Congress, both Democrats and Repub- by sending additional troops to Iraq brave men and women in uniform are licans, have come to the same conclusion: have unfortunately failed to stop the serving, it is critical that we provide The President’s plan to increase troops in Iraq bloodshed between the Sunnis and the them nothing less than the best protec- is wrong. Shia; tion and support. We have more than a This administration has based this plan in Therefore, the Broward County Vet- responsibility to support our troops; we part on the readiness of the Iraq security erans Council believes that the best have a solemn obligation, and that ob- forces to stand up and take control. I have plan is to bring troops home in a ligation extends to asking the tough heard nothing from our military experts that phased redeployment so that we may questions and getting our policy right. would indicate that the Iraqi troops are any- get them out of harm’s way. In honor of the Broward County Vet- where near prepared to bring order to this Veterans groups, along with families erans Council and the veterans living troubled country. across my district, are very concerned in Palm Beach County, in recognition GEN Colin Powell recently told the Associ- about the direction this war has taken of their heroism and commitment to ated Press: ‘‘I am not persuaded that another and are demanding a change in strat- our country, I support this resolution surge of troops in Baghdad for the purposes egy. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today in support of suppressing this communitarian violence, To President Bush their message is of H.R. 63, which opposes the President’s de- this civil war, will work.’’ loud and clear: This war has been mis- cision to deploy 21,000 additional U.S. combat And four-star GEN Barry McCaffrey called managed, the strategies for success troops to Iraq. the President’s surge plan last month ‘‘a fools have failed; our national and personal I am also here today to specifically honor errand.’’ security interests, most importantly, the Broward County Veterans Council, who re- These are the experts we should be listen- are not being enhanced and in fact may cently adopted a resolution concerning the war ing to. be undermined. And, therefore, they in Iraq. Mr. Speaker, I ask you—as a civil war in overwhelmingly oppose President The Broward County Veterans Council rep- Iraq spirals out of control, as Iraqi security Bush’s plan to send more troops to resents a host of veteran groups throughout forces continue to be ill-prepared and as we Iraq. Broward County, FL, including the Broward continue to alienate our allies across the Traveling through my district, peo- chapters of the American Legion, Am Vets, world—What warrants this administration to ple in South Florida are demanding the Disabled American Veterans, the Fleet Re- continue on the same path in Iraq and add that Congress ask the tough questions serve, the Gold Star Mothers, the Italian more troops? concerning our policy in Iraq. Well, we American Veterans, the Jewish War Veterans, So far, nothing have asked these tough questions, and the Marine Corps League, the Navy League We have no business sending over 21,000 I along with many of my fellow Mem- Council, the Order of the Purple Heart, the additional troops into the middle of a growing bers of this House, both Democrats and Paralyzed Veterans Association, the Reserve civil war. Republicans, have come to the same Officers Association, the Retired Officers As- We have no business sending over 21,000 conclusion: The President’s plan to in- sociation, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the additional troops to Iraq when as it is, our mili- crease troops is wrong. Vietnam Veterans of America, and the World tary is already stretched too thin. The administration has based this War I Barracks. And because our military is already dan- plan in part on the readiness of the The Broward County Veterans Council, led gerously pushed to the limit, we have put our- Iraqi Security Forces to stand up and by its chairman, Bill Kling, adopted this resolu- selves in a precarious position dealing with take control. I have heard nothing tion unanimously on January 16, 2007. real threats like Iran, while at the same time, from our military experts that would The spirit of their resolution is as follows: protecting our allies like Israel and other Mid- indicate that the Iraqi troops are any- Whereas the President of the United States dle East countries. where near prepared to bring order to has put forth a plan to the American people For these reasons, I am advocating for a this troubled country. and to Congress which calls for an escalation plan, devised by our military experts, that sup- General Colin Powell recently told of 20,000 or more of our troops going out to ports a phased withdrawl of our troops. the associated press, and I quote, ‘‘I am Iraq to combat the insurrection in Baghdad But while our brave men and women in uni- not persuaded that another surge of and the Anbar province; and form are serving, it is critical that we provide Whereas, the majority in Congress has put troops in Baghdad, for the purposes of forth several plans that do not include esca- them nothing less than the best protection and suppressing this violence, this civil lation of combat troops; and support. We have more than a responsibility to war, will work.’’ Whereas, the American people have made support our troops—we have a solemn obliga- And four-star General Barry McCaf- it clear they want a new direction in Iraq tion. And that obligation extends to asking the frey called the President’s surge plan and Afghanistan; and tough questions and getting our policy right. last month, ‘‘a fool’s errand.’’ Whereas, the administration’s multiple at- In honor of the Broward County Veterans These are some of the experts we tempts to escalate the war by sending addi- Council and the veterans living in Palm Beach should be listening to. tional troops to Iraq have unfortunately, County, in recognition of their heroism and failed to stop the bloodshed between the Mr. Speaker, I ask you, as the civil Sunnis and the Shiites. commitment to our country, I support this res- war in Iraq spirals out of control, as Therefore, the Broward County Veterans olution. Iraqi Security Forces continue to be Council believes that the best plan is to Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, at this ill-prepared, and as we continue to al- bring our troops home, in a phased redeploy- time I yield 5 minutes to the gen- ienate our allies around the world, ment, so that we may get them out of harm’s tleman from Jacksonville, Florida (Mr. what warrants this administration to way. CRENSHAW). continue on the same path in Iraq and Veterans groups, along with families across Mr. CRENSHAW. I thank the gen- add more troops? So far, nothing. my district, are very concerned about the di- tleman for the time, and I rise today in We have no business sending over rection this war has taken and are demanding strong opposition to this resolution 21,000 additional troops in the middle of a change in strategy. which says Congress disapproves of a a growing civil war. We have no busi- To President Bush, their message is loud war plan. ness sending over 21,000 additional and clear: This war has been mismanaged, There are a lot of reasons to dis- troops when, as it is, our military is al- and the strategies for success have failed; our approve of this resolution, one of which ready stretched too thin. And because national and personal security interests are is I believe that war should not be our military is already dangerously not being enhanced and in fact, may be un- waged from the floor of this House. pushed to the limit, we have put our- dermined. Therefore, they overwhelmingly op- That is why we have one Commander

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1720 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 in Chief, that is why we have military valued member of the Armed Services North Korea, from a belligerent Iran, leaders on the ground. They are in Committee, the gentlewoman from and from the al Qaeda terrorists who charge of conducting the war. And they Kansas (Mrs. BOYDA). considered September 11 as only the have said we have made a mistake and Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, first act in their sinister play. In these we need a new direction, we need a new I rise today to discuss the most critical dangerous times we are not safer if we plan. And they have proposed that issue this Congress, indeed our Nation, devote so many of our resources to a plan, and it is broad and it is com- is facing. The U.S. military is the best civil war in Iraq. And I as a mother, I prehensive. It involves political consid- fighting force in the world, and it is vi- cannot support this escalation. It is erations, it involves economic situa- tally important that we keep it that withdrawing precious resources from a tions, diplomatic considerations, and, way. I am concerned that the Presi- fighting force that is already stretched yes, it entails additional troops to go dent’s planned escalation is too little, too thin. to Iraq. Yes, additional troops. too late, and it will further deplete our America’s strategic readiness is not a But it is a plan. And you can be skep- military’s readiness. political question; it is a question of tical and you can say it may be too lit- My life changed in the late spring of national security, and it is a critical tle, it may be too late. Maybe it is a 2002 when my husband Steve casually question about the safety of all our good plan but it won’t be executed said he thought we would be at war families. properly. But it is going to give us with Iraq by Christmas. And I said cer- The U.S. military is the best fighting hope and it is going to give the Iraqi tainly that wouldn’t be the case; the force in the world, and it is vitally im- people hope. And, if anything, we ought terrorists were from Afghanistan and portant that we keep it that way. to be here today trying to make that Saudi Arabia. Certainly we will con- Mr. Speaker, as a mother, step- plan better, not debating a resolution tinue to hunt down Osama bin Laden mother, wife, citizen, and, yes, as a that is nonbinding, that is symbolic, and bring him to justice. We wouldn’t U.S. Congresswoman, I cannot support that means nothing, that says nothing, take resources away from fighting the further escalation of the war in Iraq. that does nothing. In fact, it has no terrorists in Afghanistan. But that Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I just useful purpose whatsoever, unless isn’t what happened. wanted to note that one of the previous maybe it is to undermine the President That fall, every time I heard that we speakers talked about veterans who or perhaps to demoralize our troops by were going to be greeted as liberators support this resolution. As a matter of saying to them, ‘‘We have a new mis- in Iraq, I cringed. We were going into fact, yesterday I was able to announce sion for you to undertake. Go to Iraq the most unstable part of the world, a that the national commander of the and try to execute this mission. But, region that has been at war for cen- VFW said that he opposed this resolu- by the way, the United States Congress turies, and we were going in with dan- doesn’t believe in the mission, and we tion or had grave concerns about it, gerously naive plans. We were going think it is doomed to failure.’’ You tell and I have just been notified that the after a hornet’s nest with a baseball me that that is not going to have a national commander of the American bat. negative impact on our American sol- Legion, Paul A. Moran, announced As the mother of two and stepmother strong support for the President’s new diers. of five, I felt my family’s very safety Now, I know there are people in this initiative, which includes deploying was being threatened by this diversion Chamber that think the plan is doomed 21,500 troops. And, in so doing, he said of resources. Like a mother bear who from the very beginning. You don’t these words: think it will work. And if that is your senses, no, who knows that her cubs We will not separate the war from the war- belief, you ought to do more than in- are being threatened, I could not re- rior. Debating the new strategy is an Amer- troduce a symbolic resolution and then main silent. ican way, but let this be a warning that pre- Diverting resources from Afghani- cipitous action by the Congress could lower stand here and pound the podium and stan and invading Iraq may be one of troop morale and hinder the mission. hem and haw and make speeches and leap in front of the television cameras. the most dangerous decisions this Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield 5 You ought to do something that really country has ever made. Our Nation’s minutes to the gentleman from Bloom- means something. You ought to pro- civilian leadership took their eye off field Township, Michigan (Mr. pose a resolution that says we believe the ball. Instead of securing more re- KNOLLENBERG). sources to hunt down Osama bin it was doomed from the very beginning b 1700 Laden, instead of engaging in diplo- and we are going to do everything we Mr. KNOLLENBERG. I thank the possibly can to stop this plan. That is macy, they put resources into what has gentleman for yielding. what you should do. become a civil war and have depleted Mr. Speaker, I want to make a state- And if you don’t think the plan is our Nation’s strategic readiness. going to work, if you think it is Please, please understand me. Our ment that mistakes have been made in doomed to failure, and you don’t have military has not failed. What has failed Iraq. The status quo is not acceptable. a viable alternative strategy and you is our civilian leadership. Our military We need to chart a new course. But we don’t want to find a viable alternative and their families have repeatedly also need to acknowledge that some strategy for winning, then you ought stepped up and done what our Nation positive things have happened in Iraq, to go even further and you ought to has asked of them. And now, Mr. thanks to the courage and dedication stand up and say, ‘‘We admit defeat. It Speaker, President Bush proposes to of our troops. These accomplishments didn’t work. We are not going to fund send more than 20,000 more troops to often get just lost in all the politics the war altogether anymore. We are this civil war. He asks us to trust him that surround this debate. going to withdraw.’’ with our soldiers’ lives, even after Toppling one of the most brutal dic- I will tell you one thing, the plan is trust has been broken time and time tators in history was a good thing. Sad- there. It may not be perfect and, quite again. dam Hussein’s regime was responsible frankly, it may not work. I have got Not only is the goal of this escalation for the senseless murder of thousands reservations myself. But it is there, unclear, but its effect would be to redi- of innocent Iraqi citizens. Under his and every American, Democrats and rect precious military resources in- rule, most Iraqis lived in fear of the Republicans alike, ought to hope that stead of preparing for potential future day Hussein or one of his cronies would this plan succeeds because it may very conflicts. In a recent hearing of the come for their mother, their father, well be our last best chance to prevent House Armed Services Committee, I their sister or brother. a catastrophic failure in Iraq. And if asked General Peter Pace whether he Hussein was also a direct threat to that happens, the disastrous effect was satisfied with the readiness levels our friend and ally, Israel. He was a won’t just be felt in Iraq, won’t just be of our troops. His response? ‘‘No, menace, and it is good that he is gone. felt by the people of the Middle East, ma’am, I’m not.’’ General Peter Furthermore, turning Iraq’s sov- but quite possibly will be felt by all Schoomaker and General Steven Blum ereignty over to the Iraqis and pro- Americans alike. have echoed his concerns. viding assistance as they forged a Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, it is now America lives in an unstable world; democratically elected government is a my pleasure to yield 5 minutes to a we face threats from a nuclear-armed big deal. Fostering democracy in the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1721 heart of the Middle East was important much, over 3,000 of them who have other. His budget reduces spending for and was also a very historic moment. made the ultimate sacrifice, to steer VA over the next 3 years. As we debate the current strategy in our country on a course that will bring Our troops are not the only ones suf- Iraq, let us not forget that our soldiers our troops home safely, take care of fering from the policies of this admin- have provided a tremendous oppor- them and their families when they re- istration. All Americans who now op- tunity to the Iraqi people. They have turn and end this war. pose the war 2–1 are impacted by the provided an opportunity for them to Despite 4 years and deadly losses, ac- massive cuts in or complete elimi- grab the benefits of freedom. Now it is cording to Foreign Policy Magazine’s nation of important social, health, edu- up to the Iraqis to seize it. recent survey of over 100 top national cation and environmental programs. Before us today, we have a non- security experts, 86 percent say the The cost of this war keeps going up, binding resolution that doesn’t even world is more dangerous for the U.S., adding to our national debt. The inter- mention the accomplishments I just and, most troubling, 87 percent believe est on our debt alone is more than we spoke of. We can all agree that the war that the war in Iraq has had a negative devote to the education of our children, has taken a wrong turn, but instead of impact on the war on terror. Other sur- care of our veterans, and for the ad- debating nonbinding resolutions that veys have reached similar conclusions. ministration of justice combined. This have no bearing on whether additional Yet the President now wants another body must go on record in united and troops go to Iraq, we should work to- $235 billion for Iraq and Afghanistan to solid opposition to the escalation of gether to find a solution that results in add to the $427 billion for the war al- the war and in complete support of our our soldiers coming home in victory, ready approved. In this debate, we soldiers and veterans. We must be reso- not defeat. should listen in particular to the words lute in our efforts to bring an end to Mr. Speaker, I have offered my condi- of Americans who actually served in this quagmire. tional support for the President’s plan the war. I am honored to serve in this As Speaker PELOSI said, ‘‘Friday’s for additional troops in Iraq. My sup- Congress with new Members JOE vote will signal whether the House has port is conditional, not carte blanche. I SESTAK of Pennsylvania, TIM WALZ of heard the American people. No more want to see the benchmarks met and Minnesota, and PATRICK MURPHY, also blank checks for President Bush on progress made within the next 90 to 120 of Pennsylvania, all veterans of the Iraq.’ days. It is time for the Iraqis to step up Iraq war. Their eloquent and strong Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 to the plate and assume responsibility voices of firsthand experience add im- minutes at this time to the gentleman for the security of their nation. measurably to this debate. from Ohio (Mr. REGULA). If the Iraqis do not step up to this There are also people like Captain (Mr. REGULA asked and was given challenge in the coming months, then Lisa Blackman, a clinical psychologist permission to revise and extend his re- it will be time to reevaluate. The reso- who cared for soldiers in Qatar. As we marks.) lution before us doesn’t even speak to become increasingly aware of the thou- Mr. REGULA. I thank the gentleman these issues. It does nothing in the way sands of soldiers to emerge from fire- for yielding. of bringing out or bringing our troops fights or attacks physically unscathed Mr. Speaker, like many Americans I home quickly and in victory. It is just but with substantial emotional dam- am frustrated and dissatisfied with the pure politics. I encourage my colleagues on both age, Captain Blackman’s experience in situation in Iraq. I did not take my sides of the aisle to work together with regularly tending to these soldiers pro- vote lightly when Congress authorized the President to ensure a quick return vides further troubling insights into the President to use force. Every day I of our troops. We all know that Con- this devastating war. think about the patriotism and sac- In a message chronicled in the book gress is not going to cut funding for rifice of our brave men and women who Operation Homecoming, Dr. Blackburn President Bush’s new Iraq plan. If we are serving courageously in harm’s know this to be true, why are we wast- wrote of how her patients responded to way. ing our time on nonbinding resolutions questions she asked them about their Mistakes and the complexity of that lead us nowhere? symptoms. She didn’t get the expected events along the way have led us to the Let’s put our troops first. Let’s end reactions. They were unexpressive. But place we are today. Sectarian violence the political gamesmanship, and let’s when she asked them, ‘‘Have you ever has increased, and Iraq is mired in a work together to find a solution in been in combat?’’ they became unglued civil war, making it difficult for the Iraq. That is what the American people and burst into tears. new government to take hold. want, and that is what our soldiers and As she described it, ‘‘[W]hen I say While our role in this conflict has be- their families deserve. burst, I mean splatter, tears running come a divisive issue, there is no deny- Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, it is my . . . sobbing for minutes on end, unable ing the significant consequences Iraq’s privilege now to yield 5 minutes to the to speak, flat-out grief . . . ’’ She ob- future will have for national and inter- gentlelady from Hawaii (Ms. HIRONO). served, ‘‘No one ever feels like they are national security and stability. Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to doing enough. If you are in a safe loca- So I must ask, how do we move for- speak in support of this resolution. The tion, you feel guilty that your friends ward in a way that honors the commit- Iraq war has lasted longer than U.S. in- are getting shot at and you aren’t. If ment and tremendous sacrifices our volvement in World War II and has cost you are getting shot at, you feel guilty Nation and its troops have made? We the Nation hundreds of billions of dol- if your buddy gets hit and you don’t. If can do so neither by cutting off funding lars. We have lost over 3,000 of our fin- you get shot at but don’t die, you feel for the troops nor by providing the est men and women. Thousands more guilty that you lived, and more guilty President with a blank check. have been maimed and too many lives if you get to go home and your friends Instead of political posturing, we have been shattered. have to stay behind. I have not seen must insist on a surge in diplomacy. I As Foreign Affairs Committee Chair- one person out here who didn’t [check believe we need to follow closely the man TOM LANTOS said, this ‘‘resolution off] ‘increased guilt’ on our intake recommendations made by the bipar- will establish the first marker,’’ the form.’’ tisan Iraq Study Group to bring about first step toward ending this night- Indeed, every soldier who saw combat the best possible outcome. The Iraq mare. or the results of combat has likely suf- Study Group report states, and I quote: The war in Iraq is the moral issue of fered hidden but disturbing psycho- The United States should imme- the day, and like all great moral logical harm to some extent. In spite of diately launch a new diplomatic offen- issues, there are heartfelt disagree- this, the Veterans Administration has sive to build an international con- ments on both sides of the aisle. But been deprived of the critical funds nec- sensus for stability in Iraq and the re- every second, minute, and hour that essary for the rehabilitation of these gion. passes, lives are being lost in Iraq and brave troops. The President, who con- This diplomatic effort should include devastation continues with no end in tinues to send more and more troops every country that has an interest in sight. into the war on the one hand, has avoiding a chaotic Iraq, including all of We owe it to all the brave men and sought to reduce spending for medical Iraq’s neighbors. Given the ability of women who have already sacrificed so services for these same troops on the Iran and Syria to influence events

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1722 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 within Iraq, the United States should Army, the gentleman from Minnesota accountability, there is a strong likeli- try to engage them constructively. (Mr. WALZ). hood we would be in much better shape By doing so, it would help Mr. WALZ of Minnesota. Thank you today. Even as foreign policy experts, marginalize extremists and terrorists, to my colleague military experts, the Congress and the promote U.S. values and interests, and Mr. Speaker, no debate in this House American public show an over- improve America’s global image. is longer overdue. This debate has been whelming desire to change course and States included within the diplomatic going on for nearly 4 years in houses, oppose this escalation, this administra- offensives can play a major role in re- in grocery stores, in workplaces, in tion ignores all evidence and stumbles inforcing national reconciliation ef- houses of worship all across America. on. This debate marks the new begin- forts between Iraq, Iraqi Sunnis and No greater responsibility rests with us, ning of this Congress’s acceptance of Shia. Such reinforcement would con- the people’s Representatives, than de- our duty to provide the oversight and tribute substantially to legitimatizing bating the decisions involved in waging bring about policy changes based in re- of the political process in Iraq. a war. The decision to send our brave ality and facts and long-range security Iraq’s leaders may not be able to men and women into combat is not the needs of this Nation. come together unless they receive the end of our responsibility, it is the be- I have taken two oaths in my life. necessary signals and support from ginning. This body has a sacred duty to The first one was as a young man of 17 abroad. This backing will not mate- protect this Nation, our citizens, and when I swore my allegiance to the rialize of its own accord, and it must be especially those we send into combat in Armed Forces of this country. The sec- encouraged urgently by the United our name. ond was a month ago when I became a States. We should make it clear to the Constant vigilance, questioning, and United States Congressman. In both Iraqi leadership that the additional adjustments to courses of action are cases I solemnly swore my allegiance troops are solely for the purpose of our number one priority, and this to protect and defend the U.S. Con- achieving stability, and that this de- newly elected Congress intends to do stitution. ployment is a precursor to our leading just that. I swore alliance to no man. I swore the future of this Nation to the Iraqi no alliance to a political ideology. I b 1715 people. And I would emphasize this is swore only to uphold the laws of this the important process. Some have said that this debate great land and protect with my life, if Troop increases alone will not solve sends a message to our enemies. I necessary, the liberties and freedoms the fundamental cause of violence in would agree. The message our enemies we so dearly cherish. This debate today Iraq if its government is not com- are hearing this week is that democ- is exactly about that oath. mitted to a national reconciliation racy in America is alive and well. The Previous Congresses gave this Presi- process. message that our enemy is hearing this dent the authority to conduct this war However, as we lead a surge in diplo- week is that this Nation will not live in Iraq, which is right, but not the au- macy, and the Iraqi Government accel- in fear of its own shadow and blindly thority to disregard the expert advice, erates its efforts at national reconcili- give away those precious liberties that not the authority to take civil liberties ation, the Iraq Study Group report make this the greatest Nation the from American citizens, and not the makes clear, and I quote, ‘‘The United world has ever known. authority to disregard our constitu- States should significantly increase The message our enemy is hearing tional right in this body as a coequal the number of U.S. military personnel, this week is this Nation is able and branch of government. including combat troops, embedded in willing to adjust our tactics to focus on I, like all Americans, wish nothing and supporting Iraqi Army units. As the true threats to our security, which more than this President had made these actions proceed, we could begin come from al Qaeda, and the Taliban in good decisions and that the situation to move combat forces out of Iraq.’’ Afghanistan, and by securing our ports in Iraq were better. Unfortunately, Denying additional troops, as re- and borders. wishful thinking does not make good quested by our military leadership, The message they are hearing is that foreign policy. But, fortunately, the ge- could put our troops that are there at this Nation is no longer willing to wage nius of the Founders of this Nation are greater risk and delay their return to a war based on political ideology and on display right now. This Congress, by their loved ones. I hear from my con- failed policy. We will wage it on facts taking this first step of oversight and stituents who want our troops home and reality. Many of my colleagues accountability, and passing this resolu- immediately and from those who want have spoken of the need to support our tion, will begin to right the ship of us to remain there so we don’t have to troops. You will get no debate from me state and take this country on a path fight the terrorists on our own soil. nor any other American. By implying that will lead to greater security and What I do know is that the chal- that some do not support the troops begin to return our brave men and lenges in Iraq are complex, and the based on nothing more than political women back to their families. consequences of immediate withdrawal posturing is cynical and divisive. A few short months ago, I was teach- would be devastating. The Iraq Study For more than two decades, I served ing high school. Call me optimistic and Group report goes on to say ‘‘The glob- with soldiers, airmen, marines, and not naive, but I do not see where casting a al standing of the United States could once did I ever see these brave men and vote in this sacred room is anything be diminished.’’ Our Nation has sac- women as anything other than patri- but binding. Call me naive again when rificed far too much to allow our credi- ots. I never saw them as a Democrat, a I hear this is nothing but words on bility and values to be weakened. Republican, an Independent or a Liber- paper. How does that differ from the I cannot, in good faith, support this tarian; nor did they see me as anything U.S. Constitution? nonbinding resolution. We also support but a fellow soldier. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to the troops, and we all want to bring the The issue that we are debating this visit with two soldiers from my old troops home as quickly as possible. week is the execution of this war and unit, the proud 34th Red Bull Division. Let us instead urge the President to the failure of this administration to Those two young men are out at Wal- increase diplomatic efforts and to fol- provide a realistic plan for success. ter Reed Army Hospital. Both John and low the recommendations made by the From the start of this war up to this Tony are being fitted with their pros- bipartisan Iraq Study Group to work recent plan to send more Americans thetic limbs for the other ones they on many fronts to solve the challenges into Baghdad, this administration has left behind in Iraq. in Iraq. miscalculated, poorly planned, shifted We spoke of everything from how Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, as an blame and failed to couple our military they were injured, to football, to how Army veteran myself, I know that the policies with diplomatic, economic and to get ready to ski again. I do not backbone of our Army is its non- long-range strategic planning that know and I do not care about their po- commissioned officers. Now it is my would have given the soldiers a chance litical ideology. I only care that this privilege to yield 5 minutes to a former to succeed. Nation honors its commitment by pro- noncommissioned officer who retired Had the previous Congress done its viding everything possible to these after over 2 decades of service in the constitutional duty of oversight and brave Americans. Today is the day that

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1723 I tell Tony and John, we will always of my colleagues and analyze those I believe they are selling this institu- support you. We will provide true secu- messages as they come off the terrorist tion short. We are displaying for the rity to this Nation boards after this vote is taken. This world what a government of the people, Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 resolution, if it passes tomorrow, and by the people and for the people truly minutes to the gentleman from Cali- it probably will, will be taken as the looks like. What we are doing here this fornia (Mr. HUNTER), former chairman first note of retreat in the war against week speaks far more clearly and loud- of the Armed Services Committee, now terror. ly than our bullets and our rockets and the ranking member of the Armed Any attempt by the Democrat leader- even our dollars. When the United Services Committee. ship to cut off supplies or reinforce- States Government so clearly and dra- Mr. HUNTER. I thank the gentleman ment by management policies in DOD, matically reflects the will of its citi- for yielding. personnel policies, will be interpreted zens, we may not shock the world, but I just want to say to my colleague as the second note of retreat in the war we make it watch in awe. who just spoke that I saw also two against terror, and I for one will oppose James Madison wrote that the role of young men in Walter Reed a couple of them very strongly Congress is to expand and refine the days ago, and I would recommend that Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, let me re- public view. He accurately perceived he talk with them also if he thinks assure my friend I have heard nothing that on most issues Americans assume that everybody that is over there sup- at all about the statement he just that their representatives will consider ports this resolution. made. Those are the kinds of state- their opinions and work out the de- I would also say to my friend that if ments, frankly, that confuse people. tails. In the present situation, I believe you think that the message that is Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the the American people are shouting at us going to go across thousands of Web gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. that it is time to get our men and sites and communications the day after YARMUTH). women out of harm’s way in Iraq. this vote is taken on terrorist Web Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, 4 years I will cast my vote not simply to op- sites is, our message is that democracy ago I was just like most other Ameri- pose the President’s escalation, but as is alive and well in the United States, cans, trying to evaluate the President’s a statement that this Congress will no I am willing to take a bet on that. I do plan to invade Iraq. Unlike most Amer- longer abdicate its responsibility to ex- not think you will see that. I think you icans, I was writing a newspaper col- pand and refine the public view. will see something else. umn and was expected to take a public Mr. Speaker, today I am as confident You will see the message that they position on such a national policy. But about my position as I was 4 years ago. think that this resolution, if it is like most Americans, I was unburdened I am confident because I have listened passed, is the first note of retreat in by the classified and faulty intel- the war against terror by the United to those who oppose this resolution. I ligence provided to Members of Con- States. That is what you will see and I hear only disingenuous rhetoric. The gress. will be happy to take a bet on that one. other side accuses us of trying to Now, Mr. Speaker, I heard just a cou- I concluded and wrote that the micromanage the Iraqi conflict, then ple of hours ago, as many of us have, claims made to justify the American says we should have our own plan. that the Democratic leadership of the invasion of Iraq were baseless, that They say that we are dishonoring our House intends to use management poli- there were no weapons of mass destruc- fallen heroes, but then offer no strat- cies in the Department of Defense over tion, that Iraq posed no immediate egy for honoring them other than to the next year or so to keep either threat to the United States, that Sad- simply send more brave soldiers in troops or supplies from moving to the dam Hussein was not in any way con- their place. They continue to talk battlefield. nected to the 9/11 attacks, and finally about victory and defeat, while vir- Now, using management policies that that Iraq was not a safe harbor for al tually everyone agrees that we could will prohibit people from moving in the Qaeda. never identify or define either. Marines or the United States Army if I also concluded and wrote that we They say this resolution is an empty they haven’t spent enough time back were rushing into Iraq with no idea of political gesture, and then say it is in CONUS before they go, I can say this what we would do after the Iraqi re- tantamount to surrender. What they do to you, that is a very, very dangerous gime fell, and also that we had no plan not give us, and more importantly policy. for getting out. The point of all of this what the President of the United Our ability to project power around reminiscing is not to show that I was States has not given us, are any rea- the world and to deter people who wish so smart, nor is it to say that I told sons to believe that we are succeeding us ill is the ability to move men and you so. in Iraq, that the current plans increase equipment very quickly around the Four years later, as our men and the odds of our success, that we are any world. And any type of an inhibition of women are still dying in Iraq, the closer to eliminating the threat of ter- that capability is going to be ex- American people know everything rorism, or finally that the United tremely dangerous to the United there is to know about the situation States is enhancing its image around States. And I will fight with every fiber there. We know as much if not more the world as the beacon of freedom. of my being any attempt by this Con- than the President of the United We who support this resolution honor gress through management policies by States. And our ideas about the con- and respect our troops. We care deeply the Democratic leadership, through flict are just as valid. about the international reputation of management policies of DOD to keep That is why this resolution is so im- our country. We are unequivocally either reinforcement or supplies from portant and this debate so significant. committed to our Nation’s security, reaching our troops around the world. Tomorrow we will be voting on what and we desperately want America to I will simply say once more, I said may be only a nonbinding resolution, succeed. By supporting this resolution, when we started this debate yesterday, but it is a resounding and unequivocal we undeniably succeed, because we that this resolution will be looked at expression of the National will. This is honor our Nation and its citizens who by America’s friends, by America’s en- not simply a group of Congressmen and have entrusted us with the simple, but emies, and I think also by America’s women explaining their votes. It is the grave, responsibility to listen to them. troops; and I think they will interpret echo of an overwhelming majority of Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 it, no matter the good faith of people Americans who are demanding a new minutes to the gentleman from Wis- in this Chamber, they will interpret it direction in Iraq. consin (Mr. PETRI). as the first notes of retreat in the war It is the sound of scores of people like Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I plan to against terror, just as they interpreted me who were sent here by citizens to vote for this resolution, but to surge or actions by the Spanish Government turn the ship of state around. During not to surge, that is the wrong ques- after the domestic strike in Spain and this momentous debate, we have heard tion. Just saying ‘‘no’’ is simple ob- the terrorist hit in Spain and in other from some on the other side of the aisle structionism. What we need is a new countries. that this resolution and the discussion way forward to replace the old way They will look at what we have done, we are having somehow undermine our that is not getting us anywhere. It has and I will be happy to stand with any national interest. become clear that trying to establish a

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1724 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 multiethnic Iraqi democracy, while tempted to meddle, but at the end of Wasted.’’ He said, ‘‘Since August we laudable, simply cannot be accom- the day, instability in Iraq means in- have witnessed growing opposition to plished by non-Iraqis. stability for everybody in the region. the Iraq war, but it is often whispered, The fact is, Iraq has never been a uni- Let’s set about the task of helping hands covering mouths as if it is too fied country with enough common in- Iraq’s three main groups to regroup dangerous to speak too loudly. Others terest to foster the give and take of de- and stabilize their own territories so discuss the never-ending cycle of death mocracy. During the First World War, that we can withdraw to our bases and in places like Haditha in academic and Britain seized the Mesopotamian re- ultimately get out all together. sometimes clinical fashion, as in ‘the gion from the collapsing Ottoman Em- Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, it is now increasing lethality of improvised ex- pire. Iraq was created out of three sep- my privilege to yield 5 minutes to the plosive devices.’’’ arate provinces to keep the Turks out gentlelady from Ohio, Representative Wiping the clinical talk away, Paul while allowing the British access to the Betty Sutton. Schroeder went on to share the painful local oil. Ms. SUTTON. Mr. Speaker, through- reality that he and his family face, a Captain Arnold Wilson, the British out the course of history, when our Na- reality that cannot be understood when civil commissioner in Baghdad, argued tion has faced its most significant de- sanitized by clinical terms. He said, that the creation of the new state was bates over matters of war, there comes ‘‘Listen to the kinds of things that a recipe for disaster. He warned that a time when voices of pundits and poli- most Americans don’t have to experi- the deep differences among the three ticians must drop away and allow the ence: The day Augie’s unit returned main communities, the Sunni, Shia voices of the people to be heard. from Iraq to Camp Lejeune we received and Kurds, ensured the new country Our troops are brave and capable. a book of his notebooks, DVDs and could only be run by what he called the They have fought heroically and this clothes from his locker in Iraq. The antithesis of democratic government. resolution makes it unequivocally day his unit returned home to waiting clear that those of us who feel it in- families, we received the second urn of b 1730 cumbent to oppose the President’s es- ashes. This lad of promise, of easy After a rebellion in 1920, which re- calation nonetheless support our charm and readiness to help, whose sulted in the deaths of some 2,000 Brit- troops. All of us, and all Americans, highest high was saving someone, using ish soldiers and 8,000 Iraqis, the Brit- support our troops. CPR as a First Aid squad volunteer, ish, through the leadership of Sec- But Congress also has an oversight came home in one coffin and two urns. retary of War Winston Churchill, large- responsibility to ensure that they are We buried him in three places that he ly extricated themselves by choosing a provided a mission based on a realistic loved, a fitting irony, I suppose, but Sunni to be king and strongman. assessment and an achievable goal be- just as rough each time.’’ In light of this history, we should se- fore we ask them to risk life and limb Mr. Speaker, the growing opposition riously consider that we have two basic to implement it. to the war in Iraq must not be whis- options: The President has asked Congress to pered, hands covering mouths as if it is First, choose a faction to stabilize support his escalation plan to send an- too dangerous to speak too loudly. Ac- and rule the country through force, other 20,000 troops to Iraq. countability and oversight require much as all of Iraq’s previous regimes This war is now almost 4 years long. more. This resolution rings loud and did, and that is hardly an attractive Congress has not spoken as loudly and clear. We support our troops and we op- option. as clearly as its responsibility requires. pose the President’s plan to escalate in Or, second, bring about a partition of As the Representative of the 13th Dis- Iraq. the country, to form a loose confed- trict of Ohio, I cannot sit silent. I op- Will the President hear our collective voice? If he does not, it will not be be- eration where the Shias, the Sunnis pose the President’s plan for escalation cause we sat silent and the Kurds can each govern them- and I fully support this resolution. Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I would selves while leaving the others alone. The President’s own military com- like to yield at this time 5 minutes to Our enterprise in Iraq has been car- manders have advised against this the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. ried out with the best of intentions, course of action, and in November, my EHLERS) and our men and women in the Armed constituents and the American people Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise, re- Forces have performed with great her- voted for a change of direction in Iraq. luctantly, in opposition to this resolu- oism, skill, and honor. But we have to Escalation is directly contradictory to tion. I say ‘‘reluctantly’’ because I had accept reality. We have a responsi- that call for change. It takes us further hoped to be able to vote in favor of bility to help stabilize the situation, down the wrong path, deeper and deep- something positive, a fresh perspective, and doing so is in our national interest. er, with a policy that asks our military a new idea, a new pathway to success, But I don’t think it is fair to ask our to perform a nonmilitary mission of anything to encourage and foster a sons and daughters to be policemen in creating a unified government in Iraq. positive outcome in the Iraq conflict. a civil war. Sadly, it seems that most But unity in Iraq has to be deter- But this resolution offers none of these Iraqis do not embrace democratic gov- mined by the people who live there. It things. It is a simple, almost meaning- ernment unless it is dominated exclu- is neither fair nor just to ask our less, nonbinding statement of dis- sively by their own individual groups. troops to fix a sectarian civil war. approval that provides no constructive The Sunnis, the Shia and the Kurds Our Nation has paid a high price: the resolve on this daunting, yet critical are willing and able to establish law lives of 3,000 American troops lost; $379 mission. and order within their own ethnically billion spent, with another $8 billion My opposition is both procedural and homogenous areas. The efforts to push every month of this war. substantive. I am extremely dis- out other areas currently underway in These lives cannot be retrieved; 139 appointed that we only have this one Iraq are deplorable, but it is surely not brave men and women from Ohio have simplistic, inadequate statement be- unexpected given Iraq’s history and been killed, 14 from my district. I have fore us for consideration. No alter- desperate situation. a responsibility to every one of those natives, no other ideas, no solutions. The sectarian militias have popular casualties and to every one that might The situation in Iraq is complicated, support because they have easily un- lie ahead, to represent their voices, es- and the American people deserve far derstood plans to establish security pecially those that can no longer be more from Congress than a resolution within their spheres for their own peo- heard. that essentially calls for the status ple. Instead of fighting the militias, we In early August 2005, Lance Corporal quo. need to co-opt them. We need to help Edward ‘‘Augie’’ Schroeder II was The resolution opposes the troop acceptable local tribal leaders, govern- killed in Iraq. Augie and 13 other surge called for by the Commander in ment leaders and religious authorities young lives from Northeast Ohio were Chief, but fails to offer or even allow establish authority over their areas. lost that day. In January 2006, Augie’s for consideration of any alternatives We also need to seek the positive in- father, Paul Schroeder, shared his aimed at achieving success in Iraq, nor volvement of Iraq’s neighbors. Some of thoughts and feelings in a letter to the does it offer an alternative aimed at a them may be meddling, or may be Washington Post entitled, ‘‘A Life reduction of troops.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1725 There are other ideas out there wor- There was no objection. and women, sustained over 20,000 cas- thy of consideration and discussion, LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM ualties, and spent nearly $400 billion on yet we are not debating those, includ- Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, continuing the Iraq war. We have rid the Iraqi peo- ing those suggested by the bipartisan on my unanimous consent, I would tell ple of a cruel tyrant and have given Iraq Study Group. For example, the the Members that we do not intend to them the opportunity to live in a de- study group concluded that there is no have any 1-minutes tomorrow, so that mocracy. American men and women se- single action that the military can we will begin debate at 8 a.m. on this curing a street corner in Sadr City will take that, by itself, can bring about resolution. not change the hearts of the Sunni or success in Iraq. I agree with that as- Debate, of course, will conclude to- Shia. Additional troops will not secure sessment. Regardless of a troop surge, I night at 1 a.m. so that the staff can get democracy. Only the men and women believe a positive outcome in Iraq re- at least some sleep; not much, but of Iraq can do that. Now is the time for quires regional cooperation and posi- some. And we will have continuing the Iraqi people to stand and demand tive engagement with all of Iraq’s communications with the minority democracy. neighboring states. with reference to the balance of the It is time for America to move for- A case can be made for a troop surge, schedule for Friday. ward in our fight against terror. It is but even more, we need a surge in di- Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I now yield time to focus on eliminating terrorists plomacy to create an environment con- 5 minutes to the gentleman from Flor- in Iraq, Afghanistan, or wherever they ducive for a lasting peace throughout ida (Mr. MAHONEY). are harbored. It is time to bring Osama the Middle East. The history of the re- Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. Mr. bin Laden to justice for the crimes he gion is too diverse, too complex, and Speaker, I normally rise to speak on perpetrated on 9/11. too tumultuous to expect progress behalf of the people of Florida’s 16th We need to gather our strength and without an integrated diplomatic effort Congressional District. Today I rise to send a clear message to our enemies and multinational support. Of course, begin a conversation not only with my that their continued efforts to support this simple resolution before us offers colleagues, but with my constituents. terror and engage in activity against no perspective on these matters. This week, this legislative body, the America or her allies will result in cer- In a few weeks, this body will have people’s House, is engaged in a great tain and swift justice. the opportunity to vote on funding for This President needs to do what his debate over the President’s decision to ongoing operations in Iraq. Forget to- father did in the first gulf war and stay the course in Iraq by escalating day’s resolution; the vote on the sup- what President Clinton did in the Bal- the number of troops. I have, over the plemental funding bill is where the real kans, and that is to demonstrate lead- past few days, heard many arguments debate will occur, and the policies will ership by engaging in diplomacy. This as to the wisdom of the President’s de- be laid forth. Make no mistake, a cut- President needs to listen to the sage cision to do so. But the one message off of funds and a premature with- advice of the Baker-Hamilton Commis- drawal of troops from Iraq will produce that all who have spoken agree with, sion and use America’s power and pres- even greater sectarian violence, fur- Democratic or Republican, liberal or tige to bring the world together in sup- ther deterioration of security condi- conservative, is that our brave men port of the Iraqi people. The world tions, and would foment a terrorist and women in uniform have done a needs to know that America will pro- breeding ground for radical Islamists. magnificent job fighting in Iraq and vide a democratic Iraq, and those who We, the Members of Congress, must around the world to protect our lives, support her, with political, economic, give our troops the resources they need our culture, and our country. and military support. to carry out their critical mission to a b 1745 I want my friends in Stuart, Okee- successful conclusion. I have heard my colleagues argue chobee, Sebring, LaBelle, and Punta In closing, let me say that we all un- that the mere act of debating the Gorda to know that I am here today equivocally support the troops who are President’s decision to escalate the war because democracy requires us to serving and who have served in Iraq, sends the wrong message to our troops speak up and speak out and you de- and we all deeply appreciate their ef- and the wrong message to our enemies. serve to have a voice in this debate. In forts to carry out their duties. Every speaking out, I am supporting our To these colleagues I say do not under- day I think about the 3,000-plus Amer- President by letting him know that we estimate the power of democracy, the ican troops who have died in Iraq and are committed to winning the war on power of freedom of speech, the very Afghanistan, and I pray for their fami- terror, but that we will not support his powers we are fighting to give the peo- lies, as well as for our troops that are strategy to increase escalation of the ple of Iraq. Debate sends the message there now. I think about the thousands troops in Iraq and that America will of strength, resolve, and commitment. more who have been injured, and the not quit until we have vanquished all This debate is about finding the best tens of thousands of innocent Iraqi who use terror to achieve political way for America to win the war on ter- citizens who have been killed or in- gain. jured as a result of this conflict. We ror. We want the Iraqi people to know I agree with the President that the must do all we can to ensure that those that this is their moment to grasp de- casualties were not suffered in vain. world is a dangerous place and we need mocracy; and should they choose to do Above all, we must seek to end this to take the war to the terrorists and so, the American people will continue conflict and stop the casualties. those who support terror. But I dis- to support them and their efforts to Simply put, the resolution we are de- agree with the President that by send- build a better life for their children. bating offers no path to success, and ing more troops to police a civil war in Tomorrow, my colleagues and I will that is why I oppose it. Iraq, America is any closer to winning take the important first step in show- Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, pursuant the war on terror. I come to this con- ing the President that we support our to section 2 of House Resolution 157, I clusion as a result of consultations troops, but do not support his plan to demand an additional hour of debate on with our military leaders, our dip- invest more American lives to mediate the concurrent resolution. lomats, and those in the White House a civil war. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. responsible for executing the Presi- Make no mistake, this vote is bind- BOUCHER). Thirty minutes of debate dent’s policies. I come to this conclu- ing, as it binds me and my colleagues will be added on the concurrent resolu- sion from talking to our men and to our constituents by forcing us to tion to each side. women in uniform who have served take a stand. HOUR OF MEETING ON TOMORROW with distinction. Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I ask Democracy can only happen when a minutes to the gentlewoman from Illi- unanimous consent that when the people want it. We have seen time and nois (Mrs. BIGGERT). House adjourns on this legislative day, again that a people who yearn for de- Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I thank it adjourn to meet at 8 a.m. tomorrow. mocracy will break the yoke of tyr- the gentleman for yielding me the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there anny and liberate themselves from time. objection to the request of the gen- their oppressors. America has invested Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposi- tleman from Maryland? lives of over 3,000 of its best young men tion to this nonbinding resolution. I

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1726 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 cannot support it for it neither sup- We urged the creation of a bipartisan Iraq because it is clear to them that ports our troops nor offers an alter- Iraqi Study Group comprised of our the administration’s course is not native plan. It is symbolic, it is par- country’s most distinguished and sea- working. tisan, it is cynical, and it is meaning- soned experts and asked their advice. That is not to say there has not been less. Among the key items they supported some success. Our troops have per- The leadership of this body is taking was a temporary surge in troop formed bravely and succeeded in their the easy route: criticize the other guy’s strength if called for by the com- mission to end Saddam Hussein’s bru- plan but don’t offer your own. Call up manders on the ground. ‘‘As Baghdad tal regime. The Iraqi people exercised your own nonbinding resolution, but goes, so goes Iraq,’’ they pointed out. their new-found right to vote, and don’t allow votes on resolutions that These are all steps in the right direc- those who murdered innocent Iraqis actually have substance. Position tion. But what would approving this have been given fair trials and justice yourselves for the next elections but resolution signal to the world? That we has been served. not for the next wave of terrorism at- tell the Iraqi people to take the tough But since the initial military vic- tacks. Win the White House, but lose steps, but then we deny them the sup- tory, political, diplomatic, and eco- the war on terror. port they need to do so? That we urge nomic failure has become widespread. There is no doubt that the voters the creation of a bipartisan commis- Today, sectarian violence is at an all- spoke in the last election. They are not sion to give us guidance and then re- time high, and American troops are happy with the war. Few, if any of us, ject its advice? That we unanimously now caught in the middle of a civil are satisfied with the progress made in confirm a new general on the ground war. Iraq. I know I am not. Neither are my and then we deny him his plan? That Now the administration is engaging constituents. Their patience and that we support our troops, but not their re- in a military escalation of the war. of all Americans has run thin. placements? They tried this strategy before and it For too long we pursued an open- These are not the messages that I didn’t work. It didn’t work because we ended commitment without well-de- want to send. We owe it to our troops need more than a military strategy. We fined goals and clear benchmarks for and to those who have given their lives need political and economic solutions success. We also pursued a strategy to give the Iraqis one last chance to too. We need a strategy that employs that placed too heavy a burden on our show that they are willing to fight for all of the elements of national power to troops and too light an expectation of and take responsibility for the future ultimately put the Iraqis in charge of the Iraqi Government. But I want to of their own country. But we have to their own security and stability. remind my colleagues that the voters exercise our constitutional powers and So far a military strategy has not will speak again if we don’t get this hold them to it, and we have to stop solved the problems we have in Iraq. So right. And I say ‘‘we’’ because it is all signaling that the best Congress can far a military strategy has not brought of us. If we don’t put aside the partisan offer is a big, nonbinding ‘‘no’’ to some- Sunnis and Shiites together to main- positioning and work together for the one else’s plan. tain a unified government and a peace- good of this country, we all will lose So today I am cosponsoring legisla- ful political environment. We know more than just our seats in this body. tion, H.R. 1062, that will do just that: that a military strategy alone cannot It is not enough to point the finger hold the administration, and the Iraqi create commerce and jobs for the Iraqi and say that the President is wrong, Government, accountable in achieving people. A military strategy alone can- and wait for the returns to come in. It clear benchmarks. It requires the not rebuild the basic infrastructure is not enough to disapprove and criti- President to report to Congress every that has been destroyed over the past 4 cize and say It is not my job. He is the 30 days on the extent to which the gov- years. A military strategy must be Commander in Chief. And it is not ernment of Iraq is moving forward on combined with sufficient political, dip- enough to turn around and through more than a dozen fronts, from troop lomatic, and economic components. this resolution say you support troops training and security to rebuilding, But that is not happening here. that have been or are serving in Iraq, reconciliation, international coopera- I disagree with many of my col- but not those who may go in as re- tion, and enforcing the rule of law. It leagues in this Chamber who support placements, rotations, or as part of the also requires progress reports on the the immediate withdrawal of U.S. new temporary deployment. This is implementation of strategies that will troops. We have heard from too many why we should be using this oppor- prevent Iraqi territory from becoming generals, including those who have spo- tunity, not to take a symbolic vote of a safe haven for terrorist activities. ken out against this escalation, about no confidence in our Commander in Most significantly, H.R. 1062 exer- the dangers of even more violence and Chief, but to discuss real options for cises the full constitutional powers of instability in the Middle East if we the way forward in Iraq. this body, not through a symbolic ex- simply withdraw. I do believe Amer- Mr. Speaker, I have been there sev- pression of discontent, but through vig- ican troops have a role in Iraq, a sup- eral times. I have been to the red zone, orous oversight and true account- porting role. They should continue to visited the convention center where ability. train Iraqi soldiers, and their mission the Iraqi Parliament meets, and was I urge my colleagues to support H.R. must ultimately be to put the Iraqis in there as Prime Minister Maliki pre- 1062 and reject the resolution before us. charge of their own security and sta- sented his reconciliation plan. I met Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, it is my bility. But let me be clear: American with our military commanders. I have privilege to yield 5 minutes to a breath troops have no place in the middle of a listened to our soldiers who patrol the of fresh air from Arizona, my good civil war. streets in Baghdad, and I have talked friend Mr. HARRY MITCHELL. This resolution reaffirms this body’s with democratically elected Iraqi lead- Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. Speaker, I think support for the men and women of the ers about their hopes for the future. it is safe to say that regardless of any United States military. Many of our The one thing that was very clear to differences of opinion over military troops have given their lives or suf- me is that only the Iraqi Government strategy in Iraq, we all agree that the fered serious injury so that one day the can take the tough steps that will outcome in Iraq will affect our na- people of Iraq may enjoy the same free- achieve reconciliation and an end to tional security and the security and doms we have here in the United sectarian violence. stability of the Middle East for genera- States. Their service and their sac- So now Prime Minister Maliki has tions to come. rifice make me even more proud to be stepped forward and asked our Presi- I was not a Member of this distin- an American. dent for specific assistance in securing guished body in October of 2002 when I hope and pray that we can have all Baghdad. In response, President Bush’s many of my colleagues were faced with of our brave men and women in Iraq commanders have drawn up a plan. The the decision of whether to authorize and Afghanistan return safely to their President proposed a new commander the President to go to war in Iraq. But families. But while they are in harm’s on the ground, General Petraeus, who 4 years later, I was elected by the peo- way, we must honor their service by was confirmed by the other body in a ple of my district who asked me and ensuring that the burden of success or bipartisan, unanimous vote of 81–0. this Congress to set a new course in failure is not left to them alone. We

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1727 have a responsibility to utilize every ture, it is important to remember that President’s plan to send 21,000 addi- political, diplomatic, and economic the war in Iraq was the first applica- tional troops to Iraq to referee a grow- tool at our disposal to ensure success tion of the Bush Doctrine. This policy ing civil war. I do not agree with this in Iraq. was unveiled by the President in his escalation. I urge all my colleagues to Mr. SAXTON. Madam Speaker, I commencement speech at West Point join in calling on the President to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from in June 2002 and made policy a few change course in Iraq Texas (Mr. SMITH). months later in the administration’s Mr. HUNTER. Madam Speaker, I Mr. SMITH of Texas. Madam Speak- 2002 National Security Strategy. would yield 3 minutes to the gentlelady er, first of all, I want to thank my The administration’s doctrine from Colorado (Mrs. MUSGRAVE). friend and colleague from New Jersey stressed preemptive attack, U.S. mili- Mrs. MUSGRAVE. I thank the gen- for yielding me time. tary superiority, and U.S. unilateral tleman for yielding time. Madam Speaker, this nonbinding res- action. This flawed policy has proven Madam Speaker, I rise today in olution is really a nonsensical political to be disastrous. It has destabilized strong opposition to this nonbinding statement. It would deprive our troops Iraq, and threatens to undermine the resolution. This is not even an honest of the reinforcements they desperately stability of the entire region. It blinded debate that we are holding here; we need. Let us trust their judgment and the administration to the Pandora’s didn’t have an open rule. This is the give them the reinforcements they box it was opening when it invaded wrong resolution; it sends the wrong want. Iraq in search of weapons of mass de- message to our troops, to our enemies How would you feel if you were an struction that did not exist and 9/11 and to our allies. American soldier in Iraq and Congress terrorists that were not there. Today, like many Members of Con- passed this resolution? It is like telling Far from strengthening U.S. secu- gress do on a regular basis, I visited you to fight with one arm behind your rity, this misguided doctrine has put Walter Reed. While I was there today, back, and that is no way to defeat a our Nation’s vital interests at greater I visited with a young man from my terrorist. risk. The elevation of unilateralism district. He had severe injuries. As I It is our responsibility to assist our has helped erode our Nation’s standing sat and talked to him, his empty eye troops, not discourage them by ignor- in the world. The released NIE Esti- socket teared. He had damage to his ing their needs. This political resolu- mate for Iraq underscores just how face. He had horrific damage to his arm tion shortchanges our generals and flawed the administration’s doctrine that he used to protect his face. He was their troops. Instead, we should sup- has been. Among the key judgment, I in a Humvee when an IED exploded, port those who are sacrificing their quote, ‘‘Iraqi society’s growing polar- and he actually turned the Humvee to- lives to protect ours. ization, the persistent weakening of wards the IED to protect the other men the security forces and of the state in in the Humvee. His sacrifice is incred- 1800 b general.’’ And again I quote, ‘‘Extrem- ible. Our men and women in uniform de- ists continue to act as a very effective I talked to another young man from sire only to serve their country with accelerator for what has become a self- Pennsylvania who had been on three honor. Rather than deny them what sustaining intersectarian struggle be- tours in Iraq, and on his third tour, they want, we should give them the re- tween Shia and Sunnis.’’ And now I while training, he lost his hand. sources they deserve. quote again. ‘‘The Intelligence Commu- I also spoke to a young man from Unfortunately, many terrorists hate nity judges that the term ‘civil war’ Texas, only 20 years old; and this our country, our citizens, our freedoms does not adequately capture the com- young man had severe injuries, specifi- and our way of life. The global war on plexity of the conflict in Iraq.’’ cally to his arm. terror is fierce; this is no time to ap- The judgments of the National Intel- So we all know that the cost of war pear weak. London, Moscow, Madrid ligence Estimate reinforce the view is very high. Many of us Members of and six other cities around the world that a military solution in Iraq is not Congress have also attended funerals have suffered terrorist attacks since 9/ possible. The administration has at- and wept with mothers and fathers, 11, but there is a reason no terrorist at- tempted troop surges in the past. They families. People in my age group look tack has occurred in America since haven’t worked. Adding another 21,000 at these young soldiers and they are 2001. It is not because some would sec- American troops will not put an end to the age of our kids. It touches our ond-guess our military; it is because violence and instability in Iraq. The hearts, and we know the sacrifices that our troops want to win, and we should only chance to do that is for Iraq’s are made are incredible. These people give them that opportunity. leaders and factions to come together need to feel the gratitude from the en- and begin the difficult process of polit- Madam Speaker, I urge my col- tire Nation, gratitude and respect. And ical compromise and reconciliation. leagues to oppose this resolution and I believe that this resolution, again, I believe that announcing the orderly send the troops this message: We are redeployment of U.S. forces is the best sends the wrong message. here to help you. What is not being considered ade- way to put pressure on the factions in Mr. REYES. Madam Speaker, it is quately in this country is the cost of Iraq to come together and make these now my privilege to yield 5 minutes to failure in Iraq. When we think about difficult choices. the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. This resolution is straightforward. It our enemies being emboldened, when LEVIN). states clearly and unambiguously that we think about the vast resources that (Mr. LEVIN asked and was given per- Congress does not support the Presi- our enemies will have access to acquire mission to revise and extend his re- dent’s plan. It supports our military biological and nuclear weapons, the marks.) personnel but not a further military es- horrific effects are just almost im- Mr. LEVIN. Madam Speaker, I rise in calation. measurable. strong support of this resolution before Some have said it is not serious be- As I think about this cost of failure the House. cause it is nonbinding. Others have in Iraq, and indeed, on the global war We need to send a clear bipartisan said the resolution emboldens our en- on terror, I think about how we Ameri- message to the White House. There is emies and hurts the troops. How does it cans make an assumption. We assume, little support in this Congress for deep- embolden our enemies or hurt the most of us, when we go to bed at night ening our open-ended military commit- troops for this Congress to disapprove that when we wake up, tomorrow is ment in Iraq by sending an additional continuing a strategy that is not work- going to be like today, that things are 21,000 troops into this conflict. ing? going to go on like they have gone on The debate we are having today is The resolution we are debating today and we will have the liberties and the about the future of our Nation’s policy is nonbinding, but is not noncon- freedoms that we enjoy. But I would in Iraq, so my main focus will not be to sequential. I hope the administration say this wonderful thing that we have catalog the litany of the administra- will hear the clear bipartisan message in the United States of America, these tion’s past grave mistakes and we are sending and change course. freedoms and liberties, are very fragile. misstatements over the last 4 years. At The question today before the House They are very fragile when we face rad- the same time, as a lesson for the fu- is whether or not we agree with the ical jihadists that would murder us,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1728 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 thinking that it will take them We need to pursue it vigorously, anything about how democracy works. straight to paradise. unwaveringly, and urgently. The fact is that peace is patriotic. Dis- We have to fight this war on terror. On behalf of the Americans who pur- senting from an ill-fated policy of the We have to win in Iraq. I talked to a re- posefully misled repeatedly, including President is the right thing to do. In- tired general yesterday, and I believe the administration as related to these deed, it is our obligation. he said it all. He said, ‘‘You’re down weapons of mass destruction where So please continue to stand up for there debating, aren’t you? You’re none existed, on behalf of the people peace and never forget that peace is talking about the united-we-quit reso- who claim falsely of the collusion be- the answer, and peace is going to pre- lution.’’ I believe that we have a tween 9/11 and Saddam Hussein where vail. choice: United we stand or united we none existed, on behalf of the people Mr. HUNTER. Madam Speaker, I quit, and our choice will echo down the who said that regime change would be yield myself 2 minutes just to give halls of history. welcomed with flowers instead of IEDs, some information that my great friend, Mr. REYES. Madam Speaker, now it I say stop the deception, start telling the gentleman from Texas (Mr. REYES), is my privilege to yield 6 minutes to the truth. commented on. the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. On behalf of the people who say that I made a comment a few minutes ago ELLISON). the Iraqi oil revenues would pay for that I had understood that the Demo- Mr. ELLISON. Madam Speaker, this war instead of draining the Amer- crat leadership or a member of that make no mistake about it, the change ican Treasury of over $400 billion, I say leadership had stated that they would that took place in this body over the stop the deception, start telling the use DOD management policies to cut course of November 7 is directly re- truth. off the sending of either reinforce- lated to this war in Iraq. And the pres- On behalf of those Americans who ments or supplies to the warfighting ence of a number of people who are told us, repeatedly, facts which got us theater and that I would oppose that here now is directly related to the will into this war in the first place, and very strongly. of the American people to end this war, which they are trying to sustain us in My friend Mr. REYES expressed doubt which never should have been started. this war now, I say stop the deception. that that had happened. He said he had The fact is, the strategy to escalate Stop the killing. Stop the carnage. not heard about it. the troops is not new, it has been tried Support our troops, do not support this I just wanted to inform him I have at least four other times. It won’t work escalation. Send a clear signal to the the Reuters report here, and it quotes this time, it didn’t work those times. President that this is the wrong way to our colleague Mr. MURTHA: ‘‘A leading The thing to do now is to engage dip- go. congressional opponent of the war in lomatically and politically. That is For 6 years now, while the deception Iraq on Thursday said his plans for what this situation calls for and that is has deepened, we were told to shut up, placing conditions on how President the only thing that will bring success bite your tongues, you are not as patri- George W. Bush can spend $93.4 billion in this conflict at this time. otic as me, you don’t love America as in new combat funds would effectively Support the troops? Of course. Of much as I do. None of that is true. We stop an American troop buildup.’’ This course, support the troops. Always we have to stop this polarizing language is quoting Mr. MURTHA. support the troops. But there comes a and really focus on the best way out of Mr. MURTHA says: ‘‘They won’t be time when you cannot get the success this. able to continue. They won’t be able to that you seek at the barrel of a gun, Even people who support the esca- do the deployment. They won’t have you have to talk it out, you have to en- lation can’t claim that we are going to the equipment, they don’t have the gage diplomatically, you have to en- be in Iraq forever. What is your plan training, and they won’t be able to do gage politically. There is no substitute for eventually getting out of this the work. There’s no question in my for that. thing? We say let’s start the with- mind.’’ Support the troops, but bring them drawal now, let’s start the diplomatic That is the statement upon which I home. Support the troops, redeploy solution now, let’s start the political based my remarks a few minutes ago. them, and allow the Iraqi people to solution now. It appears that statement has been seize and protect their country at this I want to say, on behalf of those who made. time. really thirst for peace, who believe Mr. REYES. Madam Speaker, will I carry a message here today on be- that peace really is the answer, that we the gentleman yield? half of people like Phil Steger and the need to look at the words of Martin Lu- Mr. HUNTER. I yield to the gen- Friends For a Nonviolent World, on be- ther King, Jr., when he spoke out tleman from Texas. half of Chapter 27 of Veterans For against the Vietnam War. He said, Mr. REYES. Did I hear you say that Peace, on behalf of every patriot who ‘‘There comes a time when silence is you spoke with Mr. MURTHA? stands for peace, in the frigid cold, betrayal.’’ And so it is. Mr. HUNTER. What is my friend’s every Wednesday night on Lake Street And so, in keeping in line with the statement? Bridge in Minneapolis. legacy of Dr. King, I want to talk Mr. REYES. I would just say that On behalf of the 3,100 Americans about peace today. To those people who many times, my good friend and I have killed, including Minnesotans, I carry believe in the principles of peace and discussed not to quote members of the that message. On behalf of 24,000 that peaceful dissent that guided Dr. media because most of the time they scarred and wounded young Americans, King, those people should know that get it wrong. So I would wait until we including 372 Minnesotans, I carry the for you to raise your voice on behalf of talk to Mr. MURTHA. message. On behalf of the families and peace is a patriotic act, it is a good Mr. HUNTER. Let me just say to my the loved ones of the damaged and de- thing. friend that I hope that this is a mis- ceased, I carry the message that the quote; but, certainly, there was a press American soldier has done what has b 1815 conference, and these are the quotes been asked, and it is time for politi- To those people who say they believe that are reported in the transcript by cians to step forward and do their job, in peace and believe peace is the right the press. So let us hope that that is which is to seek a political and diplo- way to go, let me wrap up my remarks not accurate. If it is not accurate, I matic solution to this conflict, some- by just reminding you that Marine will be very happy. If it is accurate, thing that this latest escalation cannot General Peter Pace, somebody who that will receive enormous opposition do. knows a little bit about warfare, Chair- from this Member of Congress. On behalf of the $8 billion we send to man of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, just Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to Iraq each month, hard-working Amer- last week said, There is no doubt in my the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. ican tax dollars that could be used to mind that the dialogue here in Wash- WHITFIELD). enrich the lives of the 86,000 uninsured ington strengthens our democracy, pe- Mr. WHITFIELD. Madam Speaker, I children of Minnesota, or for nearly the riod. He added, Potential enemies of believe that the American people wel- 700,000 Minnesota Medicare patients, I the United States, they may take com- come this debate on Iraq, certainly one carry the message that we need peace. fort in rancor, but they do not know of the most important issues facing the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1729 American people, and I believe we will ficient to solve Iraq’s problems, is cer- nessed the diminishment of America’s all benefit from open, constructive, and tainly necessary, and that is why addi- credibility around the world because of sincere debate. tional U.S. and Iraqi forces are needed the Iraq war. It goes without saying that no one in Baghdad. They do have a role. We have heard the President and the Member of Congress or political party General Petraeus and our military Vice President talk about victory and has a clear-cut solution to the complex have been asked to implement this ad- insurgency in its last throes. problems our Nation faces in Iraq. ditional security. He was confirmed to We have learned of manipulated in- I expect that every Member of Con- do this, as I said, just 20 days ago. Are telligence and endured a no-oversight gress will share their thoughts on we going to turn our backs and aban- Congress. whether we should approve or dis- don General Petraeus and his soldiers Preemptive war, unilateralism, inva- approve this 100-word resolution; and this early? Are we going to say ‘‘no’’ sion, occupation, no post-war plan, an like every other Member of Congress, I without an adequate opportunity for insurgency born of our blunders, and offer and convey my respect, gratitude the new strategy to work? arrogance instead of reality. and thanks for the exemplary service In truth, no one can predict the im- Meanwhile, military experts, Gen- and heart-rendering sacrifice made by pact of a failed Iraqi state on regional erals Abizaid, Odom, Powell, and dis- our young men and women in the mili- stability, the international economy, tinguished civilian leaders have called tary. As so many have said, they have the global war on terror, American se- for change, a new strategy, and the ur- performed in an exemplary way, and curity, stability in the Middle East and gency of diplomatic and political en- they have accomplished every task we the lives of the Iraqi people. Twenty gagement, all to no avail. have asked them to do. days is simply not enough time. One of the central findings of the re- I have had the great privilege of rep- I would also like to remind the Mem- cent NIE, the National Intelligence Es- resenting Ft. Campbell, home of the bers that on page 23 of the Iraq Study timate, highlighted the lack of effec- 101st Airborne Division and the 5th Group it says quite clearly, ‘‘We could tive Iraqi leadership as a main compo- Special Forces group who have served support a short-term redeployment or nent driving sectarian and communal many times in Iraq. surge of American combat forces to violence. Throughout this debate many speak- stabilize Baghdad,’’ and that is what The bipartisan Iraq Study Group, ap- ers have quoted generals and other ex- we are trying to do. pointed by the President, reported the perts who have disagreed emphatically In my view, it is premature to vote utter urgency of action by the adminis- with many aspects of the military deci- ‘‘yes’’ on this resolution, only 20 days tration. sions and strategic decisions about after confirming a new general to go to Retired General William Odom, Iraq. We know there have been and Iraq to provide additional security in former director of the National Secu- continue to be strong disagreements Baghdad so that the Iraqi Government rity Agency under President Reagan among those who have been intimately will have a reasonable opportunity to and member of the National Security involved in this issue. Council under President Carter, wrote We have as a Nation endured so succeed an op-ed in the Washington Post on much. As has been said, over 3,000 Mr. REYES. Madam Speaker, now it is my privilege to yield 51⁄2 minutes to February 11. American soldiers have died, and 23,417 I would ask that it be made part of have been wounded during the past 4 the gentlewoman from California (Ms. the RECORD years in Iraq. ESHOO), a member of the Intelligence While I understand the arguments of Committee. [From the Washington Post, Feb. 11, 2007] those who support this resolution, I Ms. ESHOO. Madam Speaker, I thank VICTORY IS NOT AN OPTION would like to briefly explain why I be- my colleague for yielding to me, the THE MISSION CAN’T BE ACCOMPLISHED—IT’S lieve we should vote against this reso- distinguished chairman of the House TIME FOR A NEW STRATEGY lution. Intelligence Committee. (By William E. Odom) Neither President Bush, Speaker Madam Speaker, it has been a long The new National Intelligence Estimate on PELOSI or any Member of Congress will and painful 4-year journey for the peo- Iraq starkly delineates the gulf that sepa- have as much opportunity to maximize ple of our country since this adminis- rates President Bush’s illusions from the re- the possibility of success in Iraq as our tration acted preemptively and unilat- alities of the war. Victory, as the president sees it, requires a stable liberal democracy new military commander in Iraq, Gen- erally to invade and occupy Iraq, poli- cies which I believe then and I still be- in Iraq that is pro-American. The NIE de- eral David Petraeus. He is responsible, scribes a war that has no chance of pro- with the men and women serving, for lieve today would not and could not ducing that result. In this critical respect, implementing the increased security stand because they simply are not in the NIE, the consensus judgment of all the for Baghdad. He was confirmed for this our national character. U.S. intelligence agencies, is a declaration of new responsibility by a vote of 81–0 in We were told Saddam Hussein had defeat. the U.S. Senate on January 26, 2007, a weapons of mass destruction. None Its gloomy implications—hedged, as intel- mere 20 days ago. were found. ligence agencies prefer, in rubbery language At his confirmation hearing, among We were told there was yellow cake. that cannot soften its impact—put the intel- It was a falsehood. ligence community and the American public other statements, General Petraeus on the same page. The public awakened to said, ‘‘Some of the members of this We were told that there were trailers the reality of failure in Iraq last year and committee have observed that there is containing the evidence of deadly turned the Republicans out of control of no military solution to the problem of chemicals. Congress to wake it up. But a majority of its Iraq.’’ And he said, ‘‘They are correct.’’ We were told the mission was accom- members are still asleep, or only half-awake Ultimate success in Iraq will be de- plished. to their new writ to end the war soon. termined by actions in the Iraqi polit- We endured national and inter- Perhaps this is not surprising. Americans ical and economic arenas on central national shame when the horrific pic- do not warm to defeat or failure, and our issues as governance, the amount of tures depicting Abu Ghraib appeared. politicians are famously reluctant to admit We learned that our troops were not their own responsibility for anything resem- power devolved to the provinces, the bling those un-American outcomes. So they distribution of oil revenue, national sufficiently equipped. beat around the bush, wringing hands and de- reconciliation, and resolution of sec- We mourned with our constituents as bating ‘‘nonbinding resolutions’’ that oppose tarian differences. the death toll of American troops the president’s plan to increase the number And then he went on to say, and this mounted and continued to mount. Just of U.S. troops in Iraq. is key, It is, however, exceedingly dif- think, 137 casualties in November of For the moment, the collision of the ficult for the Iraqi Government to 2004, then the deadliest month overall. public’s clarity of mind, the president’s re- come to grips with the tough issues it Today, over 3,000 precious U.S. lives lentless pursuit of defeat and Congress’s anx- have been lost, with thousands maimed iety has paralyzed us. We may be doomed to must resolve while mere survival is the two more years of chasing the mirage of de- primary concern of so many in Iraq’s and injured and God knows how many mocracy in Iraq and possibly widening the capital. innocent Iraqi lives lost. war to Iran. But this is not inevitable. A For this reason, military action to We witnessed the world community’s Congress, or a president, prepared to quit the improve security, while not wholly suf- total support on 9/11, and we have wit- game of ‘‘who gets the blame’’ could begin to

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1730 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 alter American strategy in ways that will another absurd notion. One of the president’s gion. Spreading democracy, using sticks to vastly improve the prospects of a more sta- initial war aims, the creation of a democracy try to prevent nuclear proliferation, threat- ble Middle East. in Iraq, ensured increased Iranian influence, ening ‘‘regime change,’’ using the hysterical No task is more important to the well- both in Iraq and the region. Electoral democ- rhetoric of the ‘‘global war on terrorism’’— being of the United States. We face great racy, predictably, would put Shiite groups in all undermine the stability we so desperately peril in that troubled region, and improving power—groups supported by Iran since Sad- need in the Middle East. our prospects will be difficult. First of all, it dam Hussein repressed them in 1991. Why are Fourth, we must redefine our purpose. It will require, from Congress at least, public so many members of Congress swallowing must be a stable region, not primarily a acknowledgment that the president’s policy the claim that prolonging the war is now democratic Iraq. We must redirect our mili- is based on illusions, not realities. There supposed to prevent precisely what starting tary operations so they enhance rather than never has been any right way to invade and the war inexorably and predictably caused? undermine stability. We can write off the transform Iraq. Most Americans need no fur- Fear that Congress will confront this con- war as a ‘‘tactical draw’’ and make ‘‘regional ther convincing, but two truths ought to put tradiction helps explain the administration stability’’ our measure of ‘‘victory.’’ That the matter beyond question: and neocon drumbeat we now hear for ex- single step would dramatically realign the First, the assumption that the United panding the war to Iran. opposing forces in the region, where most States could create a liberal, constitutional Here we see shades of the Nixon-Kissinger states want stability. Even many in the democracy in Iraq defies just about every- strategy in Vietnam: widen the war into angry mobs of young Arabs shouting profani- thing known by professional students of the Cambodia and Laos. Only this time, the ad- ties against the United States want predict- topic. Of the more than 40 democracies cre- verse consequences would be far greater. able order, albeit on better social and eco- ated since World War II, fewer than 10 can be Iran’s ability to hurt U.S. forces in Iraq are nomic terms than they now have. considered truly ‘‘constitutional’’—meaning not trivial. And the anti-American backlash Realigning our diplomacy and military ca- that their domestic order is protected by a in the region would be larger, and have more pabilities to achieve order will hugely reduce broadly accepted rule of law, and has sur- lasting consequences. the numbers of our enemies and gain us new vived for at least a generation. None is a (3) We must prevent the emergence of a and important allies. This cannot happen, country with Arabic and Muslim political new haven for al-Qaeda in Iraq. But it was however, until our forces are moving out of cultures. None has deep sectarian and ethnic the U.S. invasion that opened Iraq’s doors to Iraq. Why should Iran negotiate to relieve fissures like those in Iraq. al-Qaeda. The longer U.S. forces have re- our pain as long as we are increasing its in- Strangely, American political scientists mained there, the stronger al-Qaeda has be- fluence in Iraq and beyond? Withdrawal will whose business it is to know these things come. Yet its strength within the Kurdish awaken most leaders in the region to their have been irresponsibly quiet. In the lead-up and Shiite areas is trivial. After a U.S. with- own need for U.S.-led diplomacy to stabilize to the March 2003 invasion, neoconservative drawal, it will probably play a continuing their neighborhood. agitators shouted insults at anyone who If Bush truly wanted to rescue something role in helping the Sunni groups against the dared to mention the many findings of aca- of his historical legacy, he would seize the Shiites and the Kurds. Whether such foreign demic research on how democracies evolve. initiative to implement this kind of strat- elements could remain or thrive in Iraq after They also ignored our own struggles over egy. He would eventually be held up as a the resolution of civil war is open to ques- two centuries to create the democracy Amer- leader capable of reversing direction by turn- tion. Meanwhile, continuing the war will not icans enjoy today. Somehow Iraqis are now ing an imminent, tragic defeat into strategic push al-Qaeda outside Iraq. On the contrary, expected to create a constitutional order in recovery. a country with no conditions favoring it. the American presence is the glue that holds If he stays on his present course, he will This is not to say that Arabs cannot be- al-Qaeda there now. leave Congress the opportunity to earn the come liberal democrats. When they immi- (4) We must continue to fight in order to credit for such a turnaround. It is already grate to the United States, many do so ‘‘support the troops. ‘‘This argument effec- too late to wait for some presidential can- quickly. But it is to say that Arab countries, tively paralyzes almost all members of Con- didate for 2008 to retrieve the situation. If as well as a large majority of all countries, gress. Lawmakers proclaim in grave tones a Congress cannot act, it, too, will live in in- find creating a stable constitutional democ- litany of problems in Iraq sufficient to jus- famy. racy beyond their capacities. tify a rapid pullout. Then they reject that logical conclusion, insisting we cannot do so He identified the shortcomings of the Second, to expect any Iraqi leader who can administration’s Iraq policy and pre- hold his country together to be pro-Amer- because we must support the troops. Has ican, or to share American goals, is to aban- anybody asked the troops? sented some of the clearest and most don common sense. It took the United States During their first tours, most may well prescient thinking on the issue to date. more than a century to get over its hostility have favored ‘‘staying the course’’—whatever He places in stark relief what many toward British occupation. (In 1914, a major- that meant to them—but now in their sec- of our colleagues refuse to accept, that ity of the public favored supporting Germany ond, third and fourth tours, many are chang- the preemptive, unilateral course set against Britain.) Every month of the U.S. oc- ing their minds. We see evidence of that in by the President is not a strategy for cupation, polls have recorded Iraqis’ rising the many news stories about unhappy troops success in Iraq. animosity toward the United States. Even being sent back to Iraq. Veterans groups are beginning to make public the case for bring- He says: ‘‘The first and most critical supporters of an American military presence step is to recognize that fighting on say that it is acceptable temporarily and ing them home. Soldiers and officers in Iraq only to prevent either of the warring sides in are speaking out critically to reporters on now simply prolongs our losses and Iraq from winning. Today the Iraqi govern- the ground. blocks the way to a new strategy. Get- ment survives only because its senior mem- But the strangest aspect of this rationale ting out of Iraq is the precondition for bers and their families live within the heav- for continuing the war is the implication creating new strategic options. With- ily guarded Green Zone, which houses the that the troops are somehow responsible for drawal will take away the conditions U.S. Embassy and military command. deciding to continue the president’s course. that allow our enemies in the region to As Congress awakens to these realities— That political and moral responsibility be- longs to the president, not the troops. Did enjoy our pain. and a few members have bravely pointed ‘‘Second,’’ he says, ‘‘we must recog- them out—will it act on them? Not nec- not President Harry S. Truman make it essarily. Too many lawmakers have fallen clear that ‘‘the buck stops’’ in the Oval Of- nize that the United States alone can- for the myths that are invoked to try to sell fice? If the president keeps dodging it, where not stabilize the Middle East. the president’s new war aims. Let us con- does it stop? With Congress? ‘‘Third, we must acknowledge that sider the most pernicious of them. Embracing the four myths gives Congress most of our policies are actually desta- (1) We must continue the war to prevent excuses not to exercise its power of the purse bilizing the region. Spreading democ- the terrible aftermath that will occur if our to end the war and open the way for a strat- racy, using sticks to try to prevent nu- forces are withdrawn soon. Reflect on the egy that might actually bear fruit. clear proliferation, threatening ‘regime The first and most critical step is to recog- double-think of this formulation. We are now change,’ using the hysterical rhetoric fighting to prevent what our invasion made nize that fighting on now simply prolongs inevitable! Undoubtedly we will leave a our losses and blocks the way to a new strat- of the ‘global war on terrorism’ all un- mess—the mess we created, which has be- egy. Getting out of Iraq is the pre-condition dermine the stability we so desperately come worse each year we have remained. for creating new strategic options. With- need in the Middle East. Lawmakers gravely proclaim their opposi- drawal will take away the conditions that ‘‘Fourth, we must redefine our pur- tion to the war, but in the next breath ex- allow our enemies in the region to enjoy our pose. It must be a stable region, not press fear that quitting it will leave a blood pain. It will awaken those European states primarily a democratic Iraq. We must bath, a civil war, a terrorist haven, a ‘‘failed reluctant to collaborate with us in Iraq and redirect our military operations so state,’’ or some other horror. But this ‘‘after- the region. they enhance rather than undermine math’’ is already upon us; a prolonged U.S. Second, we must recognize that the United occupation cannot prevent what already ex- States alone cannot stabilize the Middle stability.’’ ists. East. So many experts, so many respected (2) We must continue the war to prevent Third, we must acknowledge that most of leaders, so many voices of patriots, and Iran’s influence from growing in Iraq. This is our policies are actually destabilizing the re- their critical analysis ignored.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1731 Madam Speaker, in the preamble to mind Zarqawi had sought refuge in Many military personnel have served our Constitution, three magnificent Iraq. His network of terror grew rap- two and three tours of duty. It has been words lead the document: ‘‘We, the peo- idly. Bin Laden’s top deputy applauded difficult on their families here at ple.’’ The people of our Nation made his actions and counseled him on home. More than 3,100 of our finest the clearest and most important sol- achieving dominance in the region. Al- sons and daughters have given the ulti- emn judgment on Iraq in last Novem- though Zarqawi himself can no longer mate sacrifice for their country. More ber’s election. They said, in over- do harm, al Qaeda in Iraq remains a than 25,000 troops have been wounded. whelming numbers, to change the di- threat to our security. I do not believe we need new troops rection of this war, to de-escalate, not An American defeat in Iraq would in Iraq. I believe we need a new strat- escalate. embolden the terrorists like no event egy in Iraq. The current strategy is That is exactly what this debate is before, bolstering bin Laden’s view clearly not working. about. We pay tribute to and support that America is weak. Al Qaeda would We have increased the number of our troops who honor our country with enjoy more than just a morale boost; American troops in the past, and it has their service. We say, as the American they would have a new operational not done anything to calm the vio- people have said, enough is enough. I base to plot attacks against Americans lence. In fact, in certain circumstances urge my colleagues to vote for this res- and train new recruits. An American the violence has increased. Even Gen- olution. defeat in Iraq would almost certainly eral Abizaid, commander of U.S. forces bring forth a government that turns a in the Middle East has stated, ‘‘More b 1830 blind eye towards terrorism. This, American forces prevent the Iraqis Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Madam Madam Speaker, would be catastrophic from doing more, from taking more re- Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 min- to our national security. sponsibility for their own future.’’ I utes to the gentleman from California An American defeat in Iraq would completely agree with him. (Mr. HERGER). also generate unspeakable chaos in the I serve on the House Permanent Se- Mr. HERGER. Madam Speaker, I Middle East. The dangerous regime in lect Committee on Intelligence; I have hope we all can recognize the profound Iran is already seeking to capitalize on been to Iraq four times and have met importance of our mission in Iraq. His- what it perceives as our weakness. Iran with America’s top generals, U.S. and tory surely will. The mission in Iraq is well on its way to developing nuclear Iraqi troops, and Iraqi elected officials. will impact our national security for weapons, and its fanatical president We must give the Iraqis more responsi- decades to come. has publicly said that he wishes to de- bility to take control of their own The United States seeks a region of stroy America and Israel. Syria would country. We must cut the apron strings stability and peace to create a more se- also take advantage of a power vacuum and let the Iraqis patrol their own cure world for our children and grand- in Iraq, further destabilizing the Mid- streets. American troops will guard the children. Al Qaeda seeks a region of dle East. What is good for hostile re- perimeter areas and back up the Iraqis terror and bloodshed. gimes like Iran and Syria can be dev- in an emergency. I call this the Perim- The President believes victory in astating for America’s security. eter Plan. Iraq is key to victory on the war on In closing, Iraq is a central front in Redeploying troops to perimeter terror. Al Qaeda believes our defeat in the war on terrorism, and its future areas, the Green Zone, and lowering Iraq is key to its vision of violent Is- will greatly influence our future secu- the profile of American forces will lamic rule. Our security is clearly at rity. An American victory would foster break the dependency the Iraqi mili- stability in a volatile region and pro- risk. tary has on U.S. forces. Americans are frustrated by the cur- vide a resounding defeat for terror. The Iraqis will gain more confidence For these reasons, we must give the rent situation in Iraq. We have wit- in their own ability to secure their own President’s new plan in Iraq a chance nessed the removal of a historic dic- country, and we will begin bringing our to succeed. Our resolve must override tator, yet our men and women in uni- men and women home. our frustrations. Our support for the form remain at risk. We have witnessed It has been said by my friends on the remarkable members of our Armed historic democratic elections, yet other side of the aisle that the Demo- Forces must be unwavering. And our those elected have not yet brought se- crats don’t have a plan. That is not determination in fighting radical curity. We have been told about the true. Other Members of our party have jihadists who want to kill us and our progress we have experienced in train- a plan and I have a plan. In fact, I families must never run dry. Madam ing Iraqi security forces, yet violence shared the Perimeter Plan with the Speaker, that determination must continues to rage. President and members of his Cabinet never run dry With growing uneasiness, we have Mr. REYES. Madam Speaker, it is on two occasions at the White House. I watched a back and forth tug of war my privilege to yield 6 minutes to the also gave a copy of the Perimeter Plan between progress and setback, and we gentleman from Maryland (Mr. to the Iraqi Study Group that reviewed mourn the loss of every single brave RUPPERSBERGER). it before issuing its recommendations American who has fallen during this Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. I thank you, that have been largely ignored by the mission. Chairman REYES, of the Intelligence President. This is not cut and run like Madam Speaker, I share this frustra- Committee. some on the other side of the aisle tion and sorrow. Yet I believe we must Madam Speaker, this resolution be- would like you to believe. It is a way to not allow our frustrations to blind us fore the House today is very clear: Con- force the Iraqis to take more control of to the need for victory over radical gress and the American people support their country, while also allowing the jihadists. This House must work to- our troops who serve bravely in Iraq, U.S. military to do what it does best. gether in addressing the challenges in and Congress disapproves of President We have some of the best operations Iraq, because the outcome will be Bush’s decision to send an additional forces, Marines and Rangers, and the closely linked to our own national se- 20,000 troops to Iraq. best technology in the world. These curity for years to come. There is not a Member of this body forces can focus on backing up the Regrettably, the resolution before us who does not pray for our Nation’s suc- Iraqi military. does nothing to enhance this security. cess in Iraq and in the global war on As Thomas Payne insisted during the It does not offer a solution to the chal- terror. Our brave servicemen and American Revolution: ‘‘We need to let lenges in Iraq. It does not recognize the women have performed in Iraq with those who want independence test their magnitude of the failure. And it does valor and honor. They have done every- will and try their soul.’’ More Amer- not recognize the nature of our en- thing that a grateful Nation has asked ican troops hinder the Iraqi democracy emies. For these reasons I strongly op- of them since the beginning of the war. from testing its soul, and hurt the pose it. Whether you are for or against the world in the global war on terror. More Madam Speaker, we know terrorists war, we must support our troops. This than $400 billion has been spent on this friendly to bin Laden are among the resolution does that. war by American taxpayers with little enemy in Iraq. Even before the fall of The only people sacrificing in this or no oversight by Congress. From the Saddam’s regime, the terrorist master- war are the troops and their families. invasion of Iraq and the start of the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1732 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 war, a Republican House and Repub- bring our sons and daughters home is ideas and suggestions as we fight this lican Senate have given the President to send additional troops for a short war on terror, but we must, we must almost whatever he wanted both in period of time. win this war. money and strategic resources. The Madam Speaker, I oppose this resolu- The third reason, this resolution days of the blank check are over. The tion for three major reasons: opens the door to cutting funds des- stakes are too high to allow this Number one, the impact on troops’ perately needed by our troops. The money and resources to be spent un- morale. Democrats have said it time and time checked. Number two, there are no solutions again. They are talking about cutting In the first 6 weeks of this new Con- today. This resolution sticks with funds for body armor, for food, for mili- gress, the Democrats have held 52 staying the course. tary equipment and supplies. House and Senate hearings on Iraq. We And, number three, I believe this res- This resolution, and their assertion are conducting oversight and holding olution puts us in the pathway of cut- this resolution simultaneously offers the administration accountable. ting off funds desperately needed for support for soldiers but not the Presi- Iraq was not a hotbed for terrorists our troops. dent’s plan, is disingenuous. I am deep- before the war, but it is now. The coun- First, on the morale: I have had the ly concerned that this resolution mere- try has become a magnet for those who honor to be in the Middle East, in ly opens the door for Congress to move want to harm Americans and Iraqis Southeast Asia, in Iraq, Afghanistan, forward cutting off funds for our and disrupt a new democracy. Terror- Pakistan on three occasions, I believe troops. We have heard it this week, and ists have used Iraq against us to re- more times than anyone in our delega- simply had the Democrats allowed the cruit and spread their twisted ideology tion from Nevada. I have looked in the Republicans to add one sentence that worldwide. eyes of these young men and women of we would guarantee we would not re- But the global war on terror is much all ages in the deserts of Iraq, in Be- duce the funds, would have changed the more than Iraq. While we are spending thesda, and in Walter Reed Army Hos- whole outcome of this resolution. much of our precious resources in Iraq, pital. Madam Speaker, I appreciate this op- we are not focused on fighting ter- To a person, morale is at an all-time portunity, but this resolution is a reso- rorism worldwide. We are taking our high. But what I do hear consistently lution of hypocrisy. The American peo- eye off the ball. We must refocus our from these folks is they are afraid that ple spoke in November and said we efforts on other parts of the Middle Washington has looked the other way. must not stay the course. I cannot sup- East, Asia, South America, Africa, and They don’t want to be the last man port this resolution, and I don’t believe other parts of the world. Good intel- killed, and they are afraid the funds the American people do. ligence is the best defense against ter- are going to be reduced and cut off. Mr. REYES. Madam Speaker, it is rorism. This takes resources. We must And, you know, I even disagree with now my honor to yield 5 minutes to the prioritize where we put our money. It Secretary Gates and his perspective, gentlelady from California (Ms. ROY- is not about Republicans or Democrats. and certainly with the Democrats with BAL-ALLARD). It is about all Americans and keeping their approach that this debate does Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Madam this country safe for our children and not send the wrong message. I believe Speaker, I rise to support the resolu- our grandchildren. that you are wrong. It does. tion and to express my opposition to Madam Speaker, this is a critical I received this e-mail just this week the President’s plan to send additional moment in the war in Iraq. More from a soldier I spent Christmas Eve troops to Iraq. While I rise as a Mem- troops will not help Iraq. A new strat- with in Baghdad this past Christmas. ber of this House who opposed author- egy will. And he said, ‘‘Congressman, every day ization of the Iraq war, I also rise as a Democracy is rooted in independence we are burdened with stories in the member of the new Congressional ma- and self-sustainment. By implementing media of the American people wanting jority, representing millions of Ameri- the Perimeter Plan, we encourage the to cut and run, with slanted coverage cans who voted for a new direction in Iraqis to take control of their own of atrocities and the argument that it Iraq, and I rise representing my own country. This strategy will allow us to is possible to support the troops but 34th congressional district of Cali- be successful in Iraq and win the war not the war. I disagree, Congressman. fornia, whose constituents overwhelm- on terror. This is why we must vote for Someone that supports me by exten- ingly oppose this escalation. this resolution. I urge Members to sup- sion supports my efforts to accomplish Perhaps, most importantly, I rise as port it my mission.’’ the proud stepmother of a U.S. Army Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. I am Madam Speaker, I hope this Congress serviceman who served in Iraq, and a pleased to yield 5 minutes to the gen- heeds his words. proud wife of a marine who saw two tleman from Nevada (Mr. PORTER). Another young man from Nevada vis- tours of duty in Vietnam. While I will Mr. PORTER. Madam Speaker, the ited the Capitol last year, wanted a never personally experience war on the Iraq war is the single greatest issue tour of the Capitol, is proud of his uni- ground, I can speak from a wife and facing the American people today, and form, because he was a soldier serving mother’s perspective about what it we must get the job done. Which is why in the Middle East. But he was afraid means to have a loved one sent into I rise today in opposition to H. Con. he would be scorned, not unlike our harm’s way. Res. 63. family and friends that were scorned My prayers go out to Nevada’s 26 when they returned from Vietnam. Over 4 years ago, I spoke from that families who have lost loved ones in Through this resolution we are going very perspective when I, with many of this war and the other over-3,000 Amer- to continue to send the wrong message my colleagues, urged the President to ican citizens that have paid the ulti- to those who humbly protect our Na- exhaust all diplomatic efforts, give the mate sacrifice. I continue to pray for tion. U.N. weapons inspectors a chance to those who are in the war zone today The second reason, there are no solu- finish their job and, if necessary, estab- around the world and for the families tions in this resolution. My father lish a multilateral coalition force to here at home. taught me a long time ago that before confront Saddam before invading Iraq. Yes, a lot of mistakes have been you complain you need to have a solu- These steps would have made it pos- made, but it is easy on Monday morn- tion to the problem. sible to say to my stepson and to all ing to look back and criticize. This war our Nation’s sons and daughters, your on terrorism is not in the textbooks. It b 1845 country did everything in its power to is a war that must continually be reas- The Democrats have not presented keep you from harm’s way. sessed, realigned, and restructured, be- the American people with a solution, Regrettably, the President did not do cause war is not perfect. only a resolution that endorses stay everything in his power to keep them I want to bring the troops home just the course, which, as we saw in Novem- from harm’s way. We know now that as soon as possible, as soon as the re- ber, is unacceptable to the American decisions to invade Iraq were based on, gion is secured. There are no guaran- people. This is not about leadership. at best, faulty intelligence, and, at tees, but I believe the quickest way to This is unacceptable. I am open for worst, intelligence viewed to favor a

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1733 specific policy outcome. It is breath- Armed Forces. We all have constitu- As I listened to SAM JOHNSON today, taking now to consider how incom- ents who have served bravely in Iraq as he recounted the unspeakable dam- plete, simplistic, or just plain wrong and some have paid the ultimate price age antiwar efforts back home did to our intelligence and projections were for this service, and we are forever our soldiers in Vietnam, I wondered about the need to invade Iraq. grateful for that. We are grateful be- whether our brave men and women are It is breathtaking to consider the cause these men and women put our listening to the taunts of America’s en- cost to our Nation of this ill-conceived freedoms and our country before them- emies at this very moment as we de- and mismanaged war in which billions selves. It is this freedom that affords bate not just this resolution but their of dollars have been spent without sig- us the ability to undertake the debate mission. SAM JOHNSON is not alone in nificant and appropriate oversight of on this shallow, shortsighted resolu- questioning the damage to the morale the war effort, the occupation, or the tion. we may be doing to those fighting plan for reconstruction and withdrawal If the purpose of this resolution is forces. from Iraq. Even more tragic is the huge scoring political points and playing po- One of my constituents, a highly price that has been paid in American litical games, then bravo to the Demo- decorated Iraq war veteran, David and Iraqi lives and in our esteem cratic majority, they have succeeded. Bellavia wrote, ‘‘Each day . . . move(s) around the world. But if the purpose of this resolution is us closer to losing a winnable war and I share the commitment of my hus- for a new direction in Iraq that will se- abandoning a worthy ally.’’ band and stepson and that of all Ameri- cure victory and secure the second de- Madam Speaker, for Congress to sup- cans to defend this Nation against all mocracy in the Middle East, then this port this resolution gives encourage- enemies. I believe, even as a peaceful resolution comes up woefully short. ment to the jihadists and cuts the mo- Nation, we must be resolute in our de- I am not prepared to look our sol- rale of our troops. In our global war on termination to defend our country diers and their families in their eyes terror, we cannot show a lack of re- against hostile interests. and say I voted for this resolution, be- solve because, as we know, after dec- But the bar to war must be set high, cause while I support you, I do not sup- ades of attacks by these jihadists on and information on which we base our port your mission. our citizens, the World Trade Center in entry into war or escalate our involve- We debate a resolution this week 1993, our embassies and the USS Cole, ment must be clear, compelling, and as that represents a cavalier attitude we know what a lack of resolve has unfiltered as possible. The President about the mission our troops are car- meant. That lack of resolve hit us all did not, in good faith, make the case to rying out, day in and day out, without when the jihadists attacked us again preemptively and unilaterally go to fear, and without knowing whether on the morning of September 11, 2001. war in Iraq, and he has not made the some in the halls of this Congress still That fateful Tuesday brought devasta- case for this escalation. He has not ex- support them in this war on terror. tion to this country not seen since plained to the American people why, While we debate this resolution, let Pearl Harbor and, God willing, that we after four failed escalations, this one me be clear that, like my constituents, will never experience again. will succeed. Even many of his generals my patience is limited in Iraq. We The skies were thick with smoke, de- and military advisors oppose this plan. must see more progress sooner rather bris piled so high it brought to a stand- To give approval to this administra- than later. We must see the Iraqis play still the city that never sleeps. Just tion, to continue its failed strategy, a larger role and take control of their days after the attacks, I stood at and put into jeopardy the lives of an country. The Iraqis need to recognize Ground Zero amidst the rubble, in an- additional 20,000 troops defies common their failure to take control has con- guish. I knew this was bigger than any sense. sequences, the consequences of ful- political party, bigger than any one Madam Speaker, we will all forever filling bin Laden’s wish to see Iraq be- country. It is a global war on Islamic be grateful to the brave men and come a new central base for terrorists, jihadism, and that war, as the jihadists women in uniform who have done ev- the consequences of destabilizing the have said, is now set in Iraq. erything they have been asked to do Middle East and endangering Israel, The question raised by this resolu- valiantly and courageously. our strongest democratic ally in the tion is, will we yield? As Winston Therefore, I continue to hope that Middle East. Churchill said, reflecting on the dark- the debate over this resolution will be The consequence is of involving our est days of the global war of his time, absent the charges that we undermine enemies like Iran and other rogue one that pitted the hopes of freedom their mission and their morale, for this states to develop weapons of mass de- against the ideology of hatred, ‘‘Never is nonsense. There is not a Member in struction without the fear of repercus- give in—never, never, never, never, in this body that does not respect and sions. Ultimately in Iraq, it is Iraqis nothing great or small, large or petty; honor their service or support their ef- who will decide if democracy or tyr- ‘‘Never yield to force; never yield to forts. Our message is to the Com- anny rule the day, and whether they the apparently overwhelming might of mander in Chief, not the brave troops avoid the consequences of their failure. the enemy.’’ who serve our Nation. But while my patience is limited, and Madam Speaker, in the daunting Four years ago, I asked myself I want to see progress, I will not play challenge of our time, we must not whether we were doing everything in politics with our troops, which is what waver, and we must not yield. our power to keep our Nation’s sons this resolution does. Mr. REYES. Madam Speaker, I yield and daughters out of harm’s way. Four Like Majority Leader HOYER said myself 6 minutes. years later, I stand here to oppose this yesterday, no one should hide behind I rise to express my strong support escalation and ask that we begin the the troops. I agree, but equally impor- for our Nation’s military and for the process of doing everything in our tant, Members of this body should not resolution before the House today. I am power to take our sons and daughters be hiding behind this resolution if their a proud veteran. I know what it is like out of harm’s way and bring them safe- true aim is to cut off funding for our to say good-bye to loved ones and be ly home troops. Because while this resolution gone for a year, or 13 months, as in my Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Madam will indeed score a few political points case when I served in Vietnam. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 51⁄2 min- for some debating in this Chamber I voted against authorizing the use of utes to my colleague from New York today, this resolution also sends a mes- force against Iraq because I did not be- (Mr. REYNOLDS). sage far beyond this Chamber. lieve that the evidence provided by the (Mr. REYNOLDS asked and was Indeed, Madam Speaker, this non- administration, particularly the intel- given permission to revise and extend binding resolution, while lacking any ligence data, were sufficient to justify his remarks.) bite in terms of strategy, and not putting our troops in harm’s way. Com- Mr. REYNOLDS. I thank the gentle- changing anything on the ground in bat should be the last option. I know; I woman from New Mexico. Baghdad, will send a message loud and have been there. Madam Speaker, we have heard many clear to our troops: We are consigning Over 3,000 American lives later, and speeches this week talking about the your mission to failure before you even tens of thousands suffering debilitating honorable men and women of our have a chance to execute it. injuries, yet we are no closer to our

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1734 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 goal of a secure and stable Iraq, and tremely thin. With us being away from from Eielson as the crowd erupted in cheers the situation there continues to dete- home, many wives end up leaving their hus- and the families burst into applause. I wept riorate. bands searching for a better life, or long as the soldiers made their formation on the Our military families are paying a needed affection without a phone, or even to far side of the room, and I sobbed as they become their own person again. My wife told marched across that hangar-like area to high price. There were a couple of arti- me something the other day that really hit their place in front of us. cles in today’s paper that talked about me, ‘‘No one knows who you are, they know And when their commander released them our inability to find common ground. Megan and Dominic, and the guy that keeps to their families, I broke down. Well, I disagree. I think we find com- calling on the phone.’’ Soldiers sprinted toward us, frantically mon ground because we care about not That is who we have become to our fami- searching for their families, and in the just our troops, but their families, our lies, just a voice on the phone. I am not ask- crowd, I just couldn’t see my husband. He military families. ing to get out of this conflict. We are doing wasn’t in the very front, he wasn’t in the Madam Speaker, I would like to sub- well here, plus if we leave, the friends I have very back, he wasn’t near his old com- lost here would have died in vain. I cannot mander, he wasn’t near anyone else I knew. mit for the RECORD an e-mail from Ser- have that on my conscience. We all realize I was starting to panic, when all of a sud- geant Matthew Baeza the good we are accomplishing here, but we den, two soldiers cleared my path of vision Hello Sir, My name is SGT Matthew Baeza, are losing our families over it. and for the first time, I spotted him. I lit- currently I am deployed in Iraq in support of We don’t try to save the world, at least I erally lost my breath. My heart fluttered the Operation Iraqi Freedom ’05–’07 with the C– don’t, that is too much to ask of one person. way it did the first time I met my husband, 84th ECB (H), out of Fort Richardson, AK. I But rather try for the ones closest to us. My and I felt just like that 18-year-old girl again am an El Paso native, and have not been too son and my wife. But when they are gone, as we made eye contact for the first time. big in politics although I did my fair share of who is it for? Every day I am here I tell my- My heart dropped, and my husband Democratic rallies with my father Luis self I do this for them, and others feel the beamed. Baeza when I was in high school. I have met same way. I’ve never run so fast with a child in my you on several occasions through my father I am not asking you to change the way arms in my entire mommy life. I had tunnel as well as when we met on the steps of the things are, but rather voice your opinion and vision as I trotted toward the man of my Senate when I was on a High School trip to raise a flag for those of us that cannot. With dreams and flung my one arm around his DC in ’99. your reputation you can influence others in neck as he embraced the two of us with the My concerns are brought forward whole- helping us cut our deployments to shorter biggest smile I’ve ever seen from a man in hearted. They do not concern El Paso, but it periods. We are not asking to leave Iraq or uniform. does concern El Pasoans all over the country Afghanistan, but rather cut the time away He held us tight, told me through giant who serve in the military and who are de- from home. When you start stacking deploy- smiling teeth that he loved me and missed ployed in the threatre of operations. ments on top of each other, families get bro- me, and then pulled away to look down at Many of us in the military believe in what ken, and when that happens, you get Service his son for the first time since he was 11 days we do and feel our mission here is warranted. Members who cannot perform. Would could old. And in an act that I’m positive must The issues are not against our deployments when your life is falling apart? have been from God, Connor looked up at his but rather the length of our deployments. I hope you read this and understand where daddy and smiled as if Matt had been a phys- You see, the ARMY is the only branch that I am coming from, and realize I speak for a ical part of his life for all eight months. will always deploy with a full 12 month rota- number of Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Air- I cried. Then I laughed. Then I smiled. tion in deployments. Other branches have men, and Coast Guardsmen who have fallen Then I shed another tear. been cut to 6 months or even 3 months. I do into this horrible ordeal. We hugged, we kissed, we stared at the realize there are certain elements in the Thank you sir for your time. beautiful life we had created together. other branches that serve a 12 month rota- MATTHEW BAEZA, And when it was all said and done and our tion like the ARMY. SGT, EN Supply Sergeant. run-leap-hug maneuver was complete, we The issue I have is that 12 months isn’t walked out of that AHA, hand in hand, with that difficult to pull the first time. But into [From the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Dec. our worlds once again connected and our your second and third deployments (some 8, 2006] love once again in tangible form. soldiers serving 4 deployments back to back) A HERO, HOME AT LAST There’s no more counting down the days it starts to break the backs of even the (By Michelle Cuthrell) ‘‘until they come home.’’ strongest of families. Children are seeking My hero is home, and my life is once again After spending 24 hours a day for seven counseling as young as 3 or 4 years old due to complete. days a week for four weeks a month for 16 the absence of their parents, and if a mar- months of deployment learning how to wait, I want to read the e-mail that I got riage survives, most end up seeking help you’d think small increments of time like an from Sergeant Baeza, a soldier who is from chaplains or marriage counselors. Is hour and a half would just fly by. from El Paso, not assigned to El Paso, that how we want our Service Members and But standing in that Alert Holding Area on but is from El Paso: their families to live? Fort Wainwright Tuesday night, 90 minutes Out of a 5 year marriage, I will have been ‘‘Hello, sir, my name is Sergeant felt like an eternity. Matthew Baeza. Currently I am de- absent 3 years, and will only have known my I guess patience isn’t exactly in large sup- son for 9 months, when I return days from ply when you are anticipating the imminent ployed in Iraq in support of Operation his 3rd birthday. My marriage along with return of your husband from Iraq. Iraqi Freedom. I am an El Paso native, hundreds of other service members are Standing amid the other moms and dads and I have not been too big on politics, quickly ending due to the amount of time and spouses and children who were also im- although I did my fair share of Demo- absent from home. patiently awaiting the arrival of loved ones, I am not sure if surveys have been per- cratic rallies with my father, Luis I found myself fidgety. Baeza, when I was in high school. I formed, but I can almost guarantee you the I picked up Connor and then put him back percentage of divorces have multiplied at an down every five minutes, and I must have re- have met you on several occasions exponential rate. But yet talks of cutting adjusted the belt and buttons on my black through my father, as well as when we down deployments have been in the works and red welcome home dress at least 50 met on the steps of the Senate when I for year but no progress has been made. times. was on a high school trip to D.C. in The vast majority of Armed Services mem- Every moment felt like another extension 1999. bers are proud every day to put on our uni- and every minute felt like another deploy- ‘‘My concerns are brought forward form and help others who cannot help them- ment. I talked a million miles a minute, and selves. But at what cost? At the cost of los- wholehearted. They do not concern El I must have asked my friend at least 20 Paso, but it does concern El Pasoens ing the ones we love. And at the end of it all times if the soldiers had left Eielson Air we cannot place blame on our spouses, for Force Base yet to head to Fort Wainwright. all over the country who serve in the they have been holding on longer than most I detested the anticipation. military and who are deployed in the could ever imagine. I had so many emotions built up inside theatre of operations. Our spouses run multiple lives as my wife from 16 months of missing my husband like 1900 does. As a professional writer and reporter crazy and was experiencing this physical b for the Anchorage Daily Newspaper, a moth- longing stronger than anything else I’d ever ‘‘Many of us in the military believe er, FRG (Family Readiness Group) Leader, known to just touch him, hug him and hold in what we do and feel our mission here and as a military spouse, my wife, she has a him. is warranted. The issues are not lot to deal with. Bills, care for our child, her Which is maybe why, when the Army band against our deployments, but rather work, and dealing with my calls home began to play and those three magic garage whether they be happy or sad. It is simply doors simultaneously began to open, I broke the length of our deployments. You too much to ask from anyone. down into tears. see, the Army is the only branch that My wife is as strong as they come, but with I cried as the nearly 200 soldiers dis- will always deploy with a full 12-month the last 3 years her patience has worn ex- embarked the buses that transported them rotation in its deployments. Other

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1735 branches have been cut to 6 months or ‘‘But rather try for the ones closest Let the generals run the war; you even 3 months. I do realize there are to us, my son, and my wife, but when guys handle immigration. Well, listen- certain elements in other branches they are gone who is it for? Every day ing to this debate, perhaps we should that serve a 12-month rotation like the I am here I tell myself I do this for just turn the running of the war over Army. Nonetheless, the Army uses a them. And others feel the same way. I to Congress. Unbeknownst to America, 12-month rotation. am not asking you to change the way apparently the most brilliant, articu- ‘‘The issue I have is that 12 months is things are, but rather voice your opin- late military strategists have to be not that difficult to pull the first time. ion and raise the flag for those of us here in Congress. But a word of caution But into your second and third deploy- that cannot, with your reputation and to my fellow MacArthurs and Pattons. ments, some soldiers serving with me your influence, in helping us cut our It is easy to run a war when you are back to back four times, it starts to deployments to shorter periods. 6,000 miles from Baghdad and hold a break the backs of even the strongest ‘‘We are not asking to leave Iraq or microphone for a gun. of families. Children are seeking coun- Afghanistan, but rather to cut time There can be only one Commander in seling as young as 3- or 4-years-old due away from home. When you start Chief. The moment Congress begins to the absence of their parents. stacking deployments on top of each interfering in battlefield decisions is ‘‘And if a marriage survives, most other, families get broken. When that the moment we are assured of losing end up seeking help from chaplains or happens you get servicemembers who this war and that moment is dan- marriage counselors. Is that how we cannot perform. gerously near. ‘‘At what cost when your life is fall- want our servicemembers and their I support this surge. If our military ing apart? families to live? Out of a 5-year mar- leaders and the Commander in Chief riage, I will have been absent 3 years ‘‘Signed, Sergeant Baeza.’’ Madam Speaker, that is what we are need these extra soldiers, I am behind and will only have known my son for 9 them 110 percent. Am I certain the months when I return in a few days for doing to our military families. That is what this resolution is about. It is surge will work? No. But I am certain his third birthday. the consequences of failing in Iraq will ‘‘My marriage, along with hundreds about having the Iraqis accept respon- sibility for their own country and for ultimately cost us many more innocent of other servicemembers are quickly lives and a much darker future, not ending due to the amount of time ab- their own responsibility and taking care of themselves. That is why we are just for Iraq but for my family and sent from home. I am not sure if sur- yours. veys have been performed, but I can al- doing this Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Madam In Iraq and Afghanistan we are in a most guarantee you the percentage of Speaker, I yield 51⁄2 minutes to my col- battle of wills. Should America retreat, divorces has multiplied at an expo- league from Texas (Mr. BRADY). should we withdraw prematurely, we nential rate. Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Speak- will not only cement our reputation as ‘‘But yet talks of cutting down de- er, watching television late last night I a Nation that talks big and acts boldly, ployments have been in the works for was reminded of the vivid contrast be- but at the first sign of difficulty shows years, but no progress have we seen. tween Congress and the war on terror. no will, no backbone, no strength to The vast majority of armed services On the one channel I watched Members keep our word. members are proud every day to put on of the House theatrically debating this The world saw our lack of will in our uniform and help others who can- nonbinding, that means pretend, reso- not help themselves, but at what cost? Vietnam, they watched us run from So- lution, while the other channel showed malia, and today they see our back- At the cost of losing the ones we love, an American chopper hit by a rocket- and at the end of it all we cannot place bone disintegrate over Iraq. They propelled grenade and billowing black watched us for a quarter of a century, blame on our spouses. For they have smoke, falling in the death spiral to been holding on longer than most could we wished away the terrorist attacks the ground, killing all American sol- in Khobar, the USS Cole, and the first ever imagine. Our spouses run multiple diers aboard. lives, as my wife does. As a profes- World Trade Center bombing. Tonight our soldiers face real bullets Finally it hit home and already some sional reporter for the local newspaper, and real explosive devices; we debate a in Congress are flying the white flag. a mother who is raising a family on her pretend resolution. I wish I could say Think. Nations like Iraq and Afghani- own, as a military spouse, as my wife, this is merely a waste of time, but it is stan who oppose terrorism are faced she has a lot to deal with. Bills, care far more damaging than that. As Lin- with a choice. They can live with ter- for our child, her work, and dealing coln warned, a house divided itself can- rorists among them or live in a free so- with my calls from home, whether they not stand. Yet today our Congress ciety with the protection and the back- be happy or sad. It is simply too much stands divided for all the world to see. ing of the world’s greatest democracy. to ask from any one person. Our enemies are smiling and our sol- That is us. With their lives and the fu- ‘‘My wife is as strong as they come, diers are sick at heart. but with the last 3 years, her patience Don’t take my word for it. Let me ture on the line who will they choose? has worn extremely thin. With us being read you an e-mail I received this week Is it not sad that today the world has away from home, many wives end up from a decorated Army soldier who just about decided that America will leaving their husbands, searching for a served in the gulf war and again in Iraq not keep its word, America cannot be better life, or long-needed affection on this war on terror. counted on? without a phone, or even to become He writes: ‘‘The troops support the Terrorists know that while they can their own person again. mission, support the President, and never hope to defeat our military on ‘‘My wife told me something the support the surge. We are moving the the battleground, they are assured if other day that really hit me.’’ And he brigade out of here soon. I cannot be they just hold out, they can defeat us quotes his wife: ‘‘ ‘No one knows who more adamant about the fact that par- in Congress one opinion poll at a time. you are. They know Megan and they tisan politics is hurting the mission This is a test of wills, and whether we know Dominic, and the guy that keeps and the morale. We want to win the got here for the reason you agree with calling on the phone.’ That is who we war not the White House.’’ or not, it is a test. I believe we are here have become to our families, just a I fear that some see that in the other for the right reasons, and it is incred- voice on the phone. order. The troops want to complete ibly naive to believe that all of the ter- ‘‘I am not asking to get out of this this mission. Congress wanted a change rorist organizations in the world were conflict. We are doing well here. Plus in the strategy, they got a change, now conveniently gathered in Afghanistan, the friends I have lost here would have they don’t want to support the change. like a Rotary Club. died in vain. I cannot have that on my That is exactly why Vietnam vets com- We are wrong to pursue terrorist safe conscience. We are accomplishing here, plained about politicians not allowing havens other than those that harbored but we are losing our families over it. them to win. And this is not Vietnam al Qaeda on the some wobbly theory we We don’t try to save the world, at least all over again, but the politicians are should not pursue drug cartels other I don’t. That is too much to ask of one making the same mistakes they did than the ones we believe smuggled in person. back then. the drug that destroyed your child.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1736 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 Due to technology and financing, ter- question that was raised from the very sion, as I speak, while we here in the rorists are not limited to states and re- beginning when we went into this war, Congress are condemning them. gions, and we have to pursue them. But and when we raised it in the Armed It amazes me that at the same time whether or not you agree with how we Services Committee. This war and the General Petraeus was confirmed by the got here, we are there in Iraq. And the reckless strategy behind it have cost us Senate, this resolution was introduced nation of Iraq and our Nation have ev- Americans some $532 billion, and over condemning his counterinsurgency erything riding on the line. Elimi- 3,100 American lives, as well as over plan for victory. nating Iraq as a safe haven for financ- 3,000 serious injuries. Never in our history has this country ing, training terrorist groups in the It has resulted in increased sectarian sent a war leader into battle, while Middle East is a mission we must com- violence and an uncertain future in condemning the very mission that he plete for our sake. Iraq. Madam Speaker, I think most of and the Armed Forces will be leading. Thomas Edison once observed many us here know that we need a new direc- Make no mistake, this resolution is of life’s failures are people who did not tion, and a new direction is justified. I the first step towards cutting off fund- realize how close they were to success can assure you that the American peo- ing for our troops. As a consultant to when they gave up. If we fail in Iraq, ple want a new direction. the Iraq Study Group, I supported the we sentence our children to a lifetime But what the President has offered to findings that failure is not an option, of fear, of fear of going to the mall them is more of the same. The Presi- and that a troop surge is necessary for safely, going to work each morning and dent is now asking for a massive esca- security and stability. I also supported returning home safely, the fear of lation of over 20,000 troops. The esca- the recommendation that a political going with friends to a sports stadium lation plan will not work, just like the and diplomatic surge is essential for without being torn apart in an explo- previous troop surges that we have had peace. sion. have not worked. Madam Speaker, the The time for evaluating the success If we believe the price of war is high, American people have asked and have or failure of this endeavor will come wait until we endure the price of terror had enough. And with an up-and-down soon enough, but now is not the time here in America. Our soldiers are giv- vote on this resolution, this Congress to be sending a message to friend and ing their blood, what are we giving will not only send a message to the foe alike that we no longer believe in them? A resolution. President regarding his misguided pol- the mission. Mr. SPRATT. Madam Speaker, I icy, but also send a message to the But many in this country and many yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from American people that their Congress is in this Chamber insist it is in Amer- Texas (Mr. RODRIGUEZ). listening, it is here, and it is calling for ica’s interest to surrender and retreat Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, I a new direction. from our obligation to help Iraq build a rise today in strong support of this bi- I oppose this escalation plan because stable democracy. They say that, partisan resolution that expresses dis- more troops in combat means more knowing full well the consequences of approval of the President’s escalation casualties and more loss of American an early American withdrawal. of troops in Iraq. In October of 2002, I lives. I have been to Walter Reed Med- And what are those consequences? stood on this floor in this House and ical Center, and I have seen our injured Chaos, instability in the region, and, in voted against giving the President au- young men and women coming back al Qaeda’s own words, a threat that thority to wage war in Iraq. And I did from the battlefield. I have seen the America has never seen before. so because I strongly believed that sacrifice of what this war has done to Recently, the ambassadors from Jor- Congress should not abdicate its war our families and our loved ones. dan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia told me powers and hand over to the President Earlier this week, my office was vis- that ‘‘if the U.S. fails here, it will be a blank check on the war. ited by Mr. Jim Goodnow. He is a vet- catastrophic. We are in this together. I also recognized, having served on eran from my district and an active They will come after us and then they the Armed Services Committee and on member of the Veterans for Peace. Mr. will come after you.’’ And then they the Terrorist Task Force prior to 9/11, Goodnow has traveled all over the will come after you. that the evidence was not there. I may country from his home base in Recently, after meeting with them, I not agree with how this war has been Terlinqua, Texas, aboard his bus had to say to myself, how will history handled, but I, along with everyone dubbed the Yellow Rose. He has been then judge us; that when we stood at here and all of my colleagues on both spreading the message of peace for the brink, we chose retreat over ad- sides, firmly stand by our troops. It is many years. vancement, surrender over victory, and our servicemen and -women who are Mr. Goodnow is not alone. And with defeatism for our children and for fu- making a great sacrifice on the battle- this resolution we want to make it ture generations? field on behalf of all of us here in this clear that this Congress and America Let us remember the words of Presi- Chamber and everyone across the and the American people have had dent Kennedy, when he said: ‘‘Let United States. enough. No more blank checks, no every nation know, whether it wishes And they, the troops, all deserve our more violence, and no more escalation. us well or ill, that we shall pay any unequivocal support. This war is cre- price, bear any burden, meet any hard- ating a new generation of veterans and b 1915 ship, support any friend, oppose any a new generation of needs for them. Madam Speaker, it is time that we foe, to assure the survival and success Today, over 25,000 both dead and stand by our country and stand up for of liberty.’’ wounded have been reported, while this our troops. I strongly urge my col- Where is the party of President Ken- body continues to appropriate billions leagues to support this bipartisan reso- nedy today? This resolution sends a of dollars to the administration for lution. clear message across the Islamic jihad this war. Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Madam world that we will not bear any burden, Let us remember our veterans and Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 min- that we will not oppose any foe, that the cost to fulfill the promise that we utes to my colleague from Texas (Mr. we have lost our will, that they have have made to them for medical care. MCCAUL). won, and that they can come and they Today, the issue is not whether we Mr. MCCAUL of Texas. Madam can get us. were right or wrong to grant the Presi- Speaker, I rise today in support of our I believe Abraham Lincoln summed dent such broad authority in regards to troops and in support of victory in it up best by saying that from these this war in Iraq, but instead how he has Iraq. honored dead we take increased devo- exercised that power, what the results It is hard to ignore the inconvenient tion to that cause for which they gave have been, and what his plans are for truth that this ill-timed measure will the last full measure of devotion, that the future. aid the terrorists and depress the mo- we here highly resolve that these dead We have now entered the fifth year of rale of our soldiers who are fighting to shall not have died in vain. this war. And I ask you, what progress defeat them. It also sends a wrong mes- As Members of Congress, the most so- have we made? What is our exit strat- sage to our troops at exactly the wrong bering job that we have is to comfort egy? It is not a new question. It was a time. They are carrying out their mis- the families left behind in a time of

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We all stand here today in- And because those heroes and those surrender and retreat from our obligation to debted to those brave Americans and their families cannot speak on the floor of help Iraq build a stable democracy. They say families. They are true heroes. the House, I would like to share some that, knowing full well the consequences of an Because those heroes and their families of their words here with you today. early American withdrawal. cannot speak on the Floor of the House, I And these are the words of Janet Nor- And what are those consequences— would like to share some of their words today. wood, a constituent, a Gold Star Moth- Chaos. Instability in the region. A threat that These are the words of Janet Norwood, a con- er, whose son, Byron, was killed in America has never seen before. A threat that stituent and Gold Star Mother, whose son Fallujah while serving in Iraq. And she we will not be able to blindly put our head in Byron was killed serving in Iraq. She said: said: In the past I have always had the sand and wish it to go away. In the past, I have always had great hope great hope for this country. But, for Al Qaeda has openly said that they consider for this country, but for the first time, dur- the first time, during the State of the Iraq the central front in the ‘‘Third World War.’’ ing the State of the Union Address last Their goal is to create a Caliphate with Bagh- month, I had real doubts about our winning Union address last month, I had real this War on Terrorism. When President Bush doubts. I had doubts about our winning dad as its capital. Their plan is to then con- used the word ‘‘victory’’ and only half of the this war on terrorism. She said, When quer the rest of the world and force all human- room stood to applaud, my heart sank. It President Bush used the word ‘‘vic- ity to submit to Radical Islam. was obvious to me at that moment that tory,’’ only half of the room stood to The National Intelligence Estimate released party affiliation was more important to applaud. My heart sank. It was obvious last month stated, ‘‘If Coalition forces were some than victory over evil and the sacrifice to me at that moment that party affili- withdrawn rapidly... this almost certainly our son and others have made. ation was more important to some would lead to a significant increase in the To Janet and all of the other Gold Star than victory over evil and the sacrifice scale and scope of sectarian conflict in Iraq.’’ Mothers, I say, ‘‘I couldn’t agree more.’’ As our son and other sons have made. Our allies agree. The Ambassadors from President Lincoln once said, ‘‘A House Divided Well, to Janet and all the other Gold Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia recently told Cannot Stand.’’ Star Mothers, I say, I couldn’t agree me, ‘‘If the U.S. fails it will be catastrophic. We Mr. SPRATT. Madam Speaker, I more. And as Abraham Lincoln said, a are in this together . . . they will come after yield five minutes to the gentleman house divided cannot stand. us and then they will come after you.’’ from Massachusetts (Mr. TIERNEY). Mr. TIERNEY. Madam Speaker, in September 11 changed our lives forever. How will history judge us then? That when just a few weeks, America will begin But the war on terror started long before that. we stood at the brink we chose retreat over its fifth year in the Iraq conflict. In The year 1979 changed the world. When Iran advancement, surrender over victory, and de- that time, 3,117 members of the United took our embassy hostage, the seeds of Is- featism for our children and for future genera- States military have died, and over lamic jihad were spread all over the Middle tions. 23,000 American soldiers have been in- East. Let us remember the words of President jured. $532 billion has been appro- These seeds planted hatred and contempt Kennedy when he said: priated by Congress or requested by the for freedom in the souls of men like Osama Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, administration. bin Laden. In 1983, they murdered our ma- You only need to talk or read letters rines in Beirut. In 1993, Ramzi Yousef and his bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the sur- from many of the returning military al Qaeda associates bombed the World Trade vival and the success of liberty.’’ personnel or their families to under- Center. They were supposed to fall that day, Where is the party of President Kennedy stand that the mission in Iraq is un- but that day would come later. today? This resolution sends a clear message clear and the goals remain undefined. They struck the Khobar Towers in 1996. across the Islamic Jihad world—that we will Our men and women are not certain if They bombed our embassies in Africa. They not bear any burden—that we will not oppose they are fighting Sunnis or Shiites, defeated us in Somalia. And they deliberately any foe—that we have lost our will—that they and often it depends on where they are attacked the USS Cole. in order to determine the answer to Each time we failed to respond. And then have won—that they can come and get us. We are better than that. that dilemma. In essence, our military came September 11. It was as if the United We are Americans—the same Americans personnel are in the midst of a civil States was a sleeping giant. And not until the who defeated the most powerful country in the war, the flames of which were fanned bloodiest alarm of 9/11 did the giant finally world at the time to win our independence. by centuries-old animosities. awake. And America cannot afford to go back We are the same Americans who defeated This week Congress has been address- to sleep again. Fascists in Japan, Germany and Italy. ing a resolution that reiterates its sup- ‘‘It is hard to ignore the inconvenient truth We are the same Americans who defeated port for the troops and states clearly that this ill-timed measure will aid the terrorists the scourge of the Soviet Union, liberating mil- its opposition to escalation. and depress the morale of our soldiers who lions more. The first point could easily go are fighting to defeat them.’’ It also sends the Now we face yet another challenge—defeat- unspoken. After all, we are exercising wrong message to our troops at the wrong ing the jihadists and an ideology of hate. But the very freedom of speech and debate time. They are carrying out their mission as I our colleagues on the other side of the aisle that our Constitution requires, the speak, while we here in Congress are con- say ‘‘We will support the War on Terror, ex- public demands, and our men and demning it. cept where the terrorists have chosen to fight women in uniform serve to protect. The time for evaluating the success or fail- it.’’ The second point of the resolution ure of this endeavor will come soon enough, Our previous struggles were not easy, they speaks to the clear determination, as but now is not the time to be sending a mes- were hard and required great sacrifice. Yet all evidenced on November 7, 2006, that sage to friend and foe alike that we no longer of these challenges were met, and victory was America does not support the Presi- believe in this mission. won, and the world is a better place because dent’s planned escalation of this con- It amazes me that just as General Petraeus of it. This struggle is the same. If we give up flict. was confirmed by the Senate, this resolution now, we betray not just the Iraqi people, and Three previous troop buildups have was introduced condemning his counter-insur- not just our place in history, but those who already proven unsuccessful. In the gency plan for victory. have paid the ultimate sacrifice. first, from November 2004 to January ‘‘Never in our history has this country sent I believe Abraham Lincoln summed it up 2005, troop levels in Iraq increased by a war leader into battle while condemning the best by saying: about 18,000 troops. They did that in mission that he and the armed forces he will . . . that from these honored dead we advance of the Iraqi elections held on be leading have been asked to complete.’’ take increased devotion to that cause for January of 2005, and the number of Make no mistake; this resolution is the first which they gave the last full measure of de- daily attacks by insurgents rose to 61 step towards cutting off funding for our troops. votion—that we here highly resolve that from 52 the previous month, an in- As a consultant to the Iraq Study Group, I these dead shall not have died in vain... crease of 17 percent.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1738 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 On the second troop buildup, from That action, I sincerely hope, will be The Commander in Chief, the bipar- June 2005 to October 2005, troop levels followed by action which will prohibit tisan study group, and General increased by approximately 21,500, and the use of Federal funds to increase the Petraeus offer a new way forward. This the number of daily attacks by insur- number of troops above the number ex- resolution offers the status quo. The gents in October of 2005 rose to 90, from isting in Iraq on January 9, 2007. status quo is a mandate to fail and be- 70 just 2 months earlier, an increase of The large majority of Americans are gins the chain of events that lead to a 29 percent. waiting for action by this Congress to precipitous withdrawal from Iraq and And the third troop buildup occurred insist that we begin redeploying our all the consequences that would inevi- from May 2006 to November 1 of 2006 troops from Iraq and complete that re- tably follow. when U.S. troop levels in Iraq in- deployment as quickly as possible in a And what would those consequences creased by approximately 17,500 troops, measure done in months, not years. be? and the number of daily attacks by in- In essence, this week’s action should Withdrawal makes the young Iraqi surgents in October of 2006 rose to 180, be the beginning of a relatively short democracy vulnerable to takeover by from 100 just 4 months earlier, an in- process, culminating in the redeploy- extremist elements that hate America. crease this time of 80 percent. ment of American troops from Iraq, What would withdrawal mean for the Now the President says he want to and energizing diplomatic efforts and stability in the Middle East? change course, but once again he pro- international efforts to stabilize that What would generations of Iraqis be- poses to only stay the course as he nation and ensure its security, while it lieve, that Americans will quit before seeks to send in more personnel, and provides for a platform to redirect the the job is done? we still wait for the Iraqi forces to necessary attention to the unfinished Who will fill the void of our strength, stand up. business of Afghanistan and focus, al Qaeda, Syria, or a country like Iran Madam Speaker, 132 of my colleagues Madam Speaker, our efforts on ter- that threatens regional stability and I exercised the correct judgment in rorism, both short term and long term. through an aggressive nuclear pro- October of 2002 when we voted against I urge my colleagues, Madam Speak- gram, that supports terrorist groups the war in Iraq. We recognized then er, to support this resolution and take like Hezbollah, and that possibly sup- that this administration’s claims that what I expect will be the first step in plies weapons to insurgents killing our charting a new course in Iraq. Saddam Hussein posed an imminent troops? Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Madam and direct threat to the United States Withdrawal only strengthens ter- Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 min- were hyped up and many rightly fore- rorist groups fighting the United utes to my colleague from California saw that an American occupation of States and demoralizes our American (Mr. MCCARTHY). Iraq would, as one colleague recently Mr. MCCARTHY of California. troops. said, be of undetermined length, of un- Madam Speaker, I thank the I may be new to this House, but I rec- determined cost and undetermined con- gentlelady for yielding and for her ognize when a simple, nonbinding reso- sequences. service to the country. lution has potential to do great dam- Tragically, this administration was Madam Speaker, I rise today in a dif- age to our Nation and to our men and not deterred. It has been flat wrong on ferent position than the majority of women in the military. pretty much all of its pre-war and sub- this body. You see, I am one of the 54 I believe that, by voting for this reso- sequent judgments with respect to newly elected Members of this Con- lution, the House will send a demor- Iraq, with its questionable use of intel- gress. We did not have the opportunity alizing message to our service men and ligence, its failure to plan, and its fail- to debate and vote on the authority to women who are courageously imple- ure for far too long to protect our use military force in Iraq. menting this strategy. By voting for troops once they were there. Madam Speaker, I want to have an this resolution, the House will We knew then what has become pain- honest debate, not for political gain strengthen our enemies and tell them fully obvious since, that rather than and not one that questions anyone’s that the end is near; that the Congress open a new front and destabilize a new patriotism, because I believe everyone will continue to undermine our Com- area in Iraq, we should have secured in this body wants to move this coun- mander in Chief, our military com- Afghanistan and addressed terrorism at try in the right direction. manders, like General Petraeus and its source as it was embodied by Osama But I believe the right direction our troops, by cutting funding or de- bin Laden and others. The proposed es- means that we move forward, not back- manding further retreats. calation is not the answer. wards. On this floor today is a non- b 1930 Why, after such a debacle and such a binding resolution that I believe moves dismal record, would this administra- us backwards. This resolution offers no By voting for this resolution, the tion even think to follow the advice of hope to the American people. It offers House will snuff out the hope of democ- the same people that got us into this no plan of action, no new strategy with racy that millions of Iraqi people have. situation in the first place? the prospect of achieving success. By voting for this resolution, the The proposed surge or escalation is A lot has changed since last Novem- House will begin a process that leads to as baseless as was going into Iraq in ber’s election. We have a new Defense the creation of a dangerous power vac- the first place. Secretary, recommendation from the uum in Iraq to be potentially filled by The latest National Intelligence Esti- bipartisan Iraq Study Group, and a new those who mean America great harm. mate, even that part that is unclassi- general, General David Petraeus. He I ask the Members to join with me in fied, which I would imagine or specu- will lead our troops on the ground in voting ‘‘no’’ on this resolution. late certainly puts the administra- Iraq. Mr. SPRATT. Madam Speaker, I tion’s best foot forward, states that We have a new plan, a new way for- yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from even if violence is diminished, Iraq’s ward that addresses the problem of se- New Mexico (Mr. UDALL). absence of unifying leaders makes a po- curity in Iraq through a strategy that (Mr. UDALL of New Mexico asked litical reconciliation doubtful. requires more ground power. This rein- and was given permission to revise and Not enough capable Iraqi troops are forcement of troops is recommended by extend his remarks.) showing up to fight. Not enough armed the study group, and we will also hold Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Madam vehicles are available to protect the the Iraqi Government accountable to Speaker, I rise today in support of this new American deployments. The State establish and preserve the peace. important resolution and with great Department cannot recruit enough Our Commander in Chief, the mili- hope that this debate and vote will sig- civil officials to manage the latest tary commanders, and our troops be- nal an important step towards the end push to turn up the electricity in Iraq lieve we can still achieve stability in of the Iraq war, a war so ill-conceived, or to help with reconstruction. Iraq. so ill-planned for, and so ill-executed And so Congress must, and I think But this resolution would be the first that it has cost our Nation almost $400 they are going to this week, pass a res- step in gutting the very resources nec- billion, ignited a civil war, and further olution that reiterates our support to essary to achieve success. This resolu- destabilized an already fragile Mideast our troops and opposes the escalation. tion offers nothing. region. Most importantly, this war has

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1739 resulted in the deaths of over 3,000 of They have served bravely and honor- Mr. SPRATT. Madam Speaker, I our bravest military men and women. ably. They have trained Iraqi forces to yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from These men and women enlist in the the best of their abilities. But they California (Mr. FILNER). Armed Forces trusting that their Com- cannot be asked to calm the sectarian Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I mander in Chief will send them into violence ripping Iraq apart without thank the gentleman for yielding. harm’s way only as a last resort and leadership from Iraqi politicians. Yet I rise in support of this resolution. only with a clear plan for victory. the President is asking exactly that. Let me just say, as Chair of the Vet- Madam Speaker, on both of these Last year, after visiting Iraq, I called erans’ Affairs Committee of this House counts, the President has failed our for a phased redeployment by the end of Representatives, no matter where we soldiers. of 2006. That time has come and gone. stand on this war, no matter where we It is time for us to redeploy our Today I call on the President to finally vote on this resolution, we are going to troops and redeploy them now. We have listen to the American people. Today I make sure that the brave young men an opportunity to send a loud and reso- call on the President to finally listen and women who come home get all the lute message to the President that his to the Congress. It is time to move our care and all the support they need from misguided judgment must cease, this troops out of the middle of this civil a grateful Nation. We will show what war must now be subject to intense war. support of the troops means when they scrutiny and accountability by this I urge my colleagues to support this do come home. Congress; and that he must heed the resolution and send a clear message to Now, those who voted for the war will of the American people, the over- the President that the time for this back in 2002 are sometimes asked, whelming majority of whom now war is over Knowing then what you know now, how strongly disapprove of his handling of Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Madam would you have voted? this war. Sadly, however, this Presi- Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 min- Well, Madam Speaker, we knew then dent is tone-deaf when it comes to the utes to my colleague from Florida (Mr. what we know now, and we know now most pressing issue of the day. MARIO DIAZ-BALART). what you are going to know a year or For the past 4 years, the President Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- two from now. repeatedly stated that troop strength ida. Madam Speaker, whether you are Let me read to you what I said 41⁄2 in Iraq would come from recommenda- for or against the war in Iraq, whether years ago when we had the debate on tions by generals on the ground. Yet by you think the administration has done Iraq: ‘‘I rise in opposition to this reso- moving forward with his escalation a good job or not, none of that, Madam lution to grant unilateral authority to plan, the President is ignoring solid Speaker, is the subject of this resolu- the President. I cannot believe that the military advice. General Abizaid, tion. The issue that we are here debat- Members of this body are ceding our CENTCOM commander, stated: ‘‘I do ing now is whether or not we support constitutional authority to this Presi- not believe that more American troops the reinforcements that the Com- dent. And they can give me all the right now is the solution to the prob- mander in Chief has sent to Iraq. fancy whereases and phrases and put lem. I believe that the troop levels At the request of the commanders on all the fig leafs and write all the report need to stay where they are.’’ Addi- the field, the Commander in Chief language they want, but this is a blank tionally, according to various reports, made the decision to send the re- check. This is a Gulf of Tonkin resolu- General Casey repeated to the NSA Di- quested reinforcements to Iraq. Many tion. This is a violation not only of our rector his warnings that to send more of them are already there, Madam Constitution but will lead to a viola- troops to Iraq would be counter- Speaker. Those fine men and women tion of the U.N. charter. productive. He believed it might make have already been sent to Iraq. ‘‘Wake up, my colleagues. Why would the Iraqi Government less likely to de- The tragic effect of this resolution is anyone vote to do that? That is not our fend itself. to sabotage the morale of our troops constitutional responsibility. And That concern was shared by the Iraq and to broadcast to our enemies that when we vote on this resolution, will Study Group. In one of their rec- Congress does not support our soldiers’ America be safer? No, I think America ommendations they stated that the mission. will be less safe. We will dilute the war Iraqi Government must make substan- Our Nation’s troops are the bravest against terrorism. The destabilization tial progress on national reconcili- and most dedicated men and women on of the area will lead to the increased ation, security, and governance. With- this Earth. They are risking their lives probability of terrorists getting nu- out progress, we should reduce our po- every single day to preserve our free- clear weapons. Al Qaeda is probably litical, military, and economic support dom and to ensure the safety of all cheering the passage of this resolution. for the Iraqi Government. Americans. They are not letting us Now is their chance to get more weap- Tragically, the Iraqi Government has down. We cannot let them down. ons.’’ I said that then. shown no progress on any of these Again, Madam Speaker, the issue Then we talked about the imminent fronts. We must not be a security blan- here is not whether you support or you threat. You guys threw the imminent ket for an ineffectual government. But oppose the war. It is whether you sup- threat at us. What a lie. And what are the President’s escalation plan is ex- port our troops. you saying now? We are emboldening actly that, asking little of Iraq’s Gov- Every American, Madam Speaker, our enemies and demoralizing our ernment while putting the lives of our every American should agree that it is troops. I heard the word ‘‘sabotage.’’ I soldiers squarely in the crosshairs of in our Nation’s best interest to ensure heard the word ‘‘retreat.’’ Sunni extremists and Shiite militias. that Iraq does not fall into the hands of I will tell you what demoralizes our Many in the military leadership have terrorist groups or of a terrorist state troops, my colleagues. What demor- stated that the solution to the Iraqi like Iran. The consequences of that alizes our troops will be the failure to quagmire at this point must be 80 per- happening, the consequences of that provide adequate health care when cent political and 20 percent military. happening, would be catastrophic for they get home. What demoralizes our This escalation plan is 100 percent the region, for our allies in the area troops is the story of just a couple military with no significant political such as Israel, Afghanistan, Jordan, weeks ago when a young marine went breakthroughs either having been Egypt, and others, and for the United to a VA hospital in Minnesota suffering reached or even on the horizon. Rather States of America. We cannot pretend, from PTSD, and they said, You have than implement a rigorous diplomatic we cannot pretend, that this ill-timed got to go on a waiting list. And this strategy, the administration has in- resolution expresses anything other young man committed suicide. That is stead begun escalating the rhetoric than a rejection of our troops’ mission. what demoralizes our troops. That is with Iran, causing many people Our troops deserve much better than what we have to prevent here, and that throughout the Nation and the world this. What our troops deserve, Madam is what we are working on to do. to fear another misguided military ac- Speaker, is our unwavering support. I I said back in 2002: ‘‘I have heard all tion. refuse to let them down, and that is my colleagues on the other side calling Our soldiers have done everything why I will be voting against this reso- us appeasers, those who are going to that has been asked of them, and more. lution. vote against this resolution. We are

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1740 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 wishful thinkers. We have our eyes left now the results would be cata- motivating them patrol after patrol, closed. We sit on our hands.’’ And, of strophic. I want those Arab countries bad morale can bring down even the course, now we want to cut and run. to impress upon the Sunnis and the toughest warrior. As a Vietnam vet- Well, I tell you, Madam Speaker, no Shias the absolute need to work for eran, trust me, it cuts deep. Regardless one on this side is suggesting cutting peace now. I want the United States to of where you stand on the current war and running. Making peace is hard actively engage in diplomatic efforts on terror, troops get the message that work. Just ask Dr. Martin Luther with all Arab nations. There is no more they are wasting their time when poli- King, Jr. Ask Gandhi. Ask Nelson time for delay. I want the Iraqi mili- ticians and citizens make headlines Mandela. They didn’t cut and run. tary to step up and take over combat criticizing military action.’’ They were peacemakers. And they operations, to be the tip of the spear, Madam Speaker, I include the entire changed the history of this world. and for our troops to shift our mission letter for the RECORD. So let us not hear talk of retreat and to training and support. I want to see TO THE EDITOR: Men and women are risking sabotage and surrender. We want ac- the Iraqi Government stand strong their lives in the Middle East trying to re- tion for peace. We want it now, and we where every group feels respected and store peace to an oppressed population. Their want the United States to be part of protected and all feel they have a fu- military gear and encampment offer some that action. ture of hope. protection, but the threat of life-changing I said also in 2002, Madam Speaker: physical and mental wounds is constant. So b 1945 is the challenge to always be mission-ready, ‘‘There is a whiff of Vietnam in the air. There is no time for delay. prepared to make life and death decisions in I had a constituent call me and say, a split second. A grueling situation for sure. ‘You know, if you enjoyed Vietnam, I also want Republicans and Demo- However, even with their pride, honor and you are really going to love Iraq.’ The crats to sit down together and discuss dedication motivating them patrol after pa- mail is running 10–1 against this war. how to make these things come to fru- trol, bad morale—especially when fueled Protests have already begun around ition. I want us to review the rec- back home by demonstrations and political the Nation and around the world.’’ ommendations of the bipartisan Iraq grandstanding—can bring down even the I said to the President then that Study Group, to talk about which rec- toughest warrior. As a Vietnam veteran, ‘‘you came to the office as a uniter, not ommendations are worthy of imple- trust me—it cuts deep. mentation. I want us to thoughtfully, Regardless of where you stand on the cur- a divider. Yet we have gone down the rent War on Terror (The Veterans of Foreign road to division in this Nation. You carefully and responsibly discuss not Wars does not take sides in debates about can see it. You can smell it. You can only what action we should take in military action), troops get the message that hear it. And we are going to get more. Iraq, but to weigh the full con- they are wasting their time when politicians ‘‘So let us not go further down that sequences of any action and to offer and citizens make headlines criticizing mili- road, Mr. President. Rethink this pol- real ideas, real strategies and real solu- tary action. icy. A country divided over war is not tions. As the debate about the War on Terror con- a country that is going to make any I want this Congress to support our tinues, I urge citizens and politicians to stay soldiers, every one of them; to tell focused on providing our troops with all of progress. Let us have a rethinking of the combat equipment, supplies, and per- this war.’’ them we value them and pray for them sonnel they need to be the most effective That is what I said in 2002. You guys and their families and will give them fighting force possible. Democracy affords didn’t want to listen to us then. The what they need to do their job. I want politicians and citizens effective ways to de- President didn’t want to listen to us all of them to know that we will stand bate policies without sending morale busting then. You really should listen to us with them until the last one returns messages from the home front. Life on the now and listen to the people of Amer- home. And I want them to know that front lines is tough enough without taking ica who voted in 2006 to change this policy comes before politics, and that incoming salvos of negativity from back no poll, no political plan, no political home. They also need our emotional support. policy. Like you, I want our troops home as soon Let us respond to the American peo- threat should ever undermine our alle- as possible. But as long as they are in harm’s ple. Let us vote against escalation. Let giance to doing what is right for our way, we should back them with the full re- us begin to bring the troops home. soldiers and our Nation. I want them to sources of our nation—in material, personnel Vote ‘‘yes’’ on this resolution. know that their work, their risks, their and supportive messages. Anything less will Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Madam fighting, has meaning and purpose, and have a negative impact on their morale and Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 min- must be immune to the politics of possible their safety. utes to my colleague from Pennsyl- Washington. Madam Speaker, listen to this com- vania (Mr. TIM MURPHY). I want the soldiers and airmen from ment from the American Legion re- Mr. TIM MURPHY of Pennsylvania. the 171st, the 99th and the 911th in garding their unanimous support for Madam Speaker, I want the American Pittsburgh, and all our National Guard the current action in Iraq and the in- men and women serving in Iraq to and Reservists and active duty to come crease in troops and their caution or come home. I want this war to end. I home. I want their families to be able political rhetoric. They said, ‘‘Veterans want the violence to stop, the injuries to embrace them, their children to be of the Vietnam were remember what it to stop, the deaths to stop, and I also tucked in at night by them and our was like to fight without the support of want terrorism to stop. towns to be able to show the affection the people back home. You couldn’t Over the last few weeks, many of my of a grateful Nation. But while they separate the war from the warrior constituents told me these same feel- are there, while they stand sentry with then, any more than we can today.’’ ings, their strong feelings in support of eyes on the horizon, ride in their con- While our soldiers are there, I will or against this resolution. voys or walk on patrol, I want their support them with everything they I hear your concerns. No one can minds on the critical task of that mo- need in terms of armor and ammuni- doubt your love of your country. Like ment. tion, bullets and bread, weapons and you, I am deeply concerned about the I spoke this week to the mother of a words. direction of this war. Like you, armed soldier who was just killed in Iraq, I will continue to work for all of with the knowledge of the present, the Russell Kurtz. A finer and a braver these things, but for this point in time, strategies of the past were too often in- man you will not find. I asked her what while our soldiers are on the battle- complete. The intelligence was mis- she thought about this discussion of field, I want to be able to look them in interpreted or inadequate. sending more troops to Iraq, and she the eye and say at your moment of The comments made here today on said, ‘‘I would rather have more troops need, I backed you up on the battle- this resolution will be listened to by there helping my son.’’ field. Iraqis and al Qaeda and the soldiers in Dom DeFranco, the Pennsylvania Mr. CLYBURN. Madam Speaker, pur- the field right now, the marines on the Commander of the VFW, wrote this let- suant to section 2 of House Resolution high seas headed that way, and the ter to the editor of the Almanac News- 157, and as the designee of the majority thousands who already are on the of- paper. I will submit the whole letter, leader, I demand that the time for de- fensive. Here is my message to them: but let me read this. He said, ‘‘Even bate on the concurrent resolution be Arab countries have told us that if we with their pride, honor and dedication enlarged by 1 hour equally divided and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1741 controlled by the leaders or their des- we disengage our forces from a direct to the parents and the families of the ignees. military role, except to deny haven to men and women who have fought and The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. al Qaeda. We must place responsibility died in this war to not let their lives be DEGETTE). Under the rule, that will be directly on the Iraqi government. lost in vain. That is the message that I the order. At this very late date, virtually ev- have heard many times when I have Mr. SPRATT. Madam Speaker, I eryone agrees that peace and stability met with those families in my district yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from for Iraq cannot be secured militarily, and one that many of my colleagues Massachusetts (Mr. OLVER). but only politically. Our best chance have also heard. Mr. OLVER. Madam Speaker, I sup- for a positive outcome to this tragic Last month, I went on a bipartisan port the resolution before us today. In and unnecessary war is outlined and congressional delegation trip to Iraq, clear and succinct language it says unanimously recommended by the Iraq Afghanistan and Pakistan. While we what I believe must be said regarding Study Group, led by former Secretary met with the U.S. troops and com- the war in Iraq that America is en- of State James Baker and former Con- manders, we also had a chance to meet gaged in by the choice of President gressman Lee Hamilton. with the leaders of those countries, in- Bush. We should substitute a robust, multi- cluding the prime minister, al-Maliki. I support our men and women on the faceted diplomatic campaign to dis- He told us that if his country had the front line with all the training, the courage all of Iraq’s neighbors from en- command and control equipment and body and vehicle armor and the equip- gagement in the growing civil war and our backing, the Iraqis could begin to ment they need to be successful at the to gain support and assistance for a take over their own security in 3 to 6 task that they have been given, and I stable, unified Iraq. That diplomatic months and that we could begin to re- support them as they return, whether campaign must involve major powers deploy up to 50,000 of our troops. safe and sound or scarred by grievous and regional groups like the European Madam Speaker, we need to make wounds. Almost 24,000 have been Union and the Arab league, along with sure that Prime Minister Maliki has wounded, and many returned broken in all of Iraq’s neighbors, without excep- the tools and resources to do just that. body or spirit. Many have suffered per- tion or precondition. The U.S. should Frankly, the American people would be manently disabling wounds. Thousands always be willing to talk. In every way, better served if that were this debate, of others, not physically wounded, suf- talk is far less costly than war. instead of this nonbinding resolution. fer severe traumatic stress disorders. In a month, the war in Iraq will have Our focus should be on fixing what And all will need and must be given the gone on 4 years, well beyond our par- needs to be fixed so that the Iraqi peo- care and rehabilitation they have been ticipation in World War II. It is time to ple can take control of their country’s promised. begin bringing our troops home. fate, like they did 2 years ago when America mourns the loss of more Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Madam they held their first free elections in 50 than 3,000 of our soldiers since that Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 min- years. This action will require several steps. fateful first day of May in 2003 when utes to my colleague from Ohio (Mr. For example, as several of my col- President George W. Bush trium- HOBSON). phantly proclaimed ‘‘Mission Accom- Mr. HOBSON. Madam Speaker, I leagues have already mentioned, the plished.’’ At no time in the 220 years want to begin by saying that last night bipartisan Iraq Study Group supports a short term surge of American combat since the founding of our Nation has when I was watching the floor debate, forces to stabilize Baghdad. This is America suffered such casualties dur- my colleague from Connecticut, CHRIS being done. The group also rec- ing an occupation following war. This SHAYS, gave one of the best speeches on ommended that there be more diplo- occupation has been spectacularly mis- where we are with regard to the war in matic outreach in the region to include managed, yet Americans are asked to Iraq. It was a comprehensive overview countries like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, suspend doubt and support an already of the current situation, and I agree Kuwait, Syria and even Iran, and this used tactic, placing almost 20,000 addi- with his views on this debate, and I needs to be done by the administration. tional troops on the ground around the would like to associate myself with his Further, it is imperative that our clock, with our young men and women comments. I hope that my colleagues U.S. troops begin to transition from a caught between the combatants in the and those who are following this debate combat role to one focused on training, civil war raging in Baghdad’s urban will take a moment to read his re- counterterrorism, force protection and streets and neighborhoods. marks. controlling Iraq’s borders. I oppose this escalation. It is 4 years Like Mr. SHAYS, I rise in opposition My colleagues, the world is watching. too late and more than 100,000 troops to this resolution. This is the wrong Our friends, our enemies are watching too few. The tactic itself has been used resolution to be considering if we in and waiting to see what our next move repeatedly over the last 4 years, with Congress are supposed to be fulfilling will be. A retreat from Iraq would lead dangerously counterproductive results. our responsibility to provide oversight to even more instability in the region Each time this tactic has been used, it on how this war is to be conducted. and create a haven for terrorist groups has left behind greater hatred for the Rather than debating the so-called who despise freedom and our way of occupation and the occupiers, as well surge, which is actually taking place, life. as thousands of new recruits for the in- we should be debating how to put pol- What kind of message are we sending surgency or al Qaeda. I believe that icy in place that will bring stability when we engage in debate that is essen- this escalation will be remembered for and ensure the security of the Amer- tially a political exercise, rather than the deaths of many more American sol- ican people. one that is on substantive strategy on diers and Iraqi civilians. Admittedly, the administration has how to bring stability to the region? President George W. Bush has repeat- made mistakes in the execution of this Madam Speaker, we cannot accept edly cited the 300,000 strong Iraqi army war. Many of us, both Democrats and defeat, but we must insist on making and police force which we have spent Republicans, have been telling them the changes necessary so that the Iraqi billions of dollars to train and equip. that from the beginning. Among a people can take the fate of their future They should be pacifying their capital number of things that we have been in their own hands. There is a phrase city. As dysfunctional as it is, the Iraqi saying has been that they had enough that has often been repeated since the government which we created must de- troops to win the war, but they didn’t war began, and that is as Iraqi forces cide whether they want all-out civil have enough troops to win the peace. stand up, U.S. forces can begin to stand war or a stable, unified Iraq, with oil But we can’t correct those mistakes. down. Defining a workable strategy to revenues fairly distributed and with What we can do now is to find a strat- achieve that goal should have been the changes to their Constitution to assure egy on how best to go forward. focus of this week’s debate, rather than the rights of 40 percent of the popu- So the question becomes, what can this nonbinding resolution that will lation who are not Shia Muslims. We we do now that gives the Iraqis the not bring us a step closer to stabilizing cannot decide that for them. best chance to take control of their Iraq and bringing our troops home or The civil war will continue and our country, while also allowing our troops achieving stability in this region of the casualties will continue to mount until to return home with honor? We owe it world.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1742 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 Again, I urge my colleagues to op- of confidence by the public in their war? Not a chance. Will it help our pose this resolution. elected officials a strong message? chances of achieving victory? Abso- Mr. SPRATT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 Isn’t the sacrifice and valor of our men lutely not. This resolution will demor- minutes to the gentleman from Ari- and women fighting this war deserving alize our troops who are sacrificing zona (Mr. GRIJALVA). of the respect of this government? themselves for us today and tonight, Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I Don’t we have a duty to those men and and this resolution will give comfort to am here today to support the resolu- women to protect them, reunite them an enemy. This resolution puts politics tion. with their families immediately, and, before the lives of our brave soldiers Madam Speaker, I won’t spend a lot above all, share the truth with them, and there is no way in the world that I of time assessing the blame and the re- that the question is no longer if we get can support it. The only chance we sponsibility for the quagmire that our out of Iraq, it’s how and when. have for victory is to support the Nation finds itself in in Iraq, but I do The answer to that question for me President’s troop escalation. It’s not a find it curious during this debate that and many other families is, the sooner sure thing, but it’s our best chance for the opponents of this resolution want the better. I could stand here and read victory. These added troops will help us to believe that the history of the poll after poll that talks about the us secure Baghdad, stabilize the area, Iraq war begins today, that it has no public’s overwhelming opposition to and accelerate the training necessary past, that it has no consequences, just this war and even more overwhelming for the Iraqis to stand on their own. a doubtful future. This head-in-the- opposition to this escalation. But as I Only after these things happen can we sand attitude, while politically expe- think about it, the most important poll leave Iraq the way we should and that dient, denies reality and truth. for those of us who serve in Congress is victorious. Rest assured that history will not be needs to be our conscience. The resolu- I fully support our Commander in Chief, and I think he has much more kind to the decisionmakers and the de- tion before us is simple and direct. It information than I have or any other cider of this war, nor will it be kind to speaks in a very clear way to the frus- Member or combination of Members in a Congress that looked the other way. tration we all feel about this misadven- regard to our war on terrorism, and The resolution before us today is a ture in Iraq. And I said I would not be- particularly the war in Iraq. I think first tentative step toward the removal labor the question of who to blame, but President Bush is a godly person, intel- of our troops from Iraq. The escalation it is important to address the obvious. ligent and educated, and cares for this proposed is another desperate act op- Remember weapons of mass destruc- country and cares for those who defend posed by the American people and tion? None found. it. I will continue to support him as former military leaders. Remember the links between Iraq long as he holds the title of Com- The resolution does not demoralize and the attack on 9/11? It didn’t exist. mander in Chief of the Armed Forces of our troops nor embolden the insur- All the misspent funds in Iraq, mis- the United States of America. I heard gents. To the contrary, this resolution appropriated dollars. That was ignored the President loud and clear in his offers hope to our troops that an end is by the administration. State of the Union address on January in sight and that their elected rep- ‘‘Mission Accomplished.’’ What a pre- 23, 2007. What I gleaned from his speech resentatives in this House are not pass- mature political hype that was. And a strategy for Iraq. It doesn’t is that he is asking for calendar year ing on their authority regarding the 2007 to complete the existing plan most important issue confronting our exist. Funds for education, health care, our being implemented by General Nation today. Petraeus and those who serve under I personally know families whose cities and towns, investments in our people here in this country, that has him. And at such time, he fully expects loved ones have been lost, badly in- the Iraqis to be in a position to defend jured or profoundly intangibly affected all been spent in Iraq. The litany of failures and untruths their borders and protect their people, by this war. Our commitment should resulting in an executive order hope- be to those families and veterans who goes on and on. The lack of leadership by this administration requires, no, I fully to bring the process of withdrawal need our full measure of support. Our of these American forces still defend- gratitude should be measured in real think it demands that this Congress as- sert its constitutional duty to check ing our Nation, to bring them home. resources for veterans, and not empty This resolution will absolutely un- and balance this administration by be- platitudes and political rhetoric ex- dermine the efforts of our troops in ginning with the important step of pounded to justify an irreparable fail- Iraq. I strongly oppose it. ure in Iraq. passing this resolution. Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Madam b 2000 Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 min- Speaker, I am pleased to yield 4 min- utes to the gentleman from Massachu- The focus of this debate is not cen- utes to my colleague from Texas (Mr. setts (Mr. CAPUANO). tered on our soldiers who are nobly HALL). Mr. CAPUANO. I thank the gen- doing their duty and following their or- Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, tleman for yielding. ders. It is directed at those who set pol- first and foremost, I stand and I hope Madam Speaker, I don’t have pre- icy and who have produced a war with- we all stand in support of our troops. pared remarks. I have been listening to out end, with no plan of success or exit, But I also rise today in opposition to this debate for the last couple of days, with no international strategy, who H. Con. Res. 63. While I believe that we and everything that can be said on now turn to a desperate and doomed es- all share the same goal of winning this both sides has been said repeatedly. calation that only reinforces the fail- war on terror and bringing our brave And thus far the only thoughtful argu- ure and the desperation of those policy- young men and women home, I regret ment I have heard to not vote for this makers. that this bill before us today abso- resolution is that somehow it will de- Rest assured that the civil war in lutely will not lead to that goal. No- moralize the troops. That pretends Iraq will not end with the influx of body wants this war to end more than that the troops live in a bubble and more American troops. I do believe this those fighting in it and we need now to don’t know what is going on and just resolution should have teeth. We must do what it takes to bring our brave never think. Everybody who has done send a message that binds all of us to men and women home, but to bring any discussions or any polling of the real action, an unflinching message of them home in victory. If we don’t troops know they already know that opposition to the escalation and a mes- achieve victory, the consequences are this war is over. It’s not a military de- sage of support for our troops. Today going to be disastrous for the progres- feat. To put it that way is ridiculous. marks a step in that direction. sion of freedom all over the world, and No one can defeat our military. It is And I wonder, how many ways can instead of taking a step forward, we absolutely undefeatable. It is a polit- the American people tell this Congress would be taking multiple steps back- ical defeat. We cannot win, which I am to act to prevent more loss of our blood ward. not even sure what that means, this and treasure in the war in Iraq? So what is the point of this resolu- war. This escalation will do nothing Weren’t the elections that just hap- tion? Is it going to block the troop but delay the inevitable. America pened a strong message? Isn’t the loss surge? Absolutely not. Will it end the knows it.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1743 To listen to the discussion I have the Republicans weren’t offered an al- phone service, the repair of nearly all of Iraq’s heard in the last couple of days, all I ternative, so we have to vote for or railway stations, the restoration of electricity can say to myself, if we had this atti- against a nonbinding resolution that output and oil production to near prewar levels tude in the seventies, we would still be has it both ways in the resolution. I and the increased availability of clean water in Vietnam. For what? For what? We don’t think that is very becoming to and sanitation. The milestones that have been have done what we could do, and we this Congress. reached are a testament to why we should not may have to go back someday, and I But when the time comes, I am going abandon our presence in Iraq. Progress is may vote for it under the right cir- to vote ‘‘no’’ because I believe as being made and we must continue to support cumstances. To never say never is ri- Thomas Jefferson believed, and if you our troops and Iraq’s democratic government. diculous. We don’t know where the go to his monument not too far from The President’s call for more troops is a de- cards are going to be played. We do here and look up around the ceiling, cision not made in haste. It is made with care- know one thing: that today Iraq is en- Thomas Jefferson says, ‘‘I have sworn ful consideration and thoughtful advice from gaged in a civil war. One of the leaders upon the eternal altar of God unending his commanders both at home and in the field. of that civil war isn’t even in Iraq. He opposition to all forms of tyranny over The additional troops will work with Iraqis to is in Iran. We are only delaying the in- the mind of man.’’ This Islamic ter- solve serious challenges and to find ways to evitable at the cost of our young men rorist campaign is a direct attack on curb future outbreaks of violence. To achieve and women. And I am not talking our democracy. It is a direct attack on success in combating those serious chal- about money, because if this was the our tolerance. We need to support our lenges it is important that America stands with right war, a moral war, money President. We need to vote against this Iraq so they can defend their own soil, create wouldn’t be the issue. nonbinding resolution. And then if we a sound economy and govern themselves ef- This war is over. We need to recog- want to have a real resolution, let’s fectively. The President understands the con- nize that. We need to stop trying to bring it to the floor and have that de- sequences of failure in Iraq, something this play politics with it. Bring our troops bate. resolution proves the Democrats do not com- home and prepare them for the next I rise today in opposition to H. Con. Res. prehend. battle that we might all join in if it’s 63. This nonbinding resolution serves only to I have been to the funerals of men and the right place and the right time. degrade and demoralize the troops currently women from my district that lost their lives in Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Madam engaged in forward operations and those addi- this war. I have pinned medals on the chests Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 min- tional troops President Bush has called upon. of the brave men and women from my district utes to my colleague from Texas (Mr. This is not a call for a new direction in Iraq nor who returned home safely. Visiting with fami- BARTON). is this a call for a new course of action. This lies at home and troops in Iraq I have seen (Mr. BARTON of Texas asked and is a political distraction and a call to our en- first hand the effects this war has on Ameri- was given permission to revise and ex- emies around the world by showing a lack of cans. This resolution serves to discredit the tend his remarks.) resolve and fostering the idea of uncertainty memories of fallen soldiers, the efforts of Mr. BARTON of Texas. Madam towards support and funding for the men and those still fighting, and to embolden our en- Speaker, I attended the Charlie Nor- women of our Armed Forces. emies. If we remember, our enemies attacked wood funeral today in Augusta, Geor- Speaker PELOSI and her fellow Democrats us on September 11th and instead of living in gia. He was a veteran of Vietnam. I have charged that the previous policy did not fear and leaving ourselves open to more at- think it is ironic that because he was a work, the new policy will not work, and yet tacks we chose to take the fight to them. In veteran, we saw at the beginning of the amongst all this rhetoric my colleagues on the the time since, there has not been another funeral the honor guard walk in car- other side of the aisle do not have a construc- major terrorist attack on U.S. soil. That is a rying the flag of the United States tive alternative to put forth. Instead they offer testament to the fight our men and women are Army and the flag of the United States legislation that if enacted would fuel the call waging to protect the freedoms we so richly and all the battle ribbons on that flag, for setting timelines and the withdrawal of our enjoy. I remain committed to supporting our that as 70 to 80 of the Members of this troops. To leave before the job is finished forces serving abroad and ensuring they have body were showing respect to Charlie would leave our country in a weaker position the funding they need to complete their mis- and his family, we were having this de- globally and leave the Middle East without any sion. bate on another war. hope for democracy to ever take hold. The ex- Some of my colleagues misguidedly stand The resolution before us is a sham tremists that oppose us are against freedom to dismiss our efforts in Iraq. I stand with the resolution. It is nonbinding. I have and we are right to be engaged in the fight for resolve of former President Thomas Jefferson voted on resolutions of war and peace democracy and tolerance. The stakes are high who said, ‘‘I have sworn upon the altar of in my time in this Congress. I voted on and our enemies know this. They are not God, eternal hostility against every form of tyr- the first gulf war resolution back in going to quit, but if we pass this resolution it anny over the mind of man.’’ We must not the early nineties when we thought will be the first step in signaling that we will. stand divided and turn our backs on those that there might be tens of thousands It is right to support the President as he lays fighting for democracy where tyranny threat- of body bags coming back with our out his plan for securing Iraq and is in our na- ens to reign. We must be steadfast and sup- troops in them. I voted on the first res- tional interest. port them in every way we can. We can not olution supporting our President in The necessary framework for democracy let the difficulty of the task diminish our sup- this war after 9/11. Remember 9/11? We has been established and the labor of our port for the troops and the cause for which had more American citizens killed in brave troops has produced many measurable they are so diligently fighting. We must not let one day in the Twin Towers and in the results. A constitution was written by the Iraqis this frivolous resolution pass. Pentagon than we have had in all the resulting in democratic elections where nearly Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam years that our troops have been in Iraq 12.5 million people braved the threat of vio- Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the and Afghanistan. That doesn’t demean lence to cast their votes. A fair criminal trial gentlelady from Texas (Ms. JACKSON- their sacrifice. I have attended three was held for Saddam Hussein, the country’s LEE). funerals in my hometown of young men former dictator, who denied that right to his Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Let me who have been killed in the line of duty own people. I urge my colleagues to let the thank the distinguished gentleman for in this current war. Iraqis lead and give democracy a chance. Es- yielding. This nonbinding resolution tries to tablishing a secure Iraq, a thriving democracy Madam Speaker, I believe that each have it both ways. It says at the first, and a noticeable reduction in crime will pave and every Member that has come to in part A, we support the troops and in the way for numerous infrastructure improve- the floor tonight and over the last 2 part B, we don’t support our Presi- ments. days would never consider any of their dent’s decision, the Commander in Sustainable achievements in the reconstruc- remarks frivolous, nor would we char- Chief, to send these reinforcements. tion effort include the building of more than acterize this debate as political. Unfor- Well, if it’s nonbinding, why have the 5,000 schools, the training of more then tunately, in 2002, many of those same debate? I think it’s commendable that 60,000 teachers, the training and equipping of words were used to characterize a very we are having this debate. I wish it 323,000 police and military forces, the vac- needed debate and one that we had would have had some meat on it. Let’s cination of 98 percent of Iraqi children, the hoped that those who had the powers of put a real resolution on the floor. But ability of more than 7 million people to access decision would have listened to.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1744 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 I remember standing in this same lo- rity to Baghdad, and then we can sit dogs of war.’’ But even Henry V did not exhort cation and suggesting to my colleagues down and have reconciliation. One his troops, his band of brothers, to go ‘‘once that I was proud to accept and to make more soldier generates one more vio- more, into the breach’’ for a fifth time. And nei- as my choice life over death and peace lent act. So we know that the troop ther should we. over war. Through these years, mem- surges do not work. We also know that Madam Speaker, instead of a surge in com- bers of the Progressive Caucus it strains the readiness. bat troops, the United States needs to launch thoughtfully have gathered to rein- We need a diplomatic surge. More im- a diplomatic surge for political and national force the words that we offered during portantly, we need not to go over the reconciliation in Iraq. That is why I have intro- those days when even though the en steps of Secretary McNamara who indi- duced H.R. 930, the ‘‘Military Success in Iraq masse lobbying and representation of cated in his words, as I said in the Oc- and Diplomatic Surge for Political and National mass destruction weapons, we knew tober 2002, Former Defense Secretary Reconciliation in Iraq Act of 2007.’’ As I will that this was a war that would be ill- Robert McNamara said in his mea discuss in greater detail later in my remarks, fated and misdirected. In fact, during culpa on the Vietnam War: We were my legislation offers a far better chance of that time, we had solutions. We asked wrong, terribly wrong. And he hoped sustainable success in Iraq than does the for a continued use of political diplo- that the suffering, as he quoted one of President’s escalation. And equally important, macy and, as well, the continuation of the philosophers, he hoped that what my legislation will go a long way toward ensur- utilizing the U.N. inspectors to deter- we had experienced in the suffering of ing that never again will the American people mine if there were weapons of mass de- Vietnam would give us experience. or the Congress be bamboozled into rubber- struction. Today this ongoing war in Iraq shows stamping an ill-advised, ill-planned, preemptive b 2015 we have thrown away that experience. war. We also throw away the Constitu- Madam Speaker, I am privileged to rep- But now we have come some 5 years tion, because this is not pursuant to resent the citizens of the 18 Congressional and we hear the same refrain. And I Article I, section 8. This is not a dec- District in the great State of Texas. The sons know in the hearts of those who have laration of war that we are in, and we and daughters of the Lone Star State have al- spoken that they are sincere. But if we therefore need to terminate the power ways answered the call to service. More than said nothing else but point to those of the President that had been given in 280 Texans have been made the ultimate sac- who have fallen, let their faces rep- 2002 to attack Iraq. This document has resent the sacrifice of America. Those rifice for their country. More than 2,200 Tex- not been followed. And so H.R. 930 will are the faces of those who are always ans have been wounded. Only California has terminate the authorization given in willing to go into battle, and not one of suffered a greater number of dead and 2002, because for these lives lost al- us on the floor today will ever say any- wounded. Today, Madam Speaker, there are thing untoward about the United ready we don’t want to participate in more than 31,000 Texans serving in Iraq, States military through the years and the foolishness of monies being spent which is 12,000 more than the next highest decades and centuries, because they recklessly, the lack of accountability, state. Since the war began in March 2003, have never faltered in the Commander and a war that already can be claimed more than 180,000 Texans have served in in Chief’s direction to go to war. as a military victory by the United Iraq, some deployed two, even three, in some But what has really failed in this States military who can now come cases four times. Congress in its oversight and responsi- home with honor and dignity. Madam Speaker, it is more than irrespon- bility and, as well, the choices being Let us stand again on this floor and sible not to oppose the President’s plan to es- made by the leadership that has sent claim that we support life over death calate the war in Iraq. It is unconscionable. In them into war. and we support peace over war and we opposing the President’s latest folly, we send And so, as Abraham Lincoln has said, want our soldiers to return home in a message that is both simple and profound: ‘‘We wish to honor the soldiers and celebration and dignity in honor of You cannot win the just War on Terror by sailors everywhere who bravely bear these who now are fallen on the battle- launching an unjustified War in Iraq. That is this country’s cause; honor also to the field. one of the hard and bitter lessons we have citizen who cares for his brother. We Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of learned during the 4 years course of the War will never forget.’’ H. Con. Res. 63. I stand in strong support of in Iraq. But we now stand in opposition to our troops who have performed magnificently The misguided, mismanaged, and costly de- the escalation and support of this reso- in battle and with a grace under pressure that bacle that is the Iraq War was preemptively lution because we believe that the Na- is distinctively American. I stand with the launched by President Bush in March 2003 tion must hear, but also the leaders American people, who have placed their trust despite the opposition of me and 125 of my who make the decisions must hear this in the President, the Vice President, and the colleagues in the House of Representatives. is wrong and misdirected. former Secretary of Defense, each of whom To date, the war in Iraq has lasted longer than The troops have been magnificent. abused the public trust and patience. America’s involvement in World War II, the We have had 180,000 of them who have I stand with the American taxpayers who greatest conflict in all of human history. served in Iraq from Texas, we have had have paid nearly $400 billion to finance the But there is a difference. The Second World 200 or more who have been killed, in- misadventure in Iraq. I stand with the 3,019 War ended in complete and total victory for cluding the 3,000-plus that have been fallen heroes who stand even taller in death the United States and its allies. But then killed across the Nation. They do have because they gave the last full measure of de- again, in that conflict America was led by a military success. votion to their country. For these reasons, FDR, a great Commander-in-Chief, who had a But we know that the surges do not Madam Speaker, I stand fully, strongly, and plan to win the war and secure the peace, lis- work. We know it was ill-fated from unabashedly in opposition to the President’s tened to his generals, and sent troops in suffi- the beginning. There was no collabora- unilateral decision to escalate the war in Iraq cient numbers and sufficiently trained and tion, very minimal, and now the col- by deploying more than 20,000 additional equipped to do the job. laboration has ended. What is needed combat troops to Iraq, and at least that many My friends, I say with sadness that we have now is the declaration of a military more to provide logistical support. not enjoyed that same quality of leadership success, which is what I have expressed I wish to make clear, Madam Speaker, that throughout the conduct of the Iraq War. The in H.R. 930. And now we must search sending more combat troops into Iraq will not results, not surprisingly, have been disastrous. for diplomatic and political reconcili- lead to success in Iraq. We cannot achieve To date, the war in Iraq has claimed the lives ation, a Special Envoy to Iraq that fo- success in Iraq unless we change strategy. of 3,109 brave servicemen and women (115 in cuses specifically on bringing together But the President’s proposed troop surge is December and 39 in the first 13 days of this the Sunnis, the Shiites and the Kurds. not a change in strategy and it does not signal month). More than 23,400 Americans have We know that surges have only gen- a new direction; it is simply more of the same. been wounded, many suffering the most hor- erated more insurgents, they have only As our most recent great President, Bill Clin- rific injuries. American taxpayers have paid generated more violence, and it has not ton, once said, ‘‘if you always do what you’ve nearly $400 billion to sustain this misadven- brought about the safety that is need- always done, you’ll always get what you’ve al- ture. ed. ways got.’’ The depth, breadth, and scope of the Presi- Of course, the response is that this In proposing this latest troop surge, Presi- dent’s misguided, mismanaged, and misrepre- escalation will bring some sort of secu- dent Bush seeks to ‘‘cry havoc and let slip the sented war in Iraq is utterly without precedent

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1745 in American history. It is a tragedy in a league tened that he knew that Iraq and Al Qaeda For $33.1 billion, or 4 months in Iraq, we all its own. But it was not unforeseeable or un- had high-level contacts that went back a dec- could have fully funded the Department of avoidable. As the President’s intention to ade and that Iraq had trained Al Qaeda mem- Homeland Security FY 2007 budget. launch a preemptive war against Iraq became bers in bomb making and deadly gases. He For $10 billion, just 5 weeks in Iraq, we known back in the fall of 2002, thoughtful was wrong. What’s more, the American people could equip every commercial airliner with de- members in the halls of Congress took to the were led to believe that the regime in Bagh- fenses against shoulder-fired missiles. floor, and concerned citizens in the country- dad had long-standing and continuing ties to For $8.6 billion, just 30 days in Iraq, we side took to the streets to stop it. Patriots all, terrorist organizations. Wrong again. President could finance the shortage of international aid we registered our dissent. We acted not out of Bush even went so far as to say that you needed to rebuild Afghanistan. dislike of the President but out of love for our couldn’t distinguish between Al Qaeda and For $5.2 billion, just three weeks in Iraq, we country and what it had represented to the Saddam when you talked about the war on could finance the capital improvements need- world. As Robert Taft, ‘‘Mr. Republican,’’ as he terror. Of course, this claim turned out to be ed to secure the nation’s public transportation was affectionately known, the late, great Sen- untrue as well. system, including trains, subways, and buses. ator from Ohio, stated two weeks after Pearl That is not all, Madam Speaker. The cam- For the equivalent of 5 days in Iraq, just Harbor, ‘‘Criticism in a time of war is essential paign to persuade Americans that Iraq posed $1.5 billion, we could provide radiation detec- to the maintenance of a democratic govern- a clear, present, and mortal danger to us in- tors at every port in the United States. ment.’’ cluded the false claims that Iraq possessed For only $1.4 billion, the cost of another 5 My friends, in light of the enormous losses ballistic missiles with a likely range of hun- days in Iraq, we could double the COPS (com- of precious American blood and treasure, it is dreds of miles—far enough to strike Saudi munity police grants) program. very small consolation to know that those of Arabia, Israel, Turkey, and other nations. It For the cost of a mere two days in Iraq, we us who acted on the biblical injunction to was also falsely represented to Americans that could fund the $700 million needed to provide speak truth to power have been proven right Iraq had a growing fleet of manned and un- 100% screening of all air cargo. in our warnings about the disaster war in Iraq manned aerial vehicles that could be used to For $350 million, 26 hours in Iraq, we could would produce. disperse chemical or biological weapons instead make emergency radio systems inter- We predicted before the war that ‘‘the out- across broad areas and that Iraq was explor- operable. come after the conflict is actually going to be ing ways of using unmanned aerial vehicles to For the cost of 81⁄2 hours in Iraq, $94 mil- the hardest part, and it is far less certain.’’ We target the United States. lion, we could restore the cuts in Homeland made the point that it was essential for the But the capstone of the administration’s Security funding to cities hit on September 11. Administration to develop ‘‘a plan for rebuild- disinformation campaign was the claim that Madam Speaker, opponents of the resolu- ing of the Iraqi government and society, if the Saddam Hussein was actively pursuing nu- tion before us contend that it gives comfort to worst comes to pass and armed conflict is clear weapons which could be used against the enemy and undermines the President’s necessary.’’ We knew the Armed Forces of America by Iraq, or by the terrorists to whom strategy for success in Iraq. They claim it is the United States is invincible on the battle- it was giving safe harbor. President Bush even our patriotic duty to avert our eyes to this Ad- field and would decisively defeat Iraq’s forces went so far to announce to a world-wide audi- ministration’s nearly unbroken record of spec- and remove Saddam Hussein. But like the ence in his 2003 State of the Union address tacular failure and incompetence and rally proverbial dog chasing the car down the road, that ‘‘the British government has learned that around the flag. But to paraphrase the old we questioned whether the President knew Saddam Hussein had recently sought signifi- saw: fool me four times, shame on you; fool what to do after we caught it.’’ cant quantities of uranium from Africa.’’ Ac- me a fifth time, shame on me. The truth is, We warned of the ‘‘postwar challenges,’’ cording to the President, facing such clear evi- Madam Speaker, this Congress—and the particularly the fact that there was no history dence of peril, we could not wait for ‘‘the final American people—has not been fickle or im- of democratic government in Iraq, and that its proof that could come in the form of a mush- patient. Rather, it has been understanding and economy and infrastructure was in ruins after room cloud.’’ We now know for sure that these generous to a fault, overlooking and excusing years of war and sanctions and that rebuilding claims were false. And covering up those false blunder after blunder committed by the White Iraq would cost hundreds of billions of dollars claims is one of the main reasons that Scooter House and the Office of the Secretary of De- that could be better at home securing the Libby found himself in the predicament that fense (OSD). As Kenneth M. Pollack of the homeland and waging the real War on Terror. led to his indictment by a grand jury and the Brookings Institution, and a former senior And we warned against sending American sol- on-going trial in the United States District member of the NSC, brilliantly describes in his diers to war in Iraq without adequate protec- Court for the District of Columbia. essay, ‘‘The Seven Deadly Sins Of Failure In tion against biological and unconventional Regarding the actual conduct of the looming Iraq: A Retrospective Analysis Of The Recon- weapons. hostilities, the Administration and its courtiers struction,’’ in Middle East Review of Inter- I am also reminded how General Eric assured us that ‘‘it would be a cakewalk’’ and national Affairs (December 2006), our trust Shinseki told the Senate Armed Services that American troops ‘‘would be greeted as lib- and patience has been repaid by a record of Committee in February 2003 that the Defense erators.’’ The Secretary of Defense, Donald incompetence unmatched in the annals of Department’s estimate of troops needed for Rumsfeld, boldly claimed that ‘‘the war could American foreign policy. occupying Iraq is too low and that several last six days, six weeks. I doubt six months.’’ The Bush administration disregarded the ad- hundred thousand soldiers would be needed. Vice-President CHENEY said, ‘‘I think it will go vice of experts on Iraq, on nation-building, and But instead of heeding the wise counsel of relatively quickly . . . [in] weeks rather than on military operations. It staged both the inva- General Shinseki, the Bush administration months.’’ There are many things one could sion and the reconstruction on the cheap. It cashiered him out of the Army. say about these rose- colored scenarios ped- did not learn from its mistakes and did not Indeed, anyone who questioned the Bush dled by the Administration nearly four long commit the resources necessary to accom- Doctrine of preemptive war was ridiculed and years ago. But there is one thing you cannot plish its original lofty goals or later pedestrian marginalized as unpatriotic, weak, sympathetic say and that is ‘‘truer words were never spo- objectives. It ignored intelligence that contra- to terrorists, and un-American: Anti-Terrorism ken.’’ dicted its own views. Chief Richard Clarke, Treasury Secretary Paul Finally, Madam Speaker, let us not forget It is clear now that the administration simply O’Neill, Council of Economic Advisors Chair- the wildly extravagant claims of this Adminis- never believed in the necessity of a major re- man Laurence Lindsay, Joe Wilson, and con- tration regarding the cost of this war. The Di- construction in Iraq. To exacerbate matters the gressional Democrats. rector of the White House OMB was quoted Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) and But four years later, people like us are now as saying that ‘‘Iraq will be an affordable en- the White House Office of the Vice President the majority. And we are united in raising our deavor that will not require sustained aid and (OVP) worked together to ensure that the voices to proclaim: End the war and redeploy will be in the range of $50 billion to $60 bil- State Department was excluded from any our troops out of Iraq. lion.’’ At last count, Madam Speaker, the war meaningful involvement in the reconstruction Madam Speaker, it is instructive to review has cost the taxpayers $379 billion. That a of Iraq. why the American people have turned against cost overrun of more than 600 percent. The administration’s chief Iraq hawks the war in Iraq. To put the cost of the war in perspective, shared a deeply naive view that the fall of The American people were told erroneously consider that we are spending more than $8 Saddam and his top henchmen would have but repeatedly that the gravest threat facing billion a month to sustain the war effort in Iraq. relatively little impact on the overall Iraqi gov- America was Saddam Hussein and his re- Could this money be put to better use? Well, ernmental structure. They assumed that Iraq’s gime. The Vice-President assured all who lis- consider the following: bureaucracy would remain intact and would

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1746 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 therefore be capable of running the country woes. Many of the IGC leaders were horribly more soldiers into Baghdad and nearby Anbar and providing Iraqis with basic services. They corrupt, and they stole from the public treasury province is a change in military strategy that likewise assumed that the Iraqi armed forces and encouraged their subordinates to do the America must embrace or face future terrorist would largely remain cohesive and would sur- same. The IGC set the tone for later Iraqi gov- attacks on American soil. Nothing could be render whole to U.S. forces. The result of all ernments, particularly the transitional govern- further from the truth, as we learned last year this was a fundamental lack of attention to re- ments of Ayad Allawi and Ibrahim Jaafari that when the ‘‘surge’’ idea first surfaced among alistic planning for the postwar environment. followed. neoconservatives. As it was assumed that the Iraqis would be Finally, by insisting that all of the problems The President’s proposed troop surge is not delighted to be liberated little thought was of the country were caused by the insurgency new and, judging from history, we know it will given to security requirements after Saddam’s rather than recognizing the problems of the not work. It will only succeed in putting more fall. The dearth of planning for the provision of country were helping to fuel the insurgency, American troops in harm’s way for no good security and basic services stemmed from the the Bush Administration set about concen- reason and without any strategic advantage. mistaken belief that Iraqi political institutions trating its efforts in all the wrong places and The armed forces of the United States are not would remain largely intact and therefore able on the wrong problems. to be used to respond to 911 calls from gov- to handle those responsibilities. This explains why for nearly all of 2004 and ernments like Iraq’s that have done all they But there were too few Coalition troops, 2005, our troops were disproportionately de- can to take responsibility for the security of which meant that long supply lines were vul- ployed in the Sunni triangle trying to catch and their country and safety of their own people. nerable to attack by Iraqi irregulars, and the kill insurgents. Although our troops caught and The United States cannot do for Iraq what need to mask entire cities at times took so killed insurgents by the hundreds and thou- Iraqis are not willing to do for themselves. much combat power that it brought the entire sands, these missions were not significantly Troop surges have been tried several times offensive to a halt. advancing our strategic objectives. Indeed, in the past. The success of these surges has, It was not long before these naive assump- they had little long-term impact because insur- to put it charitably, been underwhelming. Let’s tions and inadequate planning conjoined to gents are always willing to flee temporarily briefly review the record: sow the seeds of the chaos we have wit- rather than fight a leviathan. Second, because 1. Operation Together Forward, (June-Octo- nessed in Iraq. so many coalition forces were playing ‘‘whack- ber 2006): In June the Bush administration an- The lack of sufficient troops to secure the a-mole’’ with insurgents in the sparsely popu- nounced a new plan for securing Baghdad by country led to the immediate outbreak of law- lated areas of western Iraq, the rest of the increasing the presence of Iraqi Security lessness resulting in massive looting and de- country was left vulnerable to take over by mi- Forces. That plan failed, so in July the White struction dealt a stunning psychological blow litias. House announced that additional American to Iraqi confidence in the United States, from Finally, Madam Speaker, a cruel irony is troops would be sent into Baghdad. By Octo- which the country has yet to recover. We re- that because the Iraqi Government brought ber, a U.S. military spokesman, Gen. William moved Saddam Hussein’s regime but we did exiles and militia leaders into the government Caldwell, acknowledged that the operation and not move to fill the military, political, and eco- and gave them positions of power, it is now troop increase was a failure and had ‘‘not met nomic vacuum. The unintended consequence virtually impossible to get them out, and even our overall expectations of sustaining a reduc- was the birth of a failing state, which provided more difficult to convince them to make com- tion in the levels of violence.’’ the opportunity for the insurgency to flourish promises because the militia leaders have 2. Elections and Constitutional Referendum and prevented the development of govern- learned they can use their government posi- (September-December 2005): In the fall of mental institutions capable of providing Iraqis tions to maintain and expand their personal 2005 the Bush administration increased troop with the most basic services such as clean power, at the expense both of their rivals who levels by 22,000, making a total of 160,000 are not in the government and of the central water, sanitation, electricity, and a minimally American troops in Iraq around the constitu- government itself. functioning economy capable of generating tional referendum and parliamentary elections. All of this was avoidable and the blame for While the elections went off without major vio- basic employment. the lack of foresight falls squarely on the Making matters worse, the administration ar- lence these escalations had little long-term im- White House and the Office of the Secretary rogantly denied the United Nations overall au- pact on quelling sectarian violence or attacks of Defense. thority for the reconstruction even though the Madam Speaker, the American people on American troops. U.N. had far more expertise and experience in spoke loudly and clearly last November when 3. Constitutional Elections and Fallujah (No- nation building. they tossed out the Rubber-Stamp Republican vember 2004-March 2005): As part of an effort The looting and anarchy, the persistent in- Congress. They voted for a New Direction in to improve counterinsurgency operations after surgent attacks, the lack of real progress in re- Iraq and for change in America. They voted to the Fallujah offensive in November 2004 and storing basic services, and the failure to find disentangle American troops from the car- to increase security before the January 2005 the promised weapons of mass destruction nage, chaos, and civil war in Iraq. They voted constitutional elections U.S. forces were in- undercut the administration’s claim that things for accountability and oversight, which we creased by 12,000 to 150,000. Again there were going well in Iraq and led it to make the Democrats have begun to deliver on; already was no long-term security impact. next set of serious blunders, which was the the new majority has held 52 congressional 4. Massive Troop Rotations (December disbanding of the Iraqi military and security hearings related to the Iraq War, investigating 2003-April 2004): As part of a massive rotation services. everything from the rampant waste, fraud, and of 250,000 troops in the winter and spring of Madam Speaker, counterinsurgency experts abuse of Iraq reconstruction funding to troop 2004, troop levels in Iraq were raised from will tell you that to pacify an occupied country readiness to the Iraq Study Group Report. 122,000 to 137,000. Yet, the increase did it is essential to disarm, demobilize, and re- But President Bush is still not listening to nothing to prevent Muqtada al-Sadr’s Najaf train (DDR) the local army. The idea behind a America. He is acting as if nothing has uprising and April of 2004 was the second DDR program is to entice, cajole, or even co- changed. He is not offering a way out of Iraq, deadliest month for American forces. erce soldiers back to their own barracks or to only a way forward that will take us deeper Madam Speaker, by more than 60 percent, other facilities where they can be fed, clothed, into the morass and quagmire. Americans oppose increasing American troop watched, retrained, and prevented from joining The troop surge proposed by President levels in Iraq. So do many of the nation’s lead- an insurgency movement, organized crime, or Bush is not a new strategy for success in Iraq; ing and most knowledgeable military officers. an outlaw militia. it is just the same old repackaged policy of In testimony before the Senate, Gen. John P. By disbanding the military and security serv- ‘‘stay the course.’’ This troop surge—this es- Abizaid, the former Commander of United ices without a DDR program, as many as one calation of the war—will not provide lasting se- States Central Command, stated: ‘‘I do not be- million Iraqi men were set at large with no curity for Iraqis. It is not what the American lieve that more American troops right now is money, no means to support their families, people have asked for, nor what the American the solution to the problem. I believe that the and no skills other than how to use a gun. Not military needs. It will impose excessive and troop levels need to stay where they are.’’ surprisingly, many of these humiliated Sunni unwarranted burdens on military personnel General Abizaid’s view is shared by Gen. officers went home and joined the burgeoning and their families. It is opposed by the Joint Colin Powell, the former Secretary of State Sunni insurgency. Chiefs of Staff. It is opposed by an over- and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, who The next major mistake made in the sum- whelming majority of the American people. It has said ‘‘I am not persuaded that another mer of 2003 was the decision to create an is opposed by a majority in Congress. surge of troops into Baghdad for the purposes Iraqi Governing Council (IGC), which laid the The architects of the fiasco in Iraq would of suppressing this communitarian violence, foundation for many of Iraq’s current political have us believe that ‘‘surging’’ at least 20,000 this civil war, will work.’’ And Gen. Barry

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1747 McCaffrey (retired), who commanded the 24th be left to the whim of a single person, no mat- alternatives, and commands no real ef- Infantry Division during the first Gulf War, is ter how wise or well-informed he or she might fect. even more blunt: ‘‘It’s a fool’s errand . . . Our be. But the AUMF passed by Congress was Most of the speeches I have heard allies are leaving us . . . Make no mistake not a declaration of war but rather a blank this week are about the war. On that about that. Most will be gone by this summer.’’ check for the president to start and wage war subject, there is plenty of room for dis- Even leading members of the Republican in Iraq at a time, place, and manner of his agreement. But the resolution before Party are skeptical of the President’s latest choosing. It is time to rescind that blank check us isn’t about the war, it is about a ploy to salvage the mess he has made of Iraq. and return to first principles. specific tactical question: the number According to Sen. CHUCK HAGEL of Nebraska, That is why H.R. 930 also includes another of troops we need to deploy to finish the President’s escalation plan ‘‘represents the important legislative initiative, the ‘‘Military the job. most dangerous foreign policy blunder in this Success in Iraq Act of 2007 (MSIA).’’ This pro- I can’t think of a group that is less country since Vietnam—if it’s carried out. I will vision of my legislation is crafted to end the qualified to make strategic and tac- resist it.’’ Senator HAGEL is joined in his skep- American military involvement in Iraq and re- tical decisions on the ground than 535 ticism by Senators OLYMPIA SNOWE, JOHN deploy American troops out of Iraq. Members of Congress, sitting 6,000 WARNER, SUSAN COLLINS, GORDON SMITH, The MSIA declares that the objectives which miles away on Capitol Hill. Congress NORM COLEMAN, GEORGE VOINOVICH, SAM led Congress to pass the 2002 AUMF have shouldn’t be in the business of micro- BROWNBACK, ARLEN SPECTER, and a growing been achieved. It further declares that when- managing war tactics. list of others. ever the objectives set forth in an AUMF have Should we debate the war in Iraq? Madam Speaker, although Americans are been achieved, the AUMF expires automati- Certainly. Can we disagree about its right to oppose the President’s troop surge, cally. Then it finds that Congress is the ulti- goals and purpose? Absolutely. But de- stemming the chaos in Iraq will require more mate arbiter as to whether the objectives set cisions on the ground need to be deter- than opposition to military escalation. It re- forth in its AUMF have been achieved. mined by our military commanders on quires us to make hard choices. Because Congress now finds that the 2002 the scene, and not public opinion polls. It is past time for a new direction that can AUMF objectives have been achieved, my leg- Of course, the other responsibility of lead to success in Iraq. We cannot wait any islation provides that the authorization to use Congress is, when it comes to wars, the longer. Too many Americans and Iraqis are force conferred upon the President by the power to fund them. As a member of dying who could otherwise be saved. AUMF has now expired. My bill then makes the Appropriations Committee, I take Since the President still has not seen the clear that the President must obtain a new au- that responsibility seriously. But if my light, we need to make him feel the heat. I be- thorization to continue the use force in Iraq. colleagues on the Appropriations Com- lieve the time has come to debate, adopt, and Finally, my bill requires that if the Congress mittee and in the full House think the implement a plan for strategic redeployment. I does not vote to reauthorize the use of force war is a lost cause, if they think that am not talking about ‘‘immediate withdrawal,’’ in Iraq by March 31, 2007, then all American sending more troops to help secure Iraq ‘‘cutting and running,’’ or surrendering to ter- armed forces in Iraq must be redeployed out is the wrong strategy, they shouldn’t rorists. And I certainly am not talking about of Iraq. Thus, under my legislation, an up-or- hesitate to cut off the funding for the staying in Iraq forever or the foreseeable fu- down vote must be held by the House and operation. I wouldn’t support that ture. Senate to continue waging war in Iraq. measure, but at least it would be a I am talking about a paradigm shift. Rather Madam Speaker, our domestic national se- measure of genuine intent, not a two- than undertaking a misguided and futile surge curity, in fact, rests on redeploying our military paragraph statement on military tac- in troops, the United States should surge dip- forces from Iraq in order to build a more se- tics we have on the floor this week. lomatically. The Armed Forces of the United cure Middle East and continue to fight against Mistakes have been made. But this is States have performed magnificently. They global terrorist networks elsewhere in the a mission that is consistent with our won the war they were sent to fight. Their ci- world. Strategic redeployment of our armed vital interest and worthy of our sup- vilian leadership has not succeeded in winning forces in order to rebuild our nation’s fighting port. I don’t believe President Bush has the peace. capabilities and renew our critical fight in Af- prosecuted this war flawlessly, and, That is why I have introduced H.R. 930, ghanistan against the Taliban and al-Qaeda is frankly, I don’t believe he has always which among other things creates a high-level not just an alternative strategy. It’s a strategic particularly been well advised. But this Special Envoy to launch a new offensive on imperative. strategy of reinforcement is not always the diplomatic front. My legislation, the ‘‘Mili- My legislation requires the Congress to pro- supported by the President, it is sup- tary Success in Iraq and Diplomatic Surge for vide leadership on the most important issue of ported by the military and the political Political and National Reconciliation Act of our day. That is what the American people leadership of Iraq. 2007,’’ implements twelve of the most impor- want. That is what they voted for last Novem- People have to understand some- tant recommendations of the Iraq Study ber. That is what has been required all along. thing. We are facing an enemy like no Group, headed by former Secretary of State And providing constructive leadership that other we have faced before, an ideolog- James A. Baker and 911 Co-Chairman Lee will bring peace, enhance security, and save ical enemy driven by hate, not reason; Hamilton. lives is the task to which I am now, and al- an enemy for whom there can be no Among other things, H.R. 930, would re- ways have been, dedicated. That is why I rest until the freedoms and values that quire a diplomatic full-court press designed to strongly and proudly support our magnificent, define our civilization are destroyed. engage all six of Iraq’s neighbors—Iran, Tur- heroic, and selfless service men and women. Victory is the only outcome that can key, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Ku- That is why I strongly support H. Con. Res 63 be accepted. But the resolution we are wait—more constructively in stabilizing Iraq. and squarely oppose the President’s decision debating on the floor this week was not These countries are already involved in a bi- to escalate the war in Iraq. I urge all members written with ultimate victory in mind; lateral, self-interested and disorganized way. to support the resolution before the House. it was written in expectation of defeat. While their interests and ours are not iden- Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Madam And, unlike some of my colleagues, I tical, none of these countries wants to live with Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 min- am not willing to concede to defeat. an Iraq that, after our redeployment, becomes utes to my colleague from Pennsyl- So many families have sacrificed so a failed state or a humanitarian catastrophe vania (Mr. PETERSON). that we can be successful in Iraq, and that could become a haven for terrorists or a Mr. PETERSON of Pennsylvania. they are willing to sacrifice even more. hemorrhage of millions more refugees stream- Madam Speaker, the situation we are To cut support for them now would be ing into their countries. facing in Iraq right now is serious. The unforgiveable. Madam Speaker, when Congress authorized resolution we are debating here to- You know, Mr. Speaker, watching the president to use military force in Iraq in night, unfortunately, is not. the debate on the floor this week, my 2002, it departed from the wisdom of our fore- Everyone agrees the situation on the thoughts keep going back to the fathers. The Framers understood that while ground is unacceptable. To make it Loudon family who live in my district. the military does the fighting, a nation goes to right, we need leadership, resources, Their son Christopher, a member of war. That is why they lodged the power to de- and resolve. What we don’t need is 36 his college ROTC program, was de- clare war in the Congress, the branch of gov- hours of time trading speeches on a ployed to Iraq after graduation and ernment closest to the people. They knew that nonbinding measure, a measure that came home this fall in a flag-draped the decision to go to war was too important to imparts no new policy, offers no new coffin.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1748 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 Their son Nicholas is a West Point failed stay-the-course strategy dressed failures of the past is not a new strat- graduate I nominated to the Academy, up with a little bit of escalation. egy. Vice President DICK CHENEY, de- who served with his brother in Iraq, But as President Theodore Roosevelt spite the grim National Intelligence and he is heading back to Iraq this said during World War I, standing by a Estimate acknowledging the civil war weekend for another tour of duty. President, whether right or wrong, is in Iraq, dismissed suggestions that Iraq Their son Jonathan, their youngest, not only unpatriotic and servile, it is is a disaster, saying, ‘‘The reality on and another one of my Academy nomi- morally treasonable to the American the ground is that we have made major nees, is going to West Point this fall. public. progress.’’ Vice President CHENEY. The Loudon family had great concern Supporting the troops doesn’t require Optimism, stay the course, and delu- over whether to send their third and supporting the failed policies of this sion and denial, those do not serve our youngest son to West Point. In the end, President and his administration. The troops well. We need a real change in they were swayed by their son’s com- Republicans don’t want to debate the strategy. mitment to serve his country and their conduct of the war and the future A better strategy is to announce a shared belief that his mission is one strategy in Iraq. The former Repub- time line negotiated with the Iraqi worth fighting for. lican chairman of the House Intel- Government to bring our troops home If the Loudons can remain strong and ligence Committee, PETER HOEKSTRA, over the next 6 months to a year. committed in the face of the most dif- wrote a letter to his colleagues saying, The administration has always set ficult circumstances any family can ‘‘This debate should not be about the time lines for political developments in endure, why can’t Congress? surge or its details. This debate should Iraq, for the elections, for the drafting I have gotten other calls from fami- not even be about the Iraq war to date, of the constitution. The administration lies in my district. One mother called mistakes that have been made, or argued such time lines were necessary this week to tell me that her son, a whether we can or cannot win mili- to focus the energy of Iraq’s leaders young man named Nathan Stone whom tarily. If we let the Democrats force us and to force compromises. We need to I nominated to West Point in 2001, is into a debate on the surge or the cur- do the same on the military side. Nego- currently serving in south Baghdad, rent situation in Iraq, we lose.’’ tiating a time line for bringing home sweeping the city, going door to door, So change the subject. Make things U.S. troops with responsible parties in risking his life so the Iraqis can live up. the Iraqi Government would boost the their lives with a basic security. And There is a massive propaganda effort Iraqi Government’s legitimacy and do you know what he told his mother on the part of many Republicans to dis- claim to self-rule, and force the Iraqi to relate to me? He told her that they tract and dissemble. They have trotted Government to take responsibility for are making a difference, they are see- out the tired and thoroughly discred- itself and its citizens. Negotiating a ing progress. They need help, they need ited catch phrase, ‘‘If we don’t fight withdrawal timeline and strategy with these troops, and they will be excited them there, we will fight them here,’’ the Iraqi Government could more than when they get them. invoking the specter of Osama bin possibly anything else improve the If First Lieutenant Stone believes Laden and al Qaeda. However, U.S. in- standing of the Iraqi Government in that these additional troops are vital telligence agencies, including military the eyes of its own people, a significant to him completing his mission in Bagh- intelligence agencies, have refuted that achievement in a region where the dad, that tells me a lot. And if the claim that the conflict in Iraq is driven standing of rulers and governments is Loudons can send their youngest son to by al Qaeda. It is not. The violence is low, and it could also abate the West Point knowing that he may some driven by a civil war primarily between insurgencies of both Sunnis and Shias. day be called into service himself, that the Iraqi Sunnis and Shias in a 1,400- Too many Iraqis view us as an occu- tells me all I need to know. year-old conflict, and our troops are pying force. Large majorities of both Mr. Speaker, no one likes war. No caught in the middle of that civil war. Sunnis and Shia want U.S. troops to one wants our troops to be in Iraq one The recent National Intelligence Esti- withdraw, and approve of attacks on minute longer than they have to be to mate definitively put that issue to our men and women in uniform. ensure the mission is accomplished. rest. The Iraqi Sunnis and Shias have 2030 Reasonable people may disagree on no interest in or capability of attack- b strategy, but this resolution is not ing the United States. The U.S. must engage, despite the re- about alternative viewpoints. There Osama bin Laden, al Qaeda, and their luctance of this administration, in ro- are no different courses offered, no sug- Taliban allies are still alive and active bust diplomacy with all factions in gestions, and no responsibility taken. on the border of Afghanistan and Paki- Iraq, except the foreign terrorists and I stand with the Loudon family and stan, thanks to the Bush administra- domestic al Qaeda elements and work Lieutenant Stone, and vote opposed to tion and the massive diversion of our with Iraq’s neighbors in an effort to this resolution. troops and resources from Afghanistan bring about political reconciliation Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam to an unnecessary war in Iraq. We do among Sunnis, Shias and Kurds. Our Speaker, I yield 51⁄2 minutes to the gen- need to reinforce our troops in Afghan- troops have done all that has been tleman from Oregon (Mr. DEFAZIO). istan in order to end, once and for all, asked of them in Iraq. Mr. DEFAZIO. I thank the gen- the threat posed by al Qaeda and the Saddam Hussein is dead. His allies tleman. Taliban leadership. are on the run or in prison. The threat We are debating a simple, straight- Our Nation and our troops were led from WMDs is nonexistent. The war forward resolution. Clause 1 says, into the war in Iraq by the distortion that has been authorized by Congress is ‘‘Congress and the American people of intelligence, dissembling by the won. The troops should come home. will continue to support and protect President, and senior members of the Congress should not authorize U.S. the members of the United States administration. It is time for the troops to referee a civil war in Iraq. Armed Forces who are serving or have truth. The Bush administration has Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Madam served bravely and honorably in Iraq.’’ saddled our troops with a failed strat- Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 min- Every Member of Congress, despite egy in Iraq. It is that failed strategy utes to my colleague from Missouri outrageous allegations from the Repub- that hurts our troops, not the words of (Mr. HULSHOF). lican side of the aisle from some, fully those of us who have pointed out the (Mr. HULSHOF asked and was given supports our troops and wants them to obvious failures by this administra- permission to revise and extend his re- have the best equipment available to tion. marks.) accomplish this mission. The disagree- I don’t believe there is a level of U.S. Mr. HULSHOF. Madam Speaker, on ment is over the strategy that deter- troops that could stabilize Iraq at this November 19 of 1863, President Abra- mines their mission. point and resolve these underlying ham Lincoln rose on the platform at The Republicans don’t want to have a ages-old sectarian conflicts. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, following a debate over that strategy. They are The President remains optimistic. 2-hour oration by Edward Everett, and trying to conflate support for the However, optimism is not a strategy. gave a brief but very eloquent dis- troops with support for the President’s Staying the course and repeating the course that has become a prominent

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00078 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1749 part of our country’s heritage. At the Iraq. Widely known as a brilliant tacti- ple statements aren’t legally binding. dedication of the Gettysburg National cian in the area of counterinsurgency, But they are binding promises to the Cemetery he acknowledged, ‘‘The world General Petraeus was unanimously American people who voted for us to will little note nor long remember confirmed by the other body. change the direction. Promises are im- what we say here, but it can never for- Today, however, the majority desires portant. When soldiers and their fami- get what they did here. It is, for us, the to deny this extremely capable com- lies go to war, our government prom- living, rather, to be dedicated here to mander the means to accomplish his ises to support them, and that we the unfinished work which they who objective. Isn’t it incumbent upon us, should. fought here have thus far so nobly ad- as Lincoln urged, to remain dedicated Just think, if we made the same vanced.’’ to the task remaining before us? promise to the school children when Can we find some poignancy today in Haven’t many in this body expressed they go to school, that we would pro- those simple words uttered 7 score and frustration that the Iraqi Government tect them from school violence and 4 years ago? What is the unfinished has put limitations on the rules of en- fully support their efforts to get an work that confronts this body politic, gagement of our troops in our field, not education, and that we should. and more to the point, does this resolu- allowing our military to hunt down the Just think, if we made that promise tion promulgated unilaterally by the enemy because insurgents had escaped to provide health care for 47 million majority advance the cause for free- to a safe haven in a region deemed off- Americans who are without health in- dom for which 3,000 of our countrymen limits by the Iraqi Government? surance today, and that we should. The have given the last full measure of de- Well, isn’t the majority party doing promise and the list of promises goes votion? exactly the same thing half a world on and on, many unmet domestic needs For all of these rhetorical away with this resolution? Isn’t deny- that are not getting attention because meanderings that have occurred lo ing military additional reinforcements of the war in Iraq. these many hours, the responsibility deemed necessary by our generals in Some say this resolution is meaning- for the current state of affairs in Iraq the field hampering our last best less. I disagree. It is a promise, and rests squarely with the majority of chance for success? promises are important. If we can support our troops and we Members who serve in this Congress of Two nights ago I was moved by the can support the teachers who are edu- the United States. Back on December quiet eloquence of the distinguished cating their children, we can support 17, 1998, do you recall House Resolution gentleman from New York (Mr. the health care providers that are car- 612 which declared in pertinent part, MCHUGH) when he made the simple yet ing for their loved ones. ‘‘Resolved, by the House of Representa- ironic observation: At no time in our By voting for this resolution, we are tives that . . . the Congress reaffirms Nation’s history has this House consid- making a promise to the American peo- that it should be the policy of the ered a public rebuke of a sitting Com- ple to change United States’ policy on United States to support efforts to re- mander in Chief for the manner in the war. This resolution doesn’t end move the regime headed by Saddam which a war has been conducted that the war, but it begins a new direction. Hussein from power’ and to promote Congress itself has authorized. This is the first time that we have the emergence of a democratic govern- On that score alone, I find this reso- said ‘‘enough is enough’’ to the Presi- ment to replace that regime.’’’ lution breathtaking in its audacity. If I dent. It is a good start. If we go on I note that the gentleman who just may be allowed to paraphrase the record in opposition to troop surge, we spoke, along with 400 other Members of Great Emancipator, it is true, the can express our disapproval to the the Congress, supported that resolution world will little note nor long remem- country’s addiction to oil and to the as the policy of the United States, and ber what we say here, but the world rich getting richer and the poor getting thereafter in October of 2002, Congress, will never forget what we do here. poorer. We can express our disapproval both the House and the Senate, ap- I urge rejection of this resolution. of the policy that keeps homeless peo- proved the resolution approving the Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam ple on the streets, that keeps one in six use of force and military action nec- Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gen- American children living in poverty, essary to effectuate that policy of re- tleman from California (Mr. FARR). and allows our skies and oceans to con- gime change. Mr. FARR. Thank you for yielding. tinue to be polluted. Now, deposing the former dictator, in Madam Speaker, it is a pleasure to So to the American people, I thank relative terms, was the easy part, see you in the Chair tonight. you. I thank you for getting involved, yanking him from his hiding place, a I would like to thank the new leader- because when you do, politicians re- hole in the ground. He eventually stood ship in the House tonight for the op- spond. You have empowered us to chart trial in the dock as a common accused, portunity and the time to allow this a new course for the war in Iraq, and I was judged by his countrymen accord- body and the Members of this body to am proud to cast my vote for this reso- ing to the rule of law, and held to ac- go on record about the President’s war lution. count for the brutality of his many strategy. Today we are keeping our promise to crimes. Of course I would prefer that we were the people, for what we do for our A second policy objective, promoting debating my bill, H.R. 413, which would brave troops, we can do for all of God’s a democratic government has been the rescind the authority that we gave the children. Yes, Mr. President, we can harder path, but though difficult, is it President to invade Iraq back in Octo- tell you that you are wrong. no less important? As my friend and ber of 2002. I voted against this war In closing, I think what this debate is colleague, my classmate from New then, and I will continue to do so now. about is to wake up the world. America Mexico (Mrs. WILSON) so passionately We just cannot thank, though, our is coming back. It is coming back with and persuasively annunciated yester- leadership. We have to thank the the most powerful force on Earth, the day, America has vital national inter- American people, the people that went energized electorate. This resolution is ests in Iraq. to the polls in November, who voted for a breath of fresh air in our Nation’s Does anyone argue the contrary? Can a change and a new direction for this Capitol. It is time to get out of Iraq, it we not all agree that we must deny al country. You, our constituents, voted is time to lead. Qaeda sanctuary in Iraq? Do we not for this change, and now you are wit- Thank you, Speaker PELOSI, for further agree that Iraq must not be the nessing the historic debate on the bringing us this far in just a few short source of instability in the Middle President’s policy in Iraq. weeks. Eastern region? This resolution that we are voting on Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Madam Well, if we can agree on these points, is very simple. It has two sections. The Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 min- can the majority make a legitimate first section affirms our support for our utes to my colleague from Mississippi case that this resolution accomplishes troops who are serving and have served (Mr. PICKERING). either of those important interests? in Iraq. Mr. PICKERING. Madam Speaker, I President Bush recently nominated The second section expresses dis- rise in opposition to this resolution. General David Petraeus as the new approval over the deployment of 21,000 As we look back through our Na- Commander of Multinational Forces in combat troops in Iraq. These two sim- tion’s history, and we look back at all

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1750 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 the great chapters, there were mo- that we had a leader who intervened ican troops in Iraq. They warned that ments, decisive, critical moments, and brought stability to a critical re- doing so would continue to stretch our where our Nation could have given up, gion of the world, and new democracies troops too thin, hampering our abili- or given in, could have withdrawn, emerged. ties to simultaneously face other could have surrendered, and those mo- We started this effort together after threats in the world. ments that make us most proud are 9/11. We all remember standing on the It would severely affect America’s those chapters in our history where we steps and singing ‘‘God bless America.’’ army readiness, and it would not give did not give up, retreat, surrender. We can remember going to the cathe- the Iraqi Government the incentive If we had a mission, we completed it. dral, the National Cathedral, and pray- needed to help bring security. If this If we look to Lincoln’s message at one ing for our guidance and for our unity. assessment is so clearly in opposition of those turning and tipping points in We authorized the war together. We to a long-term deployment in Iraq, why our history at Gettysburg, when this adopted a policy of regime change to- is the administration doing the exact Nation was in the midst of its bloodiest gether, overwhelmingly. opposite? civil war, Lincoln said, We here highly And now, 4 years later, when it is dif- They are calling for a bigger commit- resolve that these dead shall not have ficult and grave doubts rise, will we ment of troops, for more expenditure of died in vain, that this Nation under give up, or will we complete the work lives and treasure with no end in sight. God shall have a new birth of freedom. and finish the work in which we can be They speak of victory, but what is vic- We have a new Nation trying to grasp proud? tory? Was it finding weapons of mass its first breath of freedom, to form a destruction? There were none. Was it a b 2045 more perfect union of freedom and nuclear weapons program? There was equality and democracy. Lieutenant Joshua Trapp, who flies not one. Was Iraq an imminent threat Lincoln’s second inaugural address: Apache helicopters in Iraq, deployed to our security? We were told it was, With malice toward none, with charity this spring after his marriage to Eliza- but in fact it was not. for all, with firmness and the right as beth of only 3 weeks. He now believes They claimed that they would ex- God gives us to see the right, let us and hopes that he can complete his haust all options before taking mili- strive on to finish the work we are in, mission. tary action. But they did not even wait to bind up the Nation’s wounds, to care I rise today in Joshua Trapp’s name, for the weapons inspectors’ final re- for him who shall have borne the battle and all of those other Mississippians port. Was our goal to impose democ- and for his widow and his orphan, to do who have given their lives, that their racy on the entire Middle East? The all which may achieve and cherish a life may not have been in vain, and war has inflamed and destabilized the just and lasting peace among ourselves that their mission may be supported in region. Whatever their justification, and with all nations. this body in this time and this place they have embarked on a policy that is Today I took a couple on a tour of and that it is a chapter we in this place dragging America into the mire of an- this great Capitol, and we walked into will remember as we age and grow old other country’s civil war. the Rotunda under the magnificent that we did not walk away, retreat, In this civil war we don’t know who’s dome, the place where if you put the surrender, but we finished the mission. shooting. We just know that all sides Statue of Liberty, it would still have Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam are shooting at us. We also now know room within that dome. Speaker, I would just first observe that that there was no al Qaeda connection The dome was finished and con- none of these soldiers who died in Iraq, in Iraq before we invaded. The Penta- structed during our Civil War. Abra- no matter what happens from this gon’s Inspector General has reported ham Lincoln was questioned during point forward, died in vain. No soldier that Douglas Feith, the Pentagon’s that time, Shall we devote our time who dies fighting for his country and Under Secretary, cooked intelligence and our resources and the labor to the his comrades dies in vain, regardless of reports to make a case to go to war completion of the dome, or should that the politics. I hope we would all under- based on al Qaeda. It is tragically iron- go to the war effort? And Lincoln said, stand that. ic that now by invading we have actu- No, that is a symbol of our union, and Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to ally made Iraq fertile territory for al we will complete the work of the dome. the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Qaeda recruitment. When Lee met Grant at Appomattox, MALONEY). Madam Speaker, on top of their rush it is said that Lee’s first question to Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam to war and their insufficient planning, Grant was, Have they finished the Speaker, for almost 4 years the admin- their mismanagement is legendary. dome yet? They had just finished it in istration has been saying, just give us They initially estimated that the war the spring of 1865. more time, just give us more money, would cost 50 to $60 billion. But by the Today that dome defines and symbol- our plan will bring peace. And now end of this year, Congress will have izes the strength of our Nation and of they are saying, we need more troops, spent about half a trillion dollars, ten our democracy. Many in the world 48,000 of them. But we have already had times the original estimate. probably thought during that time four troop increases since we went into Last week, we had a hearing on $12 that we would never survive, and the Iraq and none of them have brought billion that was airlifted into the war real question for many of us today as a stability. zone and now $8.8 billion is unac- Nation at war that is spiraling in civil Tragically, this war has cost more counted for, completely missing. war, can that civil war end? Can a na- than 3,100 American lives, 143 from my Madam Speaker, how much mis- tion be unified? Could the hatred and home State of New York, and thou- management and misdirection can this the violence be stopped and then rec- sands of Iraqi lives, as well as more country tolerate? onciliation bring unity? than 20,000 injured American soldiers In November, Americans voted for a There are many on the other side who will carry their wounds for the new direction for the war, a new direc- who believe that it is futile, that all rest of their lives. tion for Congress. I rise in support of civil wars will never end, that these an- The bipartisan Hamilton-Baker Com- this new direction and against this es- cient hatreds will not stop. But if we mission called for a different approach. calation in Iraq. look to our recent history in Bosnia, They said: ‘‘The situation in Iraq is Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Madam there was a President of the other grave and deteriorating.’’ As Mr. Ham- Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to my col- party who stood and said, We can inter- ilton said: ‘‘The current approach is league from Ohio (Mr. TIBERI). vene. We will give our military and our not working. And the ability of the Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, I rise diplomatic resources to bring about an U.S. to influence events is dimin- in opposition to this resolution this end to civil war. ishing.’’ evening. He was successful, and history judges The commission called for greater The resolution we are debating this him well for that. To be honest, many use of diplomacy. And the commis- evening is a nonbinding resolution. It on this side of the aisle did not stand in sion’s report stated clearly that we has no effect of law. It does nothing to support of that President at that time. must not make an open-ended commit- change our direction in the war on ter- But our Nation remembers and are glad ment to keep large numbers of Amer- ror. For those who oppose the war, this

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1751 resolution does nothing to end it. For Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Their repeated and sustained deploy- those of us who would like to debate Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gen- ments turn lives upside down, some- the recommendations of the Iraq Study tleman from Hawaii (Mr. ABER- times permanently, and have a pro- Group, this does nothing. CROMBIE), a senior member of the found impact on families, businesses For those of us who would like to House Armed Services Committee. and whole communities. continue to show our support for the (Mr. ABERCROMBIE asked and was Why have they been so misused? Be- funding of the troops, it does nothing. given permission to revise and extend cause there is not anyone else. Because For all of the chest pounding from the his remarks.) our active duty force is too small to majority about a new direction or rede- Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Madam Speak- sustain our engagement in Iraq and Af- ployment, this does nothing. This reso- er, as chairman of the Armed Services ghanistan. To have acted to ensure the lution could pass 435–0 and it still Committee on Air and Land Forces, my burden of this war would be more would do nothing. overriding concern on every issue that broadly shared, that the industrial sec- Madam Speaker, there has been no comes before us is whether and how it tor would be mobilized, and the mili- opportunity for a free exchange of pro- supports our men and women in uni- tary equipment, supply and mainte- posals this evening that could be useful form. nance and repair systems put on a war- in moving us forward. In fact, just this Every decision about equipment, pro- time footing would have been expen- morning, one of Ohio’s largest news- curement, training, end strength or sive and an admission of a reality the papers, the Columbus Dispatch, said it budget authorization must meet this Bush administration did not want to best in their lead editorial: ‘‘Empty test: Does it support our troops? The confront. gestures. Democrat’s resolution on question before us today, increasing The real and immediate concern is Bush’s Iraq war policy is political pos- U.S. forces in Iraq by some 21,000 com- that forces now being deployed as part turing.’’ bat troops and somewhere between 3 of this surge will not have the equip- That says it all. Madam Speaker, and 28,000 support personnel fails this ment they need when they get there. your party has the majority in the test in every respect. They will have to borrow it. We are not House and in the Senate. Yet we have Both the immediate and long-term fully prepared to respond effectively. tonight before us a resolution that does effects of the war in Iraq on our Na- The House then is considering an ex- not do anything. If the majority wants tion’s military preparedness are evi- pression of support or opposition to an- to exercise real leadership, let’s have a dent and drastic. Extended deploy- other failure of leadership. Nearly 23 true debate. Let’s make real decisions, ments, premature redeployments, and years ago, President Ronald Reagan’s tough decisions, that is for sure, but sustained combat under unbelievably Secretary of Defense, Caspar Wein- real decisions. harsh conditions have taken a terrible berger, outlined in a speech entitled Madam Speaker, let me tell you toll on our forces and their equipment. ‘‘The Uses of Military Power,’’ six tests about a young marine corporal in my The results are an overstretched U.S. that need to be applied whenever com- district. His name is Matt. Matt rep- Army and Marine Corps with no fully bat forces are contemplated. resents the best and brightest in Amer- mission-capable Reserve forces, and an One: never commit forces unless the ica. Matt had a scholarship to go to urgent need for billions of dollars to re- particular situation is vital to our na- college. He turned it down. He enlisted pair or replace worn and damaged heli- tional interest or that of our allies. in the United States Marine Corps copters, tanks, other armored vehicles, Two: if we are willing to commit the after Iraq was liberated. including up-armored Humvees and force or resources necessary to win, we Matt was on his second tour of duty other equipment. should commit them all. just last month when he was shot. He I recently returned from an inspec- Three: we should have clearly defined returned home a few weeks ago. Matt tion of two of the Army’s busiest repair political and military objectives. Four: will receive a Purple Heart. Weeks be- depots in Corpus Christi, Texas, and the relationship between the objectives fore he was shot, Matt sent an e-mail Anniston, Alabama. What we saw there and forces, size, composition, disposi- back to his family and friends in Ohio. were skilled and dedicated employees tion, must be continually reassessed In it he says: ‘‘We have done a lot of working feverishly to make sure that and adjusted. good in Iraq, but on the homefront we our men and women in uniform, par- Five: we must have the support of likely will not see that reported.’’ Matt ticularly those in Iraq and Afghani- the American people and their elected said he has watched his fellow marines’ stan, have every piece of equipment representatives in Congress. Six: the hearts grow heavy when they talk to they need to do their jobs and keep commitment of U.S. troops to combat their family and friends, and that this themselves safe from harm. should be a last resort. President is a tough part of war and a tough part What we saw were the results of an Bush’s policies have failed every one of of fighting for freedom. administration’s abject failure to mo- then-Secretary Weinberger’s tests. I spoke with Matt a few days ago as bilize this country’s industrial base for What then are the consequences of we began debate on this resolution. this war of choice. Only now are we this failure? Our troops are in peril. Matt asked me to oppose the resolution ramping up America’s manufacturing Our credibility is shattered and the les- and give him and his fellow soldiers the capacity to fully support our troops at sons of the past are submerged in tools and the support that they need to home and overseas. empty rhetoric and political dribble. help Iraqis help themselves take con- Smugly self-righteous in its belief trol of their own country, and together that U.S. troops would be targeted with b 2100 fight and defeat radical extremists. nothing more lethal than rose petals, Make no mistake, we are engaged in Matt supports the mission. Matt does this administration has been compla- a war of choice, a catastrophe con- not want to see his children and grand- cent in leaving the burden of the war ceived in ideological zeal, cloaked in children going back to Iraq to handle on the men and women of our Armed misinformation and administered with what can and should be done now. Our Forces, active, Reserve and National breathtaking incompetence. constituents elected us to lead, Madam Guard. The impact of this attitude hit It is an outrage that we have not had Speaker. Our brave servicemen and home for me in Corpus Christi when I a single policy in Iraq worthy of our -women look to us for leadership. We read recently about the death in Iraq of men and women in uniform. This surge must not disappoint them. a 48-year-old Army sergeant with five is yet another misstep in this tragic Matt, God bless you and your fellow children. journey to disaster. We need to end it troops for your great and wonderful Newspaper Columnist Dan and end it now. service to our country. I will vote Thomasson asked: What in the world Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Madam against this resolution, this non- was a 48-year-old man with five chil- Speaker, I am pleased to yield 41⁄2 min- binding resolution tomorrow, and will dren doing in the military in Iraq? The utes to my colleague from Minnesota do all I can to support you and your answer is obvious, he was a member ei- (Mrs. BACHMANN). fellow soldiers in your mission to fight ther of the National Guard or the Re- Mrs. BACHMANN. Madam Speaker, and defeat radical extremists who seek serve. The Guard and Reserve are being the morning of September 11, 2001, I to destroy our way of life. used in a way never contemplated. was a Minnesota State senator meeting

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00081 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1752 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 with a group of local educators at a American soldiers, please know that Some thought we would never send Perkins Restaurant in Woodbury, Min- many of us in this Congress stand our troops into harm’s way without nesota. Because you can’t find a baby- strong in our resolve to support you proper equipment. Now we know bet- sitter at 7 o’clock in the morning, I had and our fight to preserve America’s ter. my three daughters with me at the res- freedoms. On my watch, I pledge to you Some people thought the people of taurant when I learned of the attacks. during this, my term in Congress, that Iraq would welcome us with open arms, After that meeting, I dropped our girls I will stand for you, and I will vote to and that the war would be won swiftly. off at school and then, together with preserve America’s freedom. Now we know better. millions of Americans, in horror I And I want to say to you this evening Some thought on May 1, 2003, some 4 watched my television as the terror un- that it is American soldiers, Minneso- years ago, that the mission was accom- folded. Thousands of innocent Ameri- tans, who are in the National Guard. It plished. Our President told us so on an cans were targeted for death that is members of the Minnesota National aircraft carrier in a photo-op. Now we morning by an evil regime of radical Guard who make up over 10 percent of know better. jihadists. Then came the challenge of this increase in troops. Minnesota is Most importantly, we know that explaining to our children the mag- supplying over 10 percent of those young Americans have heeded their nitude of the tragedy that had just be- troops. country’s call and have placed them- fallen our Nation. As a mother, I can I had the brigadier general of the selves in harm’s way to serve America. tell you it was one the most difficult Minnesota Guard in my office yester- There is nothing nobler than the sac- conversations that I have ever had. day, and I asked him, What is the mo- rifice made by our men and women in September 11 galvanized Americans. rale? What is the message that these uniform. But such sacrifice should We knew without a doubt that we had troops want me to know? And he said, never be secured through deception. an enemy, but America fought back, They want you to know that they Now we know better, and we must do united. We were attacked on Sep- stand ready to fight, and their morale better. tember 11, but the radical Islamic is high. Early on, many of my colleagues in jihadists declared war on innocent I say thank you to the Minnesota Na- the Progressive Caucus did not believe Americans long before that morning tional Guard. Thank you for your sac- all they were being told about the con- and, chillingly, that war continues rifice. Thank you for your bravery. I nection between 9/11 and the terrorists even today. Their brand of evil chooses will stand with you. Just as the Min- and Iraq. We were all very concerned to kill the greatest number of innocent nesotans who stood first in line in the that pursuing an invasion of Iraq would civilians. They are a cruel enemy. They battle to fight for our Union, it is Min- be an act of aggression unheard of in are unwavering in their resolve to seek nesota who is standing strong in this our Nation’s history. the total annihilation of the United battle to fight. It is the battle of our What makes America unique is we States of America and of our freedoms, time, the balance of our generation, believe that our Nation is founded on and of our Western allies especially. and I stand with you. the rule of law, and that is what has Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam They seek to destroy our friend, the made our country great and why we Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gen- State of Israel. have been respected all over the world. Today, Iraq is the central front in tleman from Tennessee (Mr. COHEN). Millions of Americans put faith in Mr. COHEN. Madam Speaker, the this war, and that is according to the the administration. Many could not great poet, Maya Angelou said, ‘‘When radical Islamists themselves. Some in have imagined that such a disastrous I knew better, I did better.’’ course would be pursued without truth this Chamber may want to deny that I am a member of the Progressive beyond the assurances that were given. fact. However, it is the jihadists who Caucus, proudly so, because I believe But now we know. chose Iraq as the central front in the that we must always strive to do better war on terror. It wasn’t the United We know we have lost the goodwill of to truly make progress. many of our allies. We know we have States. And we fight them on their A sign of intelligence and learning is no exit strategy. We know that more turf. Al-Zawahiri has said many times to take the knowledge that we have ac- Americans will sacrifice their lives. We that Iraq is one of the crucial fields in quired and adjust our goals accord- know that mothers, fathers, wives, the Islamist war. The radical Islamists ingly. For some, it seems to be a badge husbands and children will weep. Chil- know that they cannot beat us with of honor to stay the course, no matter dren will be orphaned, and young peo- guns and with bullets alone. They can what facts have come to light to con- ple will spend their lives maimed. And only beat us in one way, and that is if tradict that course. they crumple the resolve of America to So what did some think they knew for what? fight and to win this war. then, and what do we actually know We can choose enlightenment or we To American soldiers, I want to say now? can choose blind ignorance. We can to you specifically tonight, know that Some thought Iraq played a part in choose to wrap ourselves in the Amer- many of us here in the United States the attacks of 9/11. Now we know bet- ican flag and claim that anyone who Congress support you and your mis- ter. demands answers about the reasons for sion. We pray for you. We love you. We Some thought that invading Iraq sending our troops into harm’s way is appreciate you and your sacrifices on would not diminish our ability to con- unpatriotic and does not support our behalf of our freedoms. It is because of tinue our mission in Afghanistan, de- troops. your bravery that we will defeat the feat the Taliban, and find Osama bin We can choose to use the knowledge radical jihadists. Surrender is not an Laden, the mastermind of the terrorist we now have, or we can cling irration- option, not if our goal is the mainte- attacks in America. Now we know bet- ally to the President’s failed policies nance of freedom. ter, but we still don’t know where that led us to war. It is very telling, I think, that the Osama bin Laden is. The Earth is not flat. The sun does resolution that we are debating this Some thought that the intelligence not resolve around the Earth, and we evening only states what those on the used by the President to lead us to war did not go to war for the reasons we other side of the aisle oppose. After all was accurate. Now we know better. were told. I don’t know what the real these hours of debate, the American Some thought that Saddam Hussein reasons were. Maybe we will never people have yet to hear a plan from the had weapons of mass destruction, know. But we do know better now and, Democrats for victory in this war which could not be discovered by the knowing better, we must do better. against terror. U.N. peacekeepers. Now we know bet- That is why I support this resolution, I believe, and you, our troops, know ter. why I support our troops, why I oppose that victory against the evil people Some thought that Saddam Hussein the escalation, and why we must follow who want to kill Americans transcends tried to purchase yellow cake uranium the recommendations of the Baker- politics. Victory in this war means from Niger. Now we know better. Hamilton Commission and shift from that no mother will have to explain to Some thought that we did not need the war zone to the diplomatic arena. their children the death of thousands the support of the free world to enter We have gone from shock and awe to of innocent Americans. into war. Now we know better. aw shucks.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1753 And escalating this war by putting bolden that rogue regime to question take the first step toward a course cor- 20,000 Americans into the streets of America’s resolve. rection in Iraq that the American peo- Baghdad, ala Mogadishu, aka While we can disagree on whether to ple voted last November. Blackhawk Down, is inviting a 21st send reinforcements, we must all agree We also put the leaders of Iraq on no- century Pickett’s Charge or a Charge that the consequences of losing the tice that our troop strength there will of the Light Brigade. battle on the global war on terrorism is be redeploying, not escalating. May God save us if the President of catastrophic and far-reaching. This House cannot stand by and ex- the United States will not. America must not be a Nation where pect our courageous troops to win the Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Madam our school buses, our malls, our neigh- war against terrorism militarily while Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 min- borhoods, become the battlefields for the Commander in Chief loses it strate- utes to my colleague from Texas (Mr. the war on terrorism. Therefore, we gically and ideologically. NEUGEBAUER). should be saying we will not retreat, Some have said passage will make Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Madam Speaker, we will not back down from this fight. bin Laden smile. They are mistaken. I rise tonight in strong opposition to We should stand 100 percent behind our He is already smiling due to the de- this resolution and in strong support of troops and give them the tools and sup- volving chaos in Iraq. He is achieving our troops in the mission as they fight port necessary to get the job done. Our exactly what he set out to do: forcing the global war on terror. security depends on it. us to destroy a nation to save it, while I am really disappointed in the hol- Unfortunately, this resolution fails embroiling our military in an unending low resolution that does not match the on each front. This resolution does not Islamic civil war of attrition that pro- seriousness of this issue that we are de- put forth a successful strategy for vic- duces more terrorism and anger toward bating. It appears politics, not the safe- tory, and the resolution does not show America. ty of our Nation, is leading the way. our troops that they have our full sup- Our mission in Iraq is struggling, but Not long ago, several of my Demo- port. it is not due to a shortage of supplies cratic colleagues were arguing we need In fact, for the last 2 or 3 days, you or a lack of will or poorly trained additional troops in Iraq. But now the have not heard one solution offered by forces. To the contrary, we have the President and the Iraqi Study Group the other side. You have not heard one best military in the world, with every say, send more troops, and now the solution offered of what happens if the dollar appropriated by this very House. Democrats are against it. President is right. This is too impor- Our mission is faltering because the So when they say, now that they tant of an issue for us to be backing President misjudged the field of battle. have the ability to and the responsi- down from and to be having silly polit- Our troops are poised against a border- bility to govern, the majority has no ical debates. less political movement determined to plan for success. In fact, the only plan To the contrary, this resolution only mobilize downtrodden people. is to cut funding for our troops on the serves to score political points and em- That idea emboldens its adherence to ground in Iraq. barrass the Commander in Chief during confront the largest military force in Statement after statement from a time of war. It does so while, at the the world. That idea enlists the weak Members on the other side of the aisle same time, weakening the morale of to confront the powerful. It pits puri- paint a very clear picture. This week’s our troops. Fighting and winning the tanical religious followers against debate is merely paving the way for fu- war is serious business. It requires our kingdoms, against the superrich, and ture cuts in funding for Iraq. The reali- President, our military leaders, our against corrupt regimes they deem to ties of the current global conflict de- elected officials to make important de- be unfaithful. And in Iraq it propels mand a more responsible approach cisions, tough decisions. Yet making Sunni against Shia. from this body. tough decisions is what the American Despite the heroic efforts of our We know that terrorist enemies are people expect their Representatives to troops, the paradox is that the war in patient. They are calculating, and they do. Iraq cannot be won in Iraq. Indeed, the intend on attacking us again. They Therefore, I call on my colleagues to war in Iraq becomes counterproductive have stated that Iraq is the central reject this resolution, end the political in winning the war of ideas across the front for the global jihad, yet expelling stunts, take seriously our responsi- region. America from Iraq is merely the first bility to govern and to ensure the safe- We cannot ask our troops to bear the step in their strategy. ty and the security of the American burden of winning a ground war when We also know that leaders of the ter- people. the President’s policies have lost the rorist organizations have ordered their This has been a rock fight. This is idea war. followers to extend their jihad not a place for a rock fight. This is a We know the truth. There were no throughout the region and the world. place for serious deliberation to make chemical labs, as pictured here, when So it is clear that the attacks on our sure that we keep America safe, both Secretary Powell laid out the case country and the citizens will not stop today and in the future. against Iraq before the U.N. and said if the troops pack up their bags and re- I urge my colleagues to reject this there were chemical labs in Iraq. There turn from Iraq. The terrorists will fol- resolution. were no such chemical labs. There was low us back to our America. no yellow cake uranium from Niger, A long list of terror attacks took b 2115 and there were no weapons of mass de- place long before 9/11 and long before Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam struction. we entered Iraq and overthrew Saddam Speaker, I would just argue, first of all, We cannot ask our troops to win Hussein. I respect the gentleman from Texas, military victory when the administra- I, like everyone else, want our troops but I have only been here for an hour tion’s reason for invasion were false- to come home as soon as possible. How- and 15 minutes and I have heard count- hoods and debased our Nation through- ever, with shortsighted political cal- less alternatives from many Demo- out the world. culations made in this body that may cratic speakers. May not like those al- The intelligence was not faulty. No cause us to lose that war, terrorist ternatives, may not think they are the one should be allowed to blame this on groups will only be encouraged to ex- best course, but it is wrong to say that the Central Intelligence Agency. Our pand their efforts. the Democrats have not offered alter- intelligence community, including the In addition to the terrorist groups native courses of action in Iraq. They CIA, tried to tell President Bush and who are watching this debate and our have offered a good many. Vice President CHENEY, but they re- actions in Iraq, we also know that Iran Madam Speaker, I yield 51⁄2 minutes fused to listen. will see that America is buckling to to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Madam Speaker, though I voted for our political reactions to this issue. KAPTUR). the NATO mission in Afghanistan, I Not only does Iran stand to benefit Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I spoke out strongly against the resolu- from increased instability in the re- thank the gentleman for yielding. tion authorizing President Bush to gion, but seeing America retreat in the With this resolution, Congress puts wage preemptive war against Iraq be- face of military obstacles will only em- the Bush administration on notice we cause I feared what would happen:

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00083 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1754 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 more terrorism, not less; more insta- These facts should lead us to face a fu- And again congratulations on mak- bility, not less. ture of a new possibility. ing people think that this is bipartisan Since that vote I have supported our This resolution opens that door. I support, that this is going to be bipar- troops at every turn and will continue urge my colleagues to vote ‘‘yes.’’ tisan support for a resolution that, in to support them. And I do not regret Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Madam fact, achieves nothing but the discred- my vote against the war in Iraq, and I Speaker, I am pleased to yield 51⁄2 min- iting of a President of the United do not apologize for my support of our utes to my colleague from Florida (Mr. States in a time of war. So I also want troops. But now is the time to take the MICA). to extend congratulations to the first step toward course correction to Mr. MICA. Madam Speaker, first let crafters of this illegitimately drafted redeploy them more effectively. me say to those who question our going nonbinding resolution. Your accom- The roots of terrorism did not spring into Iraq, I voted to go into Iraq and I plishments will be lauded by Hamas, al from Iraq. Terrorism sprang from dip- would vote the same way again. We Qaeda, touted by Al Jazeera, and high- lomatic and political failures in un- have found 300,000 mass graves to date, ly praised by America and Bush haters democratic states, from an Afghani- and standing right at this podium, the throughout the world. stan that was let fester after the So- Iraqi leader told us that Saddam Hus- Ironically, I pulled this up. Google it viet defeat. Terrorism springs from an sein slaughtered 1 million of his fellow yourself. This is tomorrow, 8:17 Mecca Iran whose Shia majority our Nation citizens. time, Al Jazeera: ‘‘Democrats Attack has isolated for the last quarter cen- The question before us tonight, and Bush War Policy,’’ and the lead quote tury and tried to throttle for the prior what Congress is now considering, is a is from Speaker PELOSI. Again, congratulations on your quarter century. nonbinding resolution that makes two achievement. Terrorism springs from Saudi fami- points. The first point is it praises our Fortunately, though, folks, through- troops. The second point is it speaks lies who pay to promote the most rad- out history great Presidents have ig- against the President’s decision to in- ical form of Islam in other nations to nored Congress and have not wavered. hold onto power in their homeland, one crease or surge our U.S. troop numbers George Washington was nearly recalled of the most undemocratic places on in our current attempt to end the civil by Congress in the darkest hours of the Earth. Terrorism springs from the and terrorist conflict in Iraq. American Revolution. He fought on for unaddressed Israeli-Palestinian stand- Let me say at this point that I do not nearly 8 years to gain our independence off. Terrorism springs from a Lebanon fault individual Members and their and freedom. Abraham Lincoln endured where the Shia majority has been choice made tonight or tomorrow to untold criticism in Congress in his underrepresented in the institutions of support or oppose the arbitrary non- fight to ensure freedom for those once government. binding resolution that is before us. I enslaved. Ronald Reagan never flinched Terrorism springs from a view, fair do, however, fault the failed Democrat in his quest to bring down the Iron Cur- or not, that the United States allies leaders who crafted this resolution be- tain and free millions. And George with the rich but not the poor across hind closed doors, written in the dark Bush will be remembered for freeing the undemocratic Islamic world. How of night. Iraq, giving women and the oppressed can America stand for democracy in The people should know that this is the right to vote, for conducting free Iraq but not in all of the oil kingdoms not a true debate. In fact, this exercise elections, helping Iraq adopt a con- and theocracies to which this Nation is a 3-day politically hatched farce. In stitution, and combating terrorism and has been unfortunately tethered for fact, this exercise is absent of any le- extremists. our entire adult lifetimes? gitimate legislative process. It is also, The 110th Congress, however, will go How can we ask our troops to bear in fact, vacant of the two options pro- down in history for adopting a non- the brunt of war in the most oil rich vided Congress under our Constitution: binding resolution. Think about it. region of the world when we have re- first, to declare war or, second, to ap- Yes, we all want our troops home. We fused to become energy independent propriate funds for the conduct of war. all want our children to live in a world here at home? In fact, this is a stealth resolution of peace. And this resolution will not Madam Speaker, we cannot ask our brought to the floor absolutely void of help us achieve either of those goals. troops to bear the burden of war when the democratic process; that our men Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam real diplomacy has been absent and po- and women are fighting, as we are here Speaker, I now yield 5 minutes to the litical coalitions for victory are miss- tonight, to preserve our freedoms at gentleman from Illinois (Mr. JACKSON). ing in action. In the end, war is the home and the rights at home and ex- (Mr. JACKSON of Illinois asked and breakdown of diplomacy. tend those rights to oppressed people was given permission to revise and ex- Now is the time for a course correc- abroad. tend his remarks.) tion: redeloyment of U.S. forces, bench- This is not Cuba. This isn’t Ven- Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Madam marks to measure strategic achieve- ezuela. This is not North Korea or Speaker, I rise today in defense of our national security, in support of our ments, diplomatic alternatives such as some Third World country. This is the troops, and in favor of this resolution. a soft partition of Iraq enforced by the Congress of the United States. This measure is a first and important But let me congratulate the authors world community to quell the rising step in preventing the President’s ill- Sunni-Shia-Kurd standoff. of what history will surely record as a conceived escalation plan; reversing Chances are the violence in Iraq very dark chapter in the conduct of the our present, perilous course; and ulti- could continue for years to come. The House leadership and the House of Rep- mately bringing our brave troops home danger now is that our actions to date resentatives, leadership, in fact, en- from Iraq. exacerbate it and encourage this vio- trusted to them by the American peo- Mr. President, when in a deep hole, lence to spill over into Jordan, Turkey, ple. stop digging. Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, and even Let me congratulate the authors on But rather than searching for a way Saudi Arabia. the clever wording of a resolution to out, the President proposes to dig down This resolution begins to resurrect praise our Armed Forces and at the deeper, plunging further into a dark America’s reputation among the free- same time undermine our Commander abyss. Blinded by ideology and steeped dom-loving nations of world. America in Chief. Very clever. in delusion, the administration’s an- has always been a nation that believes I also want to congratulate the very swer to the chaos in Iraq is to send an in containment, not preemption. We clever timing of the floor discussion of additional 21,500 troops into the middle have always known defense, not of- this worthless measure that disregards of it. fense, is the best war strategy. We have the fact that American troops have al- I do not support the President’s always been strong enough to ferret ready been deployed for this mission. shortsighted, wrong-headed, reckless out, wait out, outsmart, and counter- Congratulations are also in order for approach. And on behalf of the Amer- weight the enemy. duping the public and the media into ican people, this House must act now 3,117 U.S. dead; 23,000 injured; hun- creating the illusion that Congress is to stop the continuation of an ambig- dreds of thousands of Iraqis dead; the really doing something about the con- uous, constantly changing, open-ended rejection of the world community. flict in Iraq. engagement in Iraq.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00084 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1755 During the last 4 years, our men and The President’s plan attempts to im- called a surge, which is disrespectful to women in uniform have answered the pose a half-baked, unworkable military the plan. But it makes good politics, call of duty. They have demonstrated solution, when Iraq needs a political and that is what is disheartening to true courage and bravery and honor. one. Rather than a military escalation, me. They have served our Nation valiantly, this situation in Iraq requires a diplo- Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to even as many civilian leaders have matic and political intensification. The the gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. failed them. American military must stand down, SCHMIDT). I mourn the loss of 3,100 Americans so the Iraqi people can stand up and Mrs. SCHMIDT. Madam Speaker, I who died, 95 of whom are from my seek a political settlement and assume rise tonight after another long day out home State of Illinois. I pray for the responsibility for their own future. The of disappointment—disappointed that thousands who have been seriously Iraqi government must engage in nego- we are not having a real debate about wounded and permanently disabled. tiations and compromises that balance how we win in Iraq. We have spent And I have voted again and again to the power of provincial and central countless hours in what is little more ensure that our troops in Iraq had the governments, share oil revenues and than political theater. body armor and the equipment that protect the rights of every Iraqi cit- This body is scheduled to meet 145 they need to protect their lives and dis- izen. days this year. Just to open our doors, charge their duties. The Iraq Study Group, co-chaired by we spend over $8 million for each legis- Tragically, the war in Iraq is a case James Baker and Lee Hamilton, re- lative day. This debate will cost some study in ‘‘mission creep.’’ And the fact leased a report in December stating the $30 million, yet it will yield nothing is no amount of troops can successfully same. They said the security situation but a partisan vote on a nonbinding complete a mission that is unclear, cannot improve unless leaders act in resolution after literally hundreds of that is ill-defined, that is muddled and support of national reconciliation. speeches designed to do no more than mutable. There is no action the American mili- charge up one’s own political base. During the run-up to the first gulf tary can take by itself that can bring I am deeply disappointed. The people war, then-Chairman of the Joint Chiefs about success in Iraq. expect more from us. They expect solu- of Staff, General Colin Powell, put As Democrats, we support our troops, tions, not grandstanding. They expect forth eight criteria to be met for mili- but we don’t support the Commander both parties to work together. There tary action. Among the critical ques- in Chief squandering billions of our tax will be no victory when our votes are tions posed by the Powell doctrine dollars and recklessly putting our tallied. We will have every problem we were the following: Do we have a clear brave soldiers in the cross-hairs of began with, but be even further apart attainable objective? Is there a plau- someone else’s civil war. I believe our politically. sible exit strategy to avoid endless en- domestic national security rests on re- Tonight, I believe we embarrass our- tanglement? Have the consequences of deploying our military forces from Iraq selves before our brave men and women our actions been fully considered? in order to build more consensus in the in uniform, before the American people The answer to each question when Middle East. and before our enemies. applied to Iraq today is the same as it To conclude, Madam Speaker, I sup- Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam has been since the start of this war: no, port this resolution opposing President Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gen- no, and no. Bush’s failed policy of escalation. It is tleman from Oregon (Mr. time to bring a responsible end to this b 2130 BLUMENAUER). war, to bring our troops home, and to Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, With the help of its author, the Pow- bring them home right now. ell Doctrine was shredded to bits and after Congress has successfully com- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE pleted action on the first 100 hours, we the mission in Iraq is adrift. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Consider this: On September 12, 2002, now begin a critical 100 days for the fu- CAPPS). The Chair must remind Mem- President Bush challenged world lead- ture of our engagement in Iraq, United bers that remarks in debate should be States policy in the Middle East and ers at the U.N. General Assembly ses- addressed to the Chair and not to the sion to confront the grave and gath- our struggle against violent fundamen- President. talism. Between now and the Memorial ering danger posed by Iraq’s weapons of Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, I yield Day recess, 100 days for Congress to re- mass destruction. However, no weapons myself such time as I may consume. of mass destruction were found there. Madam Speaker, I recall March 6, assert itself as a coequal branch of gov- Then President Bush shifted his jus- 2003. I came to this floor and spent an ernment, as envisioned by the framers tification, arguing that the war was hour and outlined the 17 resolutions be- of the Constitution, to change the about liberating Iraqis from a brutal fore the United Nations in which Sad- course in Iraq. dictator. But in December 2003, 4 years dam Hussein continued his open defi- This is a decisive moment. It is time ago, Saddam Hussein was found and ance. That is what was also discussed. for every one of us who would be a captured. He has since been tried and So what is lost from this debate is Sad- leader to lay our cards on the table. hanged for crimes against humanity. dam Hussein’s recalcitrance unto the Each must be true to our own con- After Saddam was taken into cus- world. As a veteran of the Gulf War, science and to the responsibility of of- tody, President Bush claimed that the that was ended by a ceasefire, where fice by letting the American people mission was to spread democracy Saddam Hussein did not uphold his end know honestly and directly what we throughout the Middle East. Yet Iraq of that agreement. stand for and what we would do in Iraq. has deteriorated into sectarian vio- To the last speaker, he spoke about This resolution gives clear and con- lence erupting into a bloody civil war. the political and economic, but in cise voice to the desires of the Amer- Now, with the violence increasing, order for an infancy government to be ican people. It expresses support for the President says our mission is to able to survive, you have to be able to our troops and demands that we not confront the terrorists in Iraq so we establish its political apparatus, you place more of them at risk without a don’t have to face them here at home. have to be able to give it its economic reason or a plan. And I strongly sup- However, according to government in- goals and a means to achieve them, but port it. telligence, the war in Iraq has helped you also need to establish security. Along with this resolution, the Con- recruit more terrorists, not vanquish Therein lies the President’s plan. He gress under Speaker PELOSI’s Demo- them. met with the leaders of Iraq and he got cratic leadership has already done Madam Speaker, now is not the time some concessions from Iraq. ‘‘In fact, more to provide oversight and account- to close our eyes, cross our fingers and you will take the lead, you will work ability than Republicans over the last 5 stay the course. We cannot continue to with your parliament, you will achieve years. We have held 50 hearings on the engage in the same action and expect a these political and economic goals as conduct of the war, fraud and failure in different result. We should not send we work together to establish your se- reconstruction efforts, and the outrage more of our soldiers to the desert on a curity.’’ That is the plan. of our troops being sent into harm’s mission that shifts like the sands be- The Democrats only want to focus on way without the equipment they need. neath their boots. one small portion of the plan, which is I applaud the efforts of our leadership

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00085 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1756 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 on the Appropriations Committee to Nall, a constituent of mine who was b 2145 end the practice of giving too much to killed in Iraq the very day the Presi- Just sit back and just bark at some- the wrong people to do the wrong dent taunted the insurgents to ‘‘bring one, yet offer no plan of resolution for thing. it on.’’ stability within the region. What is the However, these are only the first For Travis and over 3,000 of his brave plan of success for them? Silence. steps. We should not only oppose esca- comrades who have given their lives, I Let us also address the undemocratic lation of the war, but we should pass urge support of this resolution as a process under which their resolution legislation to bring the war to an end critical first step to bringing this trag- was brought to the floor here. We stand responsibly. Investigations must be fol- ic war to a close. here and debate how best to bring lowed by specific and personal account- Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, I yield democratic government to Iraq, yet ability for crimes that have been per- myself such time as I may consume. this majority in Congress shows the Madam Speaker, I stand before you mitted in the conduct of this war. leaders in Iraq how to be undemocratic in opposition to this resolution. It We should use the power of the purse and deny a Republican minority a champions a dismally irresponsible and to ensure that funds go specifically to chance to bring a substitute resolution. dangerous course of action. On its face, keep our soldiers safe, rebuild badly I find that quite ironic that this Cap- the resolution merely addresses the damaged military readiness, undertake itol that is supposed to be the most troop surge, ignoring the President’s new diplomatic efforts and support the democratic process in the world is now Iraqi people, not an open-ended occupa- plan in its totality, as I said earlier. I will now address our efforts to move undemocratic. tion. I beg of my colleagues not to play forward on the diplomatic and eco- For the last 2 years, I have been politics with the safety and security of nomic front. With regard to the estab- working with concerned citizens in Or- this Nation. I must remind this body lishment of government capacities, the egon to develop a responsible plan to and the American people the threat we end the war and provide the best hope establishment of the rule of law is a ne- cessity, for to have Iraq address the na- face. for a better future in Iraq. Last month, Iraq is a critical front in the larger tional plan of reconciliation, to have I introduced comprehensive legislation, global war on terror. We are en- them pass enabling legislation for the the New Direction For Iraq, H.R. 663, as trenched in a fight against masters of Constitution and amendment process, a model for the kind of legislation that intimidation, bound together by an ex- and to set provincial elections, is ex- Congress should enact, and I am con- treme, perverted ideology which they tremely important. fident will enact. With regard to the economic piece, claim is a legitimate interpretation of This legislation would bring the the concession whereby the Iraqi gov- Islam. troops home, require a comprehensive ernment will seek to have a quasi-Alas- Our enemies seek to establish re- diplomatic effort, redirect reconstruc- kan model with regard to the revenue gimes that rule according to a violent tion assistance, promote international sharing of its precious assets is ex- and intolerant distortion of the Islamic efforts to disarm militias, investigate tremely important, because you do not faith, that is, to deny all political and and punish war profiteering and deal want the distribution of the oil pro- religious freedoms and aim to establish with the 2 million Iraqi refugees who ceeds to go to regional leaders. It will sanctuaries for violence and additional have been forced to flee their country, only empower them and then weaken attacks. They have no centralized com- people the administration has only re- the unity Federal Government. mand structure or place to call home. cently been able to recognize. With regard to the debt relief agree- Instead, they exploit local conflicts to A word about Iran. It is a complex ments, much has been negotiated, but build a culture of victimization. They puzzle, more difficult than any of us the neighboring Gulf States need to mobilize resentful, disillusioned, and imagine and one that poses real chal- step forward, and upcoming meetings underemployed young men and women lenges. But as the President marches are at hand. and have mastered technology to aid us closer and closer to a major provo- The debate seems to be on the secu- them in their bidding. cation, maybe a new war, whether in- rity piece. There are those saying well, Abu Masab al-Zarqawi, the former tentionally or not, Congress should not let’s just back out completely. They leader of al Qaeda in Iraq, explicitly let itself be steamrolled or lied to, as it use words such as ‘‘withdraw to the warned that the establishment of a was with Iraq; Congress must assert United States’’ and ‘‘redeploy.’’ But is democratic Iraq is the death of al itself with real diplomacy and a real that a plan? I haven’t heard any form Qaeda there. Think about that. The strategy. of military plan. They say what, we leader of al Qaeda in Iraq says to estab- It is also time that America lived up will just turn it over to them? Wow. lish a democratic Iraq is the death of al to our ideals. No more torture, kidnap- As we listen to the neighboring lead- Qaeda. Yet, what does the new major- ping and unauthorized wiretaps; no ers, they express caution of cata- ity want? Pull-out of our troops, weak- more lying and unnecessary secrecy; clysmic consequences. I fear how en the stability of that country, to be not treating the Constitution as a sug- America will be defined by our friends. overtaken then by al Qaeda, instead of gestion or using false claims about na- Do you reach out to a child as you are strengthening the democratic govern- tional security to score political points teaching it how to walk, let go of the ment, ensuring that they have an econ- against those of us who have been right hand and let them fall and say it is up omy political apparatus and have the about this war from the beginning. to you, and leave them alone? You are security to prevail, which is the death We must start treating the public going to have to find your way to the of al Qaeda. like a partner and recognize that they kitchen. Or do you go back and help Our resolve should be to succeed in are far ahead of the President and the them walk? this struggle, and we must be stronger Republican leadership. I am just frus- I am concerned about how cold and in our resolve than their resolve to in- trated to hear false analogies to the callous the new majority is to this new flict terror. At every step they are dark days of World War II or to the infant democratic government. But I watching our move, waiting for us to Civil War. We are bogged down in guess even more disconcerting to me is falter, fail, drop our guard, or just walk somebody else’s civil war, and we have the politics behind this resolution. away. been doing it longer than World War II While the majority tells the American General John Abizaid, the former or the Civil War, with no end in sight, public that change must occur, that we commander of U.S. CENTCOM, de- until now. are going on the wrong course, this scribed well the ramifications of let- They should join us in taking this amendment basically opts for the sta- ting Iraq fall to terrorism in his testi- conversation to coffee shops, churches, tus quo, the same status quo for which mony before the United States Senate: campuses and conference rooms, work- they have attacked the administration, ‘‘The enemy’s vision of the future ing with the American people. which they campaigned against last would create a region-wide zone that Over the next 100 days, I will con- fall. would look like Afghanistan under the tinue to fight for a comprehensive plan They offer no solution, only acting as Taliban. Music would be banned, that I am confident will come forward. the critic, and being a critic is the easi- women ostracized, basic liberties ban- It is in the honor of Travis Bradach est role in the world. ished, and soccer stadiums used for

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00086 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1757 public executions. The people of the re- his lifetime. President Kennedy said, the parent of a fallen soldier painfully gion do not want the future these ex- ‘‘Let us resolve to be the masters, not reminds me of the great sacrifice we tremists desire. The more we talk the victims, of our history, controlling are asking from our men and women in about this enemy, the more its bank- our own destiny without giving way to uniform and their families. rupt ideology will become known.’’ blind suspicions and emotions.’’ There are also costs that we don’t This enemy uses suicide bombings, Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- have numbers for, but they are worth beheadings and other atrocities against ance of my time. considering. How many children will the innocent citizens of the world to Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam grow up without a parent because of pursue its objectives. They are the Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gen- this war? How many veterans’ lives enemy of freedom and wanting nothing tlewoman from California (Ms. LINDA will be forever altered because of the more than to disrupt peaceful, civilized T. SA´ NCHEZ). injuries they have endured? How are we people everywhere. No one is safe from Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- being perceived throughout the world, this hatred, and it is not restricted to fornia. Madam Speaker, I join my col- and has it made us more vulnerable to the Middle East. Just ask those in Lon- leagues today to add my support to terrorism? don and Italy and other places around this resolution. As we consider the President’s deci- the world. This is a global threat. Iraq This resolution is straightforward sion to send yet more troops and to es- is not the limit of this beast’s haven. and simple: we support our troops and calate the costs we are bearing, we It is the challenge of our generation oppose President Bush’s plan to send need to ask ourselves whether the cost to destroy this enemy wherever it more than 20,000 additional combat of sending more troops to fulfilled a lurks. We cannot do it without the re- troops to Iraq. flawed policy is justified. I don’t think it is, and most Americans don’t think solve, cunning, and above all vigilance. I support this resolution because we need a new direction in our Iraq policy. it is either. The price that we pay for freedom is As far as I am concerned, this is a This war has been going on for almost eternal vigilance from those who seek moral issue. We are not doing right by to steal it away. my entire service in this House, and our troops and their families to con- While we have not been attacked on during that time, I have heard one mis- tinue sending them into harm’s way our homeland since September 11, 2001, representation after another. without a winning strategy. it is not for the lack of the terrorists’ This war began on a flawed premise, And we are not doing right for Amer- efforts. We have been fortunate to have that Iraq had weapons of mass destruc- ica. Our continued presence in Iraq is spoiled and foiled several plots here in tion and posed an imminent threat to breeding new recruits for terror groups this country and around the globe. Yet, the world. After months of fruitless and eroding the readiness of our own the fight is far from over. Chances are searches, it became clear that there Armed Forces. that today you feel safe in your neigh- were no weapons of mass destruction; We are increasingly vulnerable to de- borhood. You can walk to the store. but 3 years after coming to that con- fending our interests in other parts of You can play with your children at the clusion, we are still in Iraq. the world, such as Afghanistan, where local park or in your backyard without Then we captured Saddam Hussein just yesterday The Washington Post having the fear of being blown up by a and more than 3 years later we are still reports that NATO lacks enough troops roadside bomb or being shot by a snip- in Iraq. We were told we needed to be to fight the Taliban and al Qaeda. er. You allow your children to go to there to fight the terrorists who at- It is time to change our tactics and the malls without fear of a suicide tacked us, but we all knew that al bring an end to our current mission in bomber. Qaeda was based in Afghanistan, not in Iraq. This resolution is not going to do It is that peace of mind, this feeling Iraq. that, but it is a first step in articu- of safety that we are endowed as the Vice President CHENEY said the in- lating to this President that staying elected leaders of this country to pre- surgency was in its last throes; and 20 the course is not working and it is not serve at all costs. months later, our troops are still in acceptable to the American people. I remind you that these extremists combat in Iraq. I urge all my colleagues to join me in want to disrupt and destroy our every We were told we were in Iraq to es- voting ‘‘yes’’ on the resolution. way of life. They are not equipped to do tablish democracy and freedom. Iraq Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, I yield battle on a conventional battlefield. now has a Constitution and an elected myself such time as I may consume. Instead, they look to disrupt our most government, but over 1 year later we Thinking about this debate, I re- basic freedoms, our securities and our are still in Iraq. flected back to when this House voted on the resolution to go to war and so institutions, public and private. The It was 3 years, 9 months and 2 weeks thought I would better look up what I world is their battlefield. Their hope ago that President Bush declared mis- said, because I remembered something and their goal is to outlast our resolve. sion accomplished, but our troops are that was very serious to me and what It is our burden to bear, our genera- still in Iraq. was very curious was the years before tion’s great challenge to defeat their We in this House and the American 2001. hopes and objectives. We cannot cower public have been continuously misled I had watched a lot of people vote and seek the sanctity of security in about this war. Enough is enough. If I against the defense bill. Yet coming off this challenge. You are not free when really believed that sending another of September 11, there was this bravado you cower. You have given in to the de- 20,000 troops would end the war and about going to war, and I felt a sense of signs of the terrorists if you do. bring stability to Iraq, I would support unease. So I thought I would go back This debate began with the Speaker it. It would be worth the sacrifice. But and see what I said when I came to the asking whether or not this resolution the war in Iraq cannot be solved mili- floor on that day, and I would like to will make our troops safer. The answer tarily because it is a political problem. share it with everyone. I believe is no. This resolution lacks So when the President wants to send I said: ‘‘I have seen great resolve ut- courage. It lacks leadership and it even more troops, we really need to tered in this Chamber and the swag- lacks a forward way of thought. This take stock of what that means for our gering display of courage. resolution, to me, is pure political the- country and the lasting impact that it ‘‘I can share with my colleagues, as a ater. The administration has given us a will have. veteran of the gulf war, that war may legitimate plan to work with, and the We all know the statistics: 3,124 be glorious in verse or prose, but in re- majority in this House has given us American troops killed; over 20,000 ality it is not. We are about to send nothing but criticism and a path for an wounded; and over $379 billion spent. America’s finest, and that means men easy way out that virtually holds the And I have seen the costs beyond the and women will die. It will be a noble door open for terrorists to destroy an numbers, and I am sure my colleagues cause, but we must remember the re- infant democratic government and to have as well. solve of this moment, because in war it open a way of access to the U.S. and Each visit that I have made to Wal- is chaotic. Not everything is going to our allies for terror. ter Reed, every wounded veteran that I go right. We cannot be 400 and 500 gen- I close with a thought from a past have met in my district and each con- erals between the House and the Sen- President who faced the trials of war in dolence letter I write to the widow or ate.’’

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00087 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1758 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 Now, I said that back on September very, very poignant remarks laying the rorists remain and continue to impact 14, 2001, trying to caution all of my col- foundation for all of us to understand the entire Middle East. That is why we leagues, many of whom had voted just how serious this challenge is that must succeed in Iraq. That is why we against defense bills, now rattling sa- we are about. cannot afford to withdraw troops now. bers, feeling this bravado of let us go to Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose the res- Watching our floor debate last night, war. olution before us and urge those who my wife turned to me and said, ‘‘They Now I have to ask, was that a false are voting for it, or considering it, to want us to redeploy or withdraw. They bravado because now, as war has got- carefully reconsider their decision. want us to retreat.’’ She said, ‘‘George ten chaotic and has gotten hard and Section 1 simply expresses all of our Washington did not retreat when our difficult, now they cower, and I have support for our troops who are fighting country was in danger.’’ She ques- great concern. for our freedom and freedom in the tioned why we find ourselves in this So I ended with: ‘‘We cannot have the world in Iraq. kind of circumstance today. bravado of today and then run at the All of us agree with that piece of the I was reminiscent of that early time first sound of the guns.’’ statement, and each of us has ex- in our history when our Nation was Please remember this day when it pressed our support and encouragement threatened. The French came to our gets hard. to our troops in our own way and our rescue, our assistance, and indeed The gentleman I am about to yield own time. played a major role in our future Com- to, the gentleman from California (Mr. The second section challenges the mander in Chief himself being success- LEWIS), was chairman of the Defense President’s, actually the Commander ful. Appropriations Committee, and I re- in Chief’s, request for a surge in Iraq. Americans should never forget that. member him well because I had served Much has been said about our going The Statue of Liberty stands on Ellis as the chairman on the House Armed to Iraq because of the prospect of weap- Island as a reminder of the French view Services Committee at the time and ons of mass destruction in the hands of of that young America, its potential, a served with Mr. SMITH, and when we the madman Saddam Hussein. We pre- land of hope where freedom could reign came out after Oklahoma City, then- sumed their presence, as most of the and opportunity indeed might abound. President Clinton, very concerned leaders of the world and most of the in- For that and many other reasons we about terrorism, and we passed our telligence communities of the world so love France, and the French people are first anti-terrorism bill here in the presumed. Not finding weapons of mass our friends. House and many people were like, wait destruction does not set aside the im- But France is not entirely the same a minute, that was a domestic act of portance of eliminating the force of country at this point in its history. terror. Saddam Hussein from the face of the She no longer provides such a leading No, President Clinton began to focus Earth. light for the world. No longer is it pre- abroad, not only upon the Russian It was my honor to lead one of the sumed that the French language should Mafia, but he was also focusing on early trips to Iraq following the fall of be the language of the international Osama bin Laden and other terror. It Saddam. We were about to consider an world. Today, about 10 percent of the can be debated whether or not he took $87 billion supplemental to help finance French population is Muslim. Much of great vigilance on that front or not, our presence in Iraq. I wanted to take that population is middle class and but let me post a real compliment to a team of Members who would reflect something less than a middle-class op- Mr. Clinton because he turned to Hugh much of the Congress, so that trip in- portunity. Shelton. cluded conservatives and moderates Within that group, there abounds the General Shelton was at the time the and liberals. It also included within us voice of Islamic extreme. There are commander of Special Operations. I Members who had voted to support those who advocate jihad and who was very upset coming out of the going to war and those who had voted would wipe France as we know it off House conference on the anti-terrorism against it. the face of the Earth. bill because JOE BIDEN and I were try- We visited most of Iraq, Mosul, We should not consider withdrawing ing to bring the country to roving Tikrit. We spent time in Baghdad. We now, because a stable Iraq is vital to wiretaps, but the country was not visited the killing fields where over our national interests and is an impor- ready for it. So then it was defeated. 500,000 bodies of Iraqis lie, Iraqis who tant part of our ability to promote I then get on the phone and call Gen- were murdered by Saddam Hussein. We peace and economic opportunity in the eral Shelton and bring him up to Wash- saw the golden palaces and visited the entire world. It is a critical battle- ington, D.C., and I asked him a simple industrial sites suffering under Saddam ground in our war against terrorism. question: What are the top ten un- Hussein’s neglect. We saw the eco- If we succeed in Iraq, we will have funded requirements that you have nomic conditions, the handbasket con- taken a gigantic step towards stamping given Special Operations, the missions ditions left by Saddam Hussein. out the source of terrorism that exists that you have to do in the dark world We stopped out of country on our in that part of the world. If we are not to secure America but you don’t have way home to consider the fact that successful in Iraq, we will meet ex- the resources to accomplish them? there was this supplemental appropria- tremist Islamic activism elsewhere. 9/ tions before us when we returned, some 11 was only a part of a beginning. If we b 2200 $87 billion, discussing what we had ex- do not stop extreme Islamic jihadists He sat down and he detailed them. perienced. And the experience had a in the Middle East, we will see it again, More importantly, as President Clinton tremendous effect upon all of our col- and most likely we will see it again then named him, appropriately and leagues. It is properly summarized by here at home. wisely, the Chairman of the Joint the statement of one of our Members Review with me for a moment where Chiefs, he worked then with JERRY who said: ‘‘You all know where I have we have been in Afghanistan and Iraq LEWIS and prepared the force. So when been coming from. I voted against the and where it may take us. Al Qaeda America was hit on September 11 and war. But after we have seen what we was nurtured and gained strength in we immediately sent those special op- have seen over this long stay in Iraq, I Afghanistan. America had played a key erators into Afghanistan, they were am afraid what I am about to do is role in forcing the former Soviet Union prepared, they were equipped, they going to be very, very unpopular at to cease its incursion in Afghanistan. were trained to fight in the dark world home but I don’t know how we can do The Islamic extremists who surround and special operations, and JERRY anything else. Sometimes,’’ he said, the likes of Osama bin Laden took ad- LEWIS, his leadership, was responsible ‘‘you have to be ahead of your people; vantage of the vacuum of Afghanistan, for that. sometimes we are elected actually to and used it as a training ground that Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman lead.’’ would provide the terrorists an oppor- from California such time as he may That was almost 4 years ago. And tunity to spread their jihad around the consume. fast forward to today. Saddam Hussein world and spread terrorism with it. Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- is gone, he is dead, and he is buried. America cannot allow the likes of er, I thank my colleague for those But the extremists jihadi Islamic ter- Osama bin Laden to have places like

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00088 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1759 Afghanistan to serve as training First, instability is replaced by a new troubled in this debate is when speak- grounds. It is in our vital interests to kind of centralized authoritarian con- ers on the other side say that this is see that Iraq, for example, does not trol potentially, perhaps an arbitrary just political, and that this resolution serve as a recruitment and training government with Saddam-like con- is irrelevant. What they are saying is ground for the forces who oppose free- trols. Shia would very likely be in that the opinion of the United States dom and oppose our very way of life. charge, and force would be exercised in House of Representatives on the most Make no mistake about it, there are the name of stability. important public policy issue facing forces in the Islamic world who do not Beyond that, Kurdistan in the offing; our Nation today is irrelevant. The believe we should exist. They may be an insecure Kurdish population to the opinion of the people’s House doesn’t relatively new or small in number, but north would do all it could to provide matter. there are those of Islamic jihadist ex- for its own protection. The prospects of Now, that explains a lot for the last treme who are committed to the death independent Kurdish region or state 4 years while the minority party was in of the nonbelievers. There are those on would create major tension between the majority, when they did not ques- the extreme Imam fringe who teach ha- Turkey and Baghdad and that new re- tion this President, when they did not tred for the infidels in mosques all gion in northern Iraq. Beyond that, express their opinion in a way that around the world. Sunni Iran would look upon the new di- would move us in a more positive direc- We do not want to believe in such ex- rection of Iraq with great concern be- tion. tremism as a country or a people, but cause of sectarian differences. I feel very strongly that it is abso- the true believers want all of us to be lutely the responsibility of those of us b 2215 dead, all Englishmen, all Germans, all in Congress who represent people, our French people, all Americans who are Fourth, the jihadist extremists of constituents, to express our opinion. In not committed to their belief. The hea- Islam would have increased sway in the a way we are expressing their opinion. thens should be dead. How else would entire region. The threat of terrorism That is what we are supposed to be one be able to convince men, women, all over the world would be a reality to here in the House, the most directly re- and children to strap themselves with those who would but look. Indeed, the flective voice of the people of this bombs and kill the innocents by the prospects, to say the least, should be country. thousands? If not death to all infidels, frightening to anybody who will but So to say that this is irrelevant is how else would a mother praise Allah look. just an absolute attack on the Con- as her young child explodes as a bomb Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Speaker, stitution and the way this country is in a crowded train station? all of our country, please realize that supposed to be set up. We must express The war on terror goes well beyond this is not the time to walk away. This our opinion on the most important Iraq. But make no mistake, that war is the time for the only remaining su- issues of the day. will not be won by walking away from perpower in the world, America, to lead Then we come to the next issue, Iraq. on behalf of freedom, to lead on behalf which is, you cannot question the Com- The President has called for a surge of people who are looking for oppor- mander in Chief. He is the guy in of just over 20,000 troops. That request tunity and change for the entire world. charge, he knows more than the rest of does not flow from a naive presumption Mr. BUYER, I very much appreciate us. You cannot question him. It under- that maybe, just maybe the battle for your extending me this time. mines everything. Baghdad can be won by a few brave Mr. BUYER. Reclaiming my time, I Let me say I express a certain men. thank the gentleman for his contribu- amount of sympathy for the view that The call for these troops is a change tion. in strategy, a strategy that suggests we should place faith in the Com- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of that, with the leadership of such brave mander in Chief. That is a good part of my time. men committed to taking the Iraqis the reason why I voted for this resolu- Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. out front, can lead the way to a suc- tion 4 years ago. A little more than a Speaker, I yield myself such time as I cessful change in Baghdad, indeed, a year after 9/11, our President was say- may consume. change throughout Iraq; a strategy ing to us, To prosecute the broader war I guess the first thing I want to point that the President would suggest in- on terror I need this authority. And I out, and there are other arguments I volves clearing areas of Baghdad, clear- had my doubts, but, by and large, I want to make, but during Mr. LEWIS’ ing other areas throughout Iraq, stabi- want to be supportive of the Com- comments, and I have a great deal of lizing them, and then providing the mander in Chief, recognizing the power respect for the gentleman from Cali- real opportunity for democratic growth he has. fornia, he mentioned that, you know, and change in Iraq. But the question I have for the mi- A successful stabilization of Baghdad George Washington never retreated. nority is for how long? How many mis- indeed is only the beginning point in Well, as it happens, I just read a biog- takes does this President have to make Iraq. To me, this kind of change is the raphy of Mr. Washington, and not to go before we don’t have an obligation, not real hope for the people, not just of puncturing holes in the midst of our just a right, but an obligation to ex- Iraq, but of the entire region. To me, great Nation, he retreated a fair press our disapproval and try to get that is the definition of success in Iraq. amount, actually. him to move in a different direction? If we are successful, we will have In fact, I don’t know where we got Books have been written, more than I changed the face of the Middle East. A this idea that the great leaders of our can count, about all of mistakes that successful Iraq will send a great mes- time only went forward. We have heard this President has made in Iraq; books sage to the likes of Iran, Syria, Yemen, about President Kennedy and President not written just by opponents of the and Indonesia. Truman. At one time or another, they war, many of them written by pro- The chance for a long-term peace and retreated from a fair number of battles. ponents, outraged that they took their the chance for stability in the entire Now, sometimes that was a wise and idea, the President took their idea and Middle East is the great strategic in- tactical maneuver to win the larger made such a hash of it. terest of the United States saving tens war. Sometimes it was a mistake. We have an obligation at some point of thousands of lives are worth a great History judges, but I think it does to stand up and say, enough. Mr. Com- commitment by the world’s only re- sort of portray the thinking of the mander in Chief, I am sorry, but based maining superpower. The economic President that the only way is forward, on 4 years, we do not trust you enough values that are to be gained from stabi- regardless of the details. A little more to give you a blank check anymore. We lizing the region are impossible to esti- thought, I think, might help us. I will have to express our opinion, and that is mate, but they can be measured in return to that point at the end of my what this resolution does. multiple trillions of dollars. remarks. Let me also assure you, we want to But what happens if we walk away But the first thing I want to say, I win. We, on this side of the aisle, recog- now? Also difficult to estimate, but think this is by and large a very good nize everything that has been said on here are but a few of the possibilities. debate on a very important issue facing that side about the threat that al And listen to the possibilities: our Nation. The only time I become Qaeda and their followers present. We

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00089 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1760 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 will fight them anywhere, anytime, be- But our friends on the other side of the aisle plex web of frequently changing alliances and cause we recognize that threat. claim that such a statement is meaningless. interests that makes it impossible for our In fact, I believe that there is al This is an astounding assertion. The United troops to separate good guys from bad guys. Qaeda in Iraq, and we should fight States House of Representatives—the elected This is why our troops cannot stop or even re- them. voice of the people of our Nation—stating duce the violence. And the Maliki government But what we are talking about spe- clearly and on the record how they feel about we are being asked to support spends as cifically today, and Mr. BUYER men- the single most important policy issue of our much time acting like they are supporting the tioned the 21,000 troops, that is the as- time is meaningless? This opinion, expressed Shia side of the civil war as they do acting like pect of the plan that we focused on, by the minority party, perhaps explains the they want to bring Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds precisely because that is the aspect of utter lack of oversight and accountability that together to form a stable Iraq. the plan that is most wrong, that does they employed when they were in charge— Al Qaeda is in Iraq and we should continue the exact wrong thing, sending 21,000 standing by and acting as mere cheerleaders to target them, but that effort will require a far, U.S. troops to fight in a civil war that for the President’s actions in Iraq as he made far smaller U.S. military presence than we has been better described by some of mistake after mistake. The other side of the have there today. Currently we are expending my colleagues, so I won’t go into it any aisle at least has a consistent record of believ- an enormous amount of resources in Iraq, further, that they cannot possibly sort ing that the opinion of Congress, a body our most of which is going towards putting our out the bad gays from the good guys is Constitution set up as a coequal branch of forces in the middle of a chaotic civil war the exact wrong thing to do. government with the Executive, is meaning- where our efforts do not advance and may Given that feeling, and I have person- less. even retard our fight against al Qaeda. That ally thought about this a great deal, I As much as I disagree with this conclusion massive military commitment reduces our abil- met with the President on a couple of as to the proper role of Congress in express- ity to pursue al Qaeda in the dozens of other occasions as he outlined this plan. I ing its opinion on the Iraq War, I do under- nations where they have influence—most glar- talked with many soldiers who served, stand this initial reluctance to pressure Presi- ingly in Afghanistan and Pakistan. gotten many opinions on this, and have dent Bush to change course. In a time of war This larger, more important fight is not sole- come to the honest conclusion that it we all want to stand behind our Commander- ly or even primarily military. Diplomacy and is a mistake, that it undermines our in-Chief as a first option, and the powers of other efforts to move disaffected Muslim popu- ability to win that larger war against the presidency make it difficult for Congress lations away from joining al Qaeda are a huge al Qaeda, which is the war we are fight- to, in a clear-cut straightforward manner, direct part of our battle, and we need to enhance ing. Given the fact that I feel that way, I the President in the conduct of war. But the those efforts. But we can’t, because we’re would be betraying everything that I President’s record of mistakes in Iraq makes it hamstrung both by a lack of resources—finan- said I was going to do when I got elect- clear we can no longer cling to this first option, cial and strategic—that are tied down in Iraq, and because our open-ended occupation of ed if I didn’t on the RECORD express and, difficulties notwithstanding, the cost of that opinion. That is what this resolu- continuing down the same path the President Iraq continues to undermine America’s stand- tion does. has been pursuing in Iraq has reached the ing in the world. So I know this hope will go point where Congress must at least try to Instead of sending more troops to Baghdad unfulfilled, but I would hope at a min- force a change in direction. the United States policy in Iraq should be to imum that the minority can stop say- This effort should logically begin with a clear instruct our military leaders there to put to- ing that the opinion of this House is ir- statement from the House that we disapprove gether plans to as quickly and responsibly as relevant. If they feel that way, they of the way the President is conducting the war possible reduce the number of U.S. troops in should all just go home. All right, it in Iraq. That is what this resolution does. With Iraq. We need our troops to focus on al matters. You may disagree with the this vote members can no longer hide behind, Qaeda and its supporters, not to be bogged opinion we are expressing. I urge you ‘‘on the one hand, but then again on the down in a sectarian civil war that is only tan- to vote ‘‘no’’ if you feel that way, but other’’ statements. We can all mutter about gentially related to the larger fight against al I don’t feel that way. things we don’t like in Iraq, but an official on Qaeda. I feel we need to tell the Commander the record vote is required to make that dis- The first, critical step in this process of in Chief that he has led us down one approval clear. Do you support the way Presi- changing our policy in Iraq is this resolution. too many blind alleys. We disagree dent Bush is conducting the war in Iraq? Yes Congress must make its disapproval of the with him. We want him to change or no. President’s policy in Iraq clear and on the course, and that is the will of the peo- And make no mistake about it the Presi- record. ple’s House, being expressed by us. dent’s plan to increase the number of U.S Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the That is not just our right. It is our troops in Baghdad represents no change in gentleman from Maine (Mr. ALLEN). duty as Members of Congress. policy. It is stay the course, more of the same. Mr. ALLEN. I thank the gentleman Mr. Speaker, it has been nearly four years In the last year we made large increases in for yielding. since the war in Iraq began—four-and-a-half the number of our troops in Baghdad twice al- Mr. Speaker, I thank our Speaker since President Bush and his team in the ready. Both times violence went up in the city, and the majority leader for scheduling White House started the effort to launch our and as we have begun the current increase in this long overdue debate on Iraq. For 4 nation on the path to this war. We learned a troops that violence has once again increased. years we have suffered from a Congress lot during that time frame, but two things stand The lesson should be clear at this point— that was unwilling to lead, and content out. First, the war effort has failed to achieve United States military might will not stop or simply to follow on Iraq. The previous the outcome the President hoped for, instead even reduce the violence in that city. majority gave the President a blank creating problems he clearly felt would not Listening to the arguments against this reso- check for the war and rubber-stamped come to pass. Even he admitted that he is dis- lution helps to understand why our President the funding. They ignored oversight, satisfied with the way the war has gone. Sec- insists on making some of the same mistakes avoided investigations, and stifled de- ond, at every step along the way, beginning over and over again in Iraq. We are told that bate. with the way the President got us into the war, our fight in Iraq is a clear-cut battle against the Today in Iraq, the price of this ne- right up to the President’s latest plan to once same type of al Qaeda-backed extremists who glect is the loss of too many American again increase the number of U.S. troops in attacked our Nation on 9/11 and that we are lives caught in the crossfire of a sec- Baghdad, President Bush and his administra- defending a worthy Iraqi government against tarian civil war. tion made mistake after mistake—failing to an these evil forces. If this were true, I would Now our new Democratic leaders and almost incomprehensible level to learn from support whatever increase in troops was nec- committee chairs are asserting Con- past errors or to demonstrate even a modest essary to defeat that evil force. gress’ constitutional responsibilities on level of competence in prosecuting this war. But it is not even close to true—it is instead war and peace. We are reclaiming a Countless books from all points on the political a dangerous attempt to paint a black and congressional role in foreign policy in spectrum lay out in painful detail all the mis- white picture on a situation that is far, far more order to bring a responsible end to the takes this administration made in Iraq. complex. Baghdad is caught in a sectarian U.S. military involvement in Iraq. One It is way past time for this Congress to civil war. Both Shia and Sunni militias are bat- step is this resolution, which sends a stand up and say enough. We disapprove of tling each other as well as United States vital signal of disapproval of the Presi- what President Bush is doing in Iraq. forces and the Iraqi government. It is a com- dent’s escalation plan. Another is the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00090 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1761 ambitious list of long overdue over- with skill, determination, and courage. no, no. Don’t put U.S. ground troops on sight hearings. We owe them and their families our the floor, and that was in the middle of In the first 5 weeks of this Congress, gratitude and our unwavering support. the Dayton Peace Accords. we held more hearings on Iraq than the Like every Member of Congress, I Bill Clinton was very upset with me. Republicans held in all of 2006. The have been to too many funerals not to So the President brings me down to the next step, we should use the appropria- understand the sacrifice of those who White House and says, hey, work with tions bills to shape policy in Iraq. have served, and their families. Neither me. So I said, I will, and we drafted I strongly support the Skelton-Lan- H. Con. Res. 63 nor H.R. 645 cuts our benchmarks for the success of the civil tos resolution, which expresses support funding for armor and protective equip- implementation of the Dayton Accords. for the troops and disapproval of the ment still needed by troops in the war I worked with President Clinton. President’s escalation. Only a political zone. Congress must take a long over- Where do I hear you working for a so- solution, not a military one, will ad- due leadership role in ending this war. lution in Iraq? Don’t just be the critic. dress the sectarian conflict in Iraq. Yet This resolution is an important first I ask of my colleagues, where is your President Bush has rejected the wis- step, and I urge all Members to support consistency and your policies? If you dom of his military commanders, the it. are as consistent as you were for a Iraq Study Group, and many other ex- Mr. SMITH of Washington. Thank Democratic President, it was a human- perts by choosing to send more troops you, I just want to add, before reserv- itarian cause in Bosnia, I don’t hear into a Sunni-Shia conflict that we can- ing the balance of my time, I want to you talking at all about the atrocities not control. thank Mr. ALLEN for offering a very that occurred under Saddam Hussein. Escalation, we know, is opposed by specific plan and to once again remind b 2230 the majority of the American people. all of you who are watching the debate The murders, the ethnic cleansing, a More telling, it is opposed by a major- that to charge the Democrats don’t humanitarian cause, the effect it has ity of the Iraqi people. When the White have a plan simply isn’t true. We have not only upon the neighbors, the sta- House war plans diverge from the wish- a large number of them. We are just bility of the Middle East, but what es of the people and leaders of Iraq, we trying to get the Commander in Chief about Israel? Do you want to turn your must question the relevance of the mis- to start paying attention to them. back on Israel? sion. Our statement on the escalation Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE is important, but our constituents also my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. deserve to know our position on an exit Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- HODES). The gentleman’s remarks self such time as I may consume. strategy. should be directed to the Chair, rather The mission here is to develop a We cannot make needed investments than to others in the second person. in our future until we put our involve- country that can govern, sustain and Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, do you ment in Iraq in the past. This war is defend itself, govern, sustain and de- want to turn your back on Israel? If straining our military and under- fend. So under that, under govern, you that is what you are asking me, Mr. mining our ability to deal with domes- have political. Under sustain, you have Speaker, do you want to turn your tic challenges. We must force Iraqis to economic. And under defend, you have back on Israel? take responsibility for their own secu- security. I am stunned. I just ask for people to rity by directing an orderly redeploy- So as I listened to my colleagues remain consistent, or if you change ment of the troops and promoting a po- come to the floor and say it only re- your beliefs, say that you change your litical solution in Iraq with a focus on quires a political solution, really? beliefs, or if you don’t want to say that transition to Iraqi control. These are not inextricable. I also ap- you changed your beliefs, then we must Recent experience shows that the peal for consistency. I just heard the assume that you changed your beliefs. U.S. must impose deadlines with con- last speaker talk about the necessity Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the sequences so that Iraqi leaders will be for national interests, so he said it is gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. compelled to take responsibility. An not in our national interests to be in BOOZMAN). indefinite U.S. military experience in Iraq. Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise Iraq creates a climate of dependency Let’s stop and think about that for a tonight to ask my colleagues to vote that undermines the goal of having the second. Let’s be consistent. In the against House Concurrent Resolution Iraqi Government control internal se- 1990s, Republicans operated under what 63. I ask this despite the fact that I am curity. It is not in our national inter- was called the Weinberg Doctrine, that very much in favor of the first part of ests to have U.S. troops placed between only commit U.S. ground troops if the resolution before us. The first part warring factions in a sectarian war. there is a national vital security inter- says: Congress will and should continue To achieve this goal, I support H.R. est. And that is how we kind of were to support and protect the members of 645, a bill introduced by Representative guiding ourselves based off the the United States Armed Forces who DAVID PRICE and Representative BRAD Weinberg Doctrine. Then what hap- are serving or who have served bravely MILLER. The bill terminates, by De- pens? We have got Bosnia. We said oh, and honorably in Iraq. If the resolution cember 31, 2007, the authorization for that is a European problem. Then the stopped there, it would be great. military operations in Iraq that passed, U.N. came in, the U.N. was ineffective. We would be sending a message that over my objection, in 2002. The original President Clinton made a judgment, we unequivocally support our troops in mission, eliminating weapons of mass and he upset Republicans. He made a Iraq, our troops who are preparing to destruction and ousting Saddam Hus- judgment that because of the atrocities go there, and General Petraeus is being sein, is no longer operative. in Bosnia, the ethnic cleansing that confirmed to lead those troops. If the President believes troops was occurring, that it took U.S. ground But the resolution does not stop should remain in Iraq beyond 2007, he troops, a presence of them. Republicans there. It goes on and by its words takes must come to Congress and justify a at the time said there are not vital na- that support away. How do you support new mission, and Congress would have tional interests at stake. Democrats the troops without supporting the to vote to approve a new mission. H.R. then said, oh, that doesn’t matter, this plans of those troops? General David 645 also requires the President to sub- is a humanitarian cause. Petraeus was confirmed just a scant 20 mit a plan and timetable for phasing Democrats said, it is okay to take days ago with much praise and fanfare. out troop deployments by December 31, U.S. troops, put them on the ground to He is probably one of the most re- 2007. It prohibits funding for permanent stop the fighting for a humanitarian spected men to ever wear the uniform. U.S. bases in Iraq. It authorizes fund- purpose. That is what Democrats said Congress said to him, you are great, ing for employment, democracy, and in the 1990s. Republicans were curious go get the job done. Now, less than a governance programs in that country, about all of this because it was against week after he took over in Baghdad, we and it creates a Special Envoy for Iraq the Weinberg Doctrine. As a matter of are in the throes of the process which regional security. fact, there were 315 votes. I brought a will essentially tell the general, sorry, America’s servicemen and women resolution to the floor, 315 Repub- we don’t approve of the plan you cre- who have been sent to Iraq have served licans; Democrats then said, oh, no, no, ated or are currently undertaking.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00091 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1762 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 Most of those criticizing this plan But he did pull back. And Wash- quire on the battlefield they must offer no alternative, and I say most. ington also was under tremendous pres- have. What they need when they come Some have offered an alternative, but sure from Congress, under tremendous home we must provide. most of those criticizing this plan have criticism. And I am certainly glad that However, our troops are entitled to offered no alternative. Washington did not listen to that criti- sound public policy with a realistic Even the Iraq Study Group, a bipar- cism, that he fought on. If he had not, mission that strengthens America’s na- tisan commission of statesmen who we would probably be under British tional security interests. I am opposed have been heralded and quoted by the rule today. to the President’s proposed surge of many who support this resolution, Mr. BUYER. Reclaiming my time, sending 21,000 additional troops to Iraq. have indeed said that they support the Mr. Speaker, this past fall I had an op- I was opposed to the invasion of Iraq, short-term surge. This was later con- portunity to meet with 18 representa- and I believe that we have taken our firmed by Mr. Hamilton, the Demo- tives of the European Union. The Euro- eyes off the necessary war in Afghani- cratic co-chair of the group when he pean Union is quick to say that we are stan and against terrorism by the cost- appeared in front of the Foreign Affairs not necessarily with you on Iraq. But ly distraction of nation-building in Committee of which I am a member. boy, we are with you in Syria and Iraq. I visited Iraq five times, the last with standing tough on Iran. We must be seeking Osama bin my friend from Indiana (Mr. BUYER). I Do you know what the message is? It Laden. That is where our attention met with the troops from my State and is inextricable. You cannot pick and must be focused. But this surge is not from others across America, thanking choose. The Middle East is so complex. a change in direction, but it is more of them for their service in combating So, Mr. Speaker, when you begged of the same. radical Islam and the insurgency and me to address you the question, it is The President has not listened to the liberating a people from tyranny. this: If we were to follow the Pelosi- American people. He has not listened I have sat down with the President Murtha plan, what happens to Israel if to the bipartisan Iraq Study Group or and the Prime Minister of Iraq. I have we leave a vacuum that is quickly even to our senior officers such as Gen- told them that the Americans and the filled by Islamic extremists in Iraq? erals Powell, Abizaid, and Hoar. Now, my opponent and I in this last coalition forces would soon be leaving Therein lies the question. election debated the issue of a surge. Iraq in the not-too-distant future. I believe we jeopardize the safety and How my opponent knew that there Their response has always been, we security of a lone democracy called would be a surge, that is beyond me. want you to leave but we need your Israel, and we leave them to defend But he supported the escalation and I help now until we can train our forces against a region filled with vipers who opposed it. And I still oppose this to provide our own security. seek their annihilation. America will one day hand over re- surge, because in my opinion it is too Now, our friends who are also of Arab sponsibilities to the Iraqis, but it must little too late. nations, they are partners in our coali- be on terms which are beneficial to the The people of the Seventh Congres- tion to help on the political and eco- interests of America, Iraq and the re- sional District of Colorado spoke loud nomic success of Iraq, and they are gion, while not sacrificing the progress and clear. They questioned the Presi- eager for us to also help Israel and the we have made or the security that we dent’s policies in Iraq. Americans Palestinians resolve those differences. have earned. We must do right by the elected a new majority in Congress to It is all inextricable. Iraqi people. We must do right by our act as a check and balance, and not a Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of troops in Iraq tonight, and we must do rubber stamp of the President’s poli- my time. right by the men and women in uni- cies, especially those in Iraq. Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- form and their families who have It is time to turn over security to the er, may I ask how much time remains served and sacrificed so much. Iraqi people, press forward with diplo- Our allies, countries in the region, in on both sides. matic efforts, create a multinational fact most of the world, agrees that if The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- reconstruction effort and redeploy our we pull out before the Iraqis are ready, tlewoman from California has 1 hour troops from Iraq by the spring of 2008, it will create tremendous instability in and 10 minutes. The gentleman from as recommended by the Iraq Study the region, leading to the possibility of Indiana has 1 hour and 19 minutes. Group. war and nuclear proliferation in the Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- It is time for Iraq to take responsi- Arab states. er, I yield myself such time as I may bility for its future. Mr. Speaker, I I had the opportunity to successfully consume. I just wanted to mention to urge the Congress and all of the Mem- play sports at a fairly high level. my colleagues on the other side of the bers to vote in favor of the resolution Whether it was on a Boys Club team, a aisle that it is concern for our allies in that is before us tonight. high school team or a major college the region, it is concern for our friends Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- football team, nothing emboldened our there that we have chosen and speak to er, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman team more or made us work harder to escalating our diplomatic efforts in the from Texas (Mr. CUELLAR). defeat the other team than when we area that this resolution comes for- Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in saw dissension on the other team. We ward. support of this resolution. While I be- have an opportunity this week to send Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the lieve that the President as the Com- a strong message to our allies, the in- gentleman from Colorado (Mr. mander in Chief has the inherent au- surgents and most importantly the PERLMUTTER). thority to manage the conduct of con- men and women in uniform who iron- Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, it gressionally approved military action, ically are in combat tonight attempt- is good to see you in that chair, Mr. I have serious concerns that a surge in ing to execute the plan that is being Speaker, because you and I, I think, the number of U.S. combat troops in railed against on the House floor as we are here because people in this country Iraq is not the best course of action at speak. wanted a new direction. They had had this time. The message that we should send enough. They wanted a change. And The deployment of 21,500 additional should be our will to not jeopardize the they want a new direction in how this combat troops to Iraq is not the an- safety of those in Iraq by emboldening country is being run. And if there is a swer. I agree with former Secretary of our enemies. We can show this by our single subject where they want a new State Colin Powell when he stated: ‘‘I will tonight of defeating this resolu- direction, it is on Iraq. am not persuaded that another surge of tion. Now, we have a resolution before us troops into Baghdad for the purposes of The other thing I would like to say is tonight that is a vote of confidence for suppressing this communitarian vio- that reference was made to Wash- our troops and a vote of no confidence lence, this civil war, will work.’’ ington. And I also am reading a book for our President’s policies in Iraq. Secretary Powell is not alone in his on John Adams that is related, cer- First and foremost, I want to say that belief. Generals Wesley Clark, Barry tainly. And Washington did at times I support our troops and will fight to McCaffrey, John Abizaid, and James have to pull back. He was facing the make sure they have the equipment Conway have also made statements to greatest army of the time. they need and deserve. What they re- this same effect.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00092 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1763 I have traveled to Iraq and I have is this liberal leadership pandering to about changing or creating law. If the met with our military forces. And I be- the vitriolic left wing of the Democrat Democrats believed what they were lieve our foremost commitment must Party. saying, this House would be debating be to their safety. I strongly believe How do I know this? spending and funding, not wasteful that we must concentrate our efforts At the opening of this debate, Speak- rhetoric. If my colleagues on the other on preparing the Iraqi Government for er PELOSI asked the only real relevant side of the aisle were genuine, we the task of providing security to their question: Will this resolution make our would be talking about benchmarks for own citizens. Our forces in Iraq should troops safer? In her remarks, and I Iraq, the Iraqi Government, and strict be primarily focused on training and have read and reread them, she didn’t guidelines for appropriations. supporting Iraq’s own military and po- say how her resolution did that. I have I have heard some on the other side lice. pored over the remarks and the text of of the aisle say that this debate is We must continue working to shift this resolution to find all the instances about preventing an escalation. Is the the responsibility for security from the where the House will be giving greater Democrat majority so powerless that it U.S. forces to those of the Iraqi Gov- resources to the troops, and it doesn’t. cannot stop a deployment? ernment. It is only through this path After I read all 60 words many, many Before I got elected, Congress author- that we will ensure the safe and or- times, I can tell you, not one single ized this war, and with the force of law, derly return of our brave men and word in the resolution offers any more this Congress could stop it. Congress’ women. equipment, not any more diplomacy, or concern should be for our troops, not Empowering the Iraqi people and the any more security for our troops. the Presidential and political ambi- Iraqi Government must be our primary And guess what? tions of the Democrat Party. goal. I will continue fighting to ensure It also does not bring one soldier It is rare when I stand on the floor that our service men and women have home sooner. It doesn’t demand the and say that the Senate actually got it every tool and every resource that they Iraqis take the lead in the fight. These right, but I must commend them for need to carry out their duties and re- omissions make it startlingly clear to their more thoughtful and less politi- turn home safely. me that the answer to Speaker cally attuned resolution, because their We must all dedicate ourselves to en- PELOSI’s questions, will this resolution resolution states the long-term secu- suring that our brave men and women make our troops safer, is absolutely no, rity interests of the United States are in uniform have all of the uncondi- it will not. best served by an Iraq that can sustain, tional support and thanks. Their sac- The Democrats have this resolution govern and defend itself and serve as an rifices and bravery must never be for- all wrong. To be more specific, there is ally in the war against extremists. gotten. We should also be mindful of not a single mention in this resolution That statement acknowledges the bat- those who have served and serve in our of how we will send more body armor tle that we are waging and the even- National Guard and Reserve units, and for the troops, not a single mention of tual victory that we must achieve in those that are not yet American citi- new tools to detect IED explosives, not the Middle East. zens but who still serve our country one word dedicated to up-armored The 60-word resolution before this with distinction. Humvees, and, Mr. Speaker, not one Chamber makes no such statement or Let us always remember the lives of mention of the method to fund the recognition and sets absolutely no more than 3,000 dedicated Americans health care needs of those veterans benchmarks. who have lost their lives in this con- who will come home. Not one word. My sole concern is for our troops. flict, and the thousands and thousands I invite the Speaker to come back The litmus test for my vote is whether of American soldiers that have been in- into the Chamber and tell this House or not this resolution makes our troops jured. where is the additional money to make safer. It is time to be bipartisan and move our soldiers safer and our Army strong- Mr. Speaker, I believe every Member forward with a comprehensive plan for er, because if she can’t show me the of this House should ask themselves handing over responsibility to the Iraqi substance in these 60 words, then they the following questions: Government and stabilizing the region. are nothing but rhetoric, and this reso- Will this resolution protect one of Iraq must become the responsibility of lution cannot and will not help our our soldiers? the Iraqis. Let’s surge forward only in troops. Will this resolution make one piece the commitment to transfer responsi- This week the House is debating a of armor thicker? bility for Iraq to the Iraqis. useless resolution that’s only purpose Will these empty words make a sin- Only together can we ensure the safe is to weaken and divide. The American gle IED less lethal? return of our brave and dedicated people are not stupid. They can see Will this resolution stop one sniper American troops. through this charade for exactly what or one suicide bomber from attacking Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 9 it is. It is a toothless effort to provide our troops in the field? minutes to the gentlewoman from political cover for Democrats. Sadly, the answer is no. This resolu- Florida (Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE). As a matter of fact, the Orlando Sen- tion is not being debated in a vacuum. tinel, certainly not a conservative We must ask the question, Could this b 2245 newspaper, has said that this is an resolution encourage our adversaries? Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Flor- empty measure. It says the pointless Could this debate put one of our sol- ida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gen- House Resolution on Iraq fails to set diers in further harm’s way? tleman, who is also the ranking mem- goals. It goes on to say, The U.S. House Might some Islamic terrorist believe ber of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee launched a welcome debate this week that the more of our troops that they and obviously, very, very passionate on the Iraq war. It is too bad 3 days of kill, the quicker the U.S. will withdraw and articulate on this issue. points and counterpoints will end in a our forces? Mr. Speaker, my constituents know vote on a pointless resolution. This If the answer to these questions is that I vote my conscience. I voted isn’t thoughtless policy, it is political even possibly ‘‘maybe,’’ then I cannot against my party and our President cover. vote for this resolution. We should not when I thought that they were wrong. Believe me, the Orlando Sentinel is, risk encouraging those who would at- I have stood up to my leadership when by far, not a very conservative news- tack our troops just for the empty ges- my constituents knew Congress could paper. ture of partisanship. do better. My constituents know that over Let’s call this for what it is. This res- But, Mr. Speaker, my vote on the these 3 days we have debated a resolu- olution puts our troops at risk for the resolution before us isn’t about my tion with no teeth, no enforcement, Presidential aspirations of some Mem- party or about the President. Unfortu- and it is delivered in a way that has no bers of the opposite party. nately, this vote and this debate is all guts, no character and provides no Many Members have noticed that on about politics and providing some po- leadership. the 11th day of every month I wear this litical cover. This vote does nothing to Mr. Speaker, if this debate were pin. This was given to me by fire- help our soldiers win. What I see here about policy, we would be talking fighters. It is a depiction of firefighters

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00093 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1764 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 putting up our flag in New York City We share the misgivings of many members see its very existence perilously close after it was attacked. This is why we of both parties in Congress about the presi- to total annihilation. World War III have very brave young men and women dent’s latest war strategy. But with the could even be the final consequence of out there fighting today. troop surge under way, and Mr. Bush vowing the misguided actions of this Congress to push ahead, it’s better at this point for I am not a blind supporter of the Congress to raise the pressure on Iraq’s lead- if we retreat from Iraq. But sadly, Mr. President’s policies. And if we wanted ers to meet their obligations to reconcile and Speaker, there are some in this Con- to make this debate about policy, I secure their country. gress who are more concerned about would be there to work with them. Mr. Bush insisted this week that he would the next election than the next genera- The President knows all well my not be closely following the House debate. A tion. strong reservations about some of the vote for the House resolution will be easy for So where are the FDRs, the Church- policies in Iraq. But, Mr. Speaker, it him to dismiss. But a bipartisan endorse- ills, the Pattons, the MacArthurs, the has not been a perfect war. ment of the Senate’s constructive measure is Trumans, the John F. Kennedys, and I stand here today to let our troops more likely to get the attention of the presi- dent, as well as Iraq’s leaders. the men and women of the Greatest know that I will hold the President’s Generation in this hour of our great Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming feet to the fire to ensure that our sol- peril? They are in Iraq and Afghanistan my time, I yield 4 minutes to the gen- diers have the tools for our victory. fighting for our safety and our secu- tleman from Kentucky, RON LEWIS. That is what our soldiers want. rity. But the self-centered generation, In the South, we have a wonderful Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speak- er, this debate is a sad moment in our the politicians, the media types and saying and it goes like this: ‘‘Git ’er the whiners and complainers are sit- Nation’s history. If there was ever a done.’’ Our soldiers want to get it done ting in the safety of their homes com- time when Americans should be stand- and come home. And our President plaining about the unpleasantries of ing together, this is the time. This res- wants the same thing. And this Con- war. This generation of the self-cen- olution does nothing but divide. gress should also demand the exact tered and indulgent, if successful in same thing. Let’s get out there and Throughout our country’s illustrious history, we have been confronted with their defeatism, will condemn untold ‘‘Git ’er done.’’ numbers to horrors never imagined by [From the Orlando Sentinel, Feb. 14, 2007] many challenges, but challenges met with unity of purpose, unflinching the most creative writers of horror fic- EMPTY MEASURE—OUR POSITION: THE POINT- tion. courage and unyielding resolve to be LESS HOUSE RESOLUTION ON IRAQ FAILS TO Mr. Speaker, I cannot, will not be- victorious against all odds. SET GOALS lieve, as a Nation, that we have become This debate, disguised as a no-con- The U.S. House launched a welcome debate so preoccupied with our own personal fidence vote against the President, is this week on the Iraq war. It’s too bad three and political Quaedas that we have really about defeat, about surrender, days of points and counterpoints will end in fallen asleep to the dangers before our a vote on a pointless resolution. about retreating from an enemy deter- Nation. The hour of decision is upon The non-binding measure simply declares mined to destroy our very existence. that Congress supports U.S. troops, but dis- Mr. Speaker, the obvious truth of our us. Will we rally from our slumber and agrees with President George W. Bush’s deci- situation is that we may run, but we awaken to reality? We are at war. Or sion to send another 20,000 to Iraq. Members will we close our eyes in self-deception can’t hide. They know where we live. who vote for it can say they made clear their and hide ourselves under the blanket of opposition to escalating an unpopular war, Today, Americans all over this great land should stop for a moment and con- a cowardly resolution? Tomorrow we but didn’t sell out the troops. must choose. Will it be commitment This isn’t thoughtful policy; it’s political sider this national debate. They should cover. ask themselves what this means to over retreat, freedom over slavery, In the Senate, a detailed resolution whose them personally, their families and courage over fear, democracy over the- sponsors include Michigan Democrat Carl their neighbors. Is it worth the expense ocratic fascism, security over terror, Levin and Virginia Republican John Warner, and sacrifice of war now in order to es- life over death? the chairman and former chairman, respec- Mr. Speaker, our brave men and tablish a secure and lasting peace? Or tively, of the Armed Services Committee, is women serving in our Armed Forces should our Nation take momentary re- a more constructive response to the presi- have already chosen. They have will- dent’s troop surge. lief and retreat as we wait for our ingly volunteered to put their lives on While the Senate resolution declares sup- newly emboldened enemies to strike the line and, at this very moment, are port for U.S. troops and opposition to the our homeland with even more fierce surge, it also points out ‘‘the long-term secu- fighting for all that we cherish. It is and deadly attacks? they who represent today’s greatest rity interests of the United States are best Mr. Speaker, we must all realize that generation. served by an Iraq that can sustain, govern, September 11, 2001 was not the end of and defend itself, and serve as an ally in the Tomorrow we can honor these brave war against extremists.’’ It advocates reach- the radical Islamic jihad against the souls by choosing their values, by de- ing that goal by encouraging Iraq’s leaders United States. It was just the begin- feating this disgraceful resolution, or to make the political compromises critical ning. September 11 was a declaration of we can pass this vile legislation and to promote reconciliation and security. war. The fact is, we are not at war with have it recorded to our eternal shame. The resolution places the responsibility for Iraq. Iraq is an ally in our war against Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I reserve dealing with Iraq’s civil war where it be- the radical Islamic jihadists. Iraq is the balance of my time. longs, on Iraq’s armed forces. But it ac- only one among many battlegrounds knowledges a role for U.S. forces in battling Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- terrorists, and in training and supporting where we are fighting jihadists who are er, I am now very happy to yield 51⁄4 Iraqi forces. committed to the destruction of West- minutes to my colleague from Maine, The resolution echoes an assertion Mr. ern civilization and replacing it with Mr. MICHAUD. Bush made in announcing the surge: The theocratic Taliban-style rule. Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise U.S. commitment to Iraq is not ‘‘open- Mr. Speaker, if we cut and run, if we tonight in support of this resolution ended.’’ But the measure goes a step further retreat from Iraq, we will forfeit our that expresses our unwavering support by declaring U.S. help should depend on get- ability to lead the world against the of our troops and our opposition to the ting Iraq’s government to agree formally to enemies of peace. Iraq, in all likeli- meet benchmarks. These include sending all escalation in Iraq. This is an extremely the troops it has promised to Baghdad, fairly hood, would fall to Iranian dominance important debate and it is one that is distributing the country’s oil revenues and would become a launching pad for long overdue. among all its people, and letting the coun- terror attacks against the United We have lost over 3,100 brave Ameri- try’s military operate without political in- States and Israel. Islamic jihadists will cans. Many more will return home with terference. be emboldened in Afghanistan, Paki- mental health and physical wounds Unfortunately, parliamentary maneu- stan, and the greater Middle East. The that will stay with them for the rest of vering between Democrats and Republicans world oil supply could be vulnerable to their lives. over the Levin-Warner measure and two We have spent hundreds of billions of other Iraq resolutions doomed a debate and jihadist control, and nuclear armed vote last week in the Senate. The chamber’s missiles in Pakistan could turn into a dollars. Hundreds of thousands of leaders need to work out a compromise that hellish nightmare. Iraqis have lost their lives or fled their will allow a full discussion and roll call on And Israel, Mr. Speaker, one of our homes as their country has fallen into all three resolutions. closest and most faithful allies, could deeper civil war.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00094 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1765 Regardless of one’s opinion on how political stripes. Everyone agrees there because it appears contradictory to the we got into Iraq, we are there, and the is no simple solution to the challenges gentleman’s statement. situation is deteriorating. So the sim- we face in Iraq and how to solve it. Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I thank ple question before us is, What is the There is one opinion that is unani- the gentleman for yielding. Yes, that best plan for the future? mous. We all support our men and was a quote in a paper from General The President has called for an esca- women in uniform. They, like the gen- Abizaid where he said that they re- lation of troops; in other words, more erations before them, are heroes. They quested no additional troops, and I will of the same approach. heard their country’s call and they did try to find that article for the good I oppose an escalation of U.S. troops not hesitate to answer. I am glad this gentleman to get it hopefully to him in Iraq. I will not support funding for resolution makes that support clear. tomorrow. the President’s plan or blank checks We owe it to our military personnel to Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I just want for an open-ended commitment. provide them with the very best when to make sure our record is clear be- cause we have got the Chairman of the b 2300 they are in harm’s way and when they come home. Joint Chiefs quoting General Abizaid. We need a new plan, and escalation is I have heard from many Vietnam-era So I want to work with the gentleman. not what the Iraq Study Group called veterans who fear that our new vet- Thank you. for. It is not what our top generals erans may face many of the hardships Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I thank have advised, and it is not what the that they faced. This cannot happen. the gentleman very much. And I will American or Iraqi people want. When As a member of the Veterans Affairs’ find that quote, because you know General John Abizaid, former top com- Committee, I am committed to ad- sometimes quotes get misquoted; so I mander in Iraq, asked his commanders dressing the mental health and phys- will get that for the gentleman. in the field if more U.S. troops would ical needs of our returning heroes, and Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I now yield help, the unanimous answer was no. As I know the American people are willing 8 minutes to the gentleman from Flor- he said: ‘‘And the reason is because we to do that as well. And as we discuss ida (Mr. BILIRAKIS). want the Iraqis to do more. It’s easy alternative strategies, it must be clear (Mr. BILIRAKIS asked and was given for the Iraqis to rely upon us to do this that we must do something that fully permission to revise and extend his re- work. I believe that more American supports our military personnel. marks.) forces prevent the Iraqis from doing This resolution is not about politics. Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, failure more, from taking more responsibility This issue should unite all of us. This in Iraq is not an option. We enjoy our for their own future.’’ is about the future of Iraq, our strategy freedom today only because we have U.S. forces cannot clear and hold abroad, and our welfare for our troops. been willing to fight for it in the past. neighborhoods in Baghdad indefinitely. Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- We must win the war on terror that has We have tried so-called ‘‘surges’’ be- self such time as I may consume. been thrust upon us. fore, and they have not stopped the vi- I would ask the last speaker if he Before going any further, let me first olence. And as with these previous could remain for a moment. I have clearly state that I do not believe we surges, when we leave, the same prob- such great respect for my colleague, should have an open-ended commit- lems will return, and perhaps even Mr. MICHAUD of Maine. We have worked ment in Iraq. I believe a new strategy worse. together on the Veterans’ Affairs Com- is needed. America has a proud history The reality is that United States mittee. We deal with the consequences of promoting and fighting for democ- military strength cannot solve the of war. And so out of my respect for racy around the globe. I don’t believe problems in Iraq nor should it. The fu- Mr. MICHAUD, I would like for us to now is the time to abandon that com- ture rests on the capability and the clarify what may be a potential con- mitment. will of the Iraqi people. Our continued tradiction. While a new strategy is needed, the dominance only prevents Iraqis from The gentleman said that, and correct resolution that we are debating does taking control of their country and me if I am wrong here, unanimously not present us with any new policy op- their destiny. The military mission of commanders did not ask for an in- tions. Instead, we are voting on a non- toppling Saddam Hussein is over. The crease in troops. According to General binding status quo resolution which political mission, the reconstruction Peter Pace, the Chairman of the Joint will not do anything to change the sit- mission, the nation-building that this Chiefs, and this was in his testimony uation in Iraq. It smacks of political administration said it would never do before the House Armed Services Com- posturing. Americans expect more of has all but failed. mittee on January 11, 2007: ‘‘So, collec- the world’s greatest legislative body. But that is what we must now ad- tively, the military commanders, both Let us not debase the honor and tra- dress, not our strength of arms but our U.S. and Iraqi, have asked for this in- dition of the great men and women who strength of diplomacy and our power to crease. And those of us in advisory po- have served before us. We are duty rebuild. sitions agree with their request. bound to serve the public and engage in Our new strategy should be to with- ‘‘General Casey and his Iraqi coun- serious lawmaking, not political pan- draw and redeploy our soldiers quickly terparts have determined that there dering. This resolution does nothing. while empowering the Iraqi security are more forces needed . . . Worse, it endorses the status quo of the forces. We can help to rebuild and cre- ‘‘To do this, we’re going to need addi- violence and bloodshed. Maintaining ate economic opportunity, to train tional U.S. forces. General Casey and the status quo is what ultimately re- Iraqis and perform other assistance as General Abizaid have asked for those sulted in the situation we find our- asked, but we cannot remain the domi- additional forces, as have the com- selves in today. nant force in Iraq. manders below them. The debate before is more consequen- It is time for Iraqis to take control of ‘‘In addition, to reinforce success at tial than the question of should we en- their own country. A stabilized, secure Anbar province, the Marine com- gage in a troop surge or not. None of us and free Iraq can only be achieved mander out there has asked for, and want to see Americans unnecessarily when Iraqis take full control. Until General Casey and General Abizaid be put in harm’s way. The debate be- that time our forces will be stuck in have asked for, an increase of about fore us is about the global threats fac- the middle of an increasingly violent 4,000 troops out there . . . ing the United States and how we civil war and all the while Afghanistan ‘‘So, collectively, the military com- choose to respond to them. Failure to sliding back into danger and violence manders, both U.S. and Iraqi, have forcibly respond to previous acts of ter- and al Qaeda continues to plot while asked for this increase.’’ rorism has undermined America’s our attention is being diverted. That was our testimony of our Chair- credibility around the world and pro- I have spoken with many people in man of the Joints Chiefs before the jected us as weak to our enemies. Maine about this war. I have spoken Armed Services Committee. So I will Some examples of these attacks in- with current military personnel, many yield to the gentleman and ask if he clude: the World Trade Center in 1993; who have served in Iraq, their families, was aware of General Pace’s comments U.S. troops in the barracks in Saudi veterans, and concerned citizens of all before the Armed Services Committee Arabia; sailors on the USS Cole; and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00095 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1766 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 the bombings of the U.S. embassies in God bless our troops, and keep them But wherever and however it is done, Kenya and Tanzania. Unfortunately, safe. the political, economic and religious Americans were too quick to forget Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- issues must be addressed if peace and these terrible acts. er, I am now pleased to yield 5 minutes security are to be established in Iraq. b 2310 to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LI- And it is essential that more pressure PINSKI). be put on the Iraqi Government and all Like many Members of Congress, I Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I thank interested parties in Iraq to find and believe there should be strategic the gentlelady for yielding. accept real solutions so the American benchmarks that are designed to hold Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support forces can begin withdrawal. both the administration and the Iraqi of this resolution and in support of a The second recommendation is to Government accountable for success in new policy in Iraq. Up until this point, seek international cooperation to de- Iraq. These benchmarks should meas- the Bush administration’s Iraq policy velop solutions for Iraq. This should in- ure whether sufficient progress is being over the last 31⁄2 years appears to be clude calling an international con- made. Unfortunately, under the re- one of America’s worst foreign policy ference that will work on putting to- strictive rules imposed upon this de- blunders. More than 3,100 of our brave gether a peacekeeping force and set- bate, we will not have an opportunity men and women in uniform have been ting up an international reconstruction to vote on other proposals which would killed and more than 24,000 have been program. institute benchmarks for success. wounded, many very seriously, and Iraq’s strategic position in the vola- I am compelled to vote against this hundreds of billions of dollars have tile Middle East, its potential to be- status quo resolution. Americans de- been spent and in some cases wasted. come a terrorist safe haven, its large serve a real debate with multiple op- This has resulted from the tactical supply of oil and the great potential for tions for success in Iraq, not closed mistakes, errors in judgment and other a humanitarian catastrophe make se- proceedings that are intended to be a major missteps by the Bush adminis- political ploy. curity in Iraq a critical international I would rather America fight the ter- tration. issue. It is time for America to engage rorists on the streets of Baghdad, in- It is painfully clear that a change in the nations of the world to encourage stead of allowing the terrorists to at- strategy in Iraq is needed now. We need them to address this international cri- tack our homeland. a plan for bringing stability to Iraq and sis. I am concerned that the resolution bringing our troops home. Unfortu- The final recommendation is to re- we are debating this week is a pre- nately, the President’s plan to add over quire the administration to give Con- cursor to cutting off funds for our 20,000 additional troops does not pro- gress detailed reports on the situation troops. The Democrats have even vide this, and, therefore, I must sup- in Iraq so that we can make informed called it a first step. I have heard it port this resolution. decisions regarding funding for recon- several times tonight. Our troops must I see three main flaws in the Presi- struction and deciding when American have all the resources they need to ac- dent’s plan. forces can be redeployed. This new Con- complish their mission. I support our First, the administration has not gress has been vigorously conducting troops in the field. Therefore, I will provided convincing evidence that this oversight after 31⁄2 years of congres- vote ‘‘no’’ on this resolution. surge will succeed after many similar sional neglect, but we must have the General Petraeus has indicated that plans have failed. After almost 4 years full cooperation of the administration. reinforcements will hasten the end of in Iraq, the American people are ask- If the recommendations laid out in the Iraq battle, allowing us to direct ing, why should we have faith in this my resolution are followed, I believe our efforts elsewhere in this greater plan and place more troops in harm’s American troops can begin redeploy- war on radical Islamic terrorists. way? ment in 2007, leaving a secure, stable The national commander of the VFW, Second, by failing to provide clear Iraq. the Nation’s largest organizations of benchmarks for success or a time As the U.S. Conference of Catholic combat veterans, issued a statement frame by which we can expect the Bishops stated, ‘‘The search for gen- earlier this week which says, ‘‘We need surge to yield positive results, the uine justice and peace in Iraq requires to send a message to our troops that President’s plan appears to commit our moral urgency, substantive dialogue America wants them to succeed in Iraq country to a ‘‘stay the course’’ strat- and new direction.’’ Unfortunately, the by giving the buildup a chance to suc- egy with no clear end in sight. Aid President does not give us this. That is ceed.’’ should be tied to a deadline for why his plan is discouraging to many As a Member of Congress, I will al- progress by the Iraqi Government. Americans who are weary of this war. ways do whatever possible to support Third, and most importantly, the But no one is wearier than our troops our brave men and women in uniform. President continues to place too much and their families. This past weekend I As such, I will actively oppose efforts emphasis on a military solution, when spoke to a soldier who spent 13 months to cut off funding to our troops. it is clear that force alone will not in Iraq and will likely be returning. He I cannot support this resolution, but solve this crisis. Solutions must sup- told me that it is important to make I am committed to working with the port broad international engagement sure that we let our troops know that President and my colleagues in Con- to promote stability and reconstruc- they have our complete support. We gress to ensure that the actions taken tion in Iraq and must address political, cannot let anything in this debate be in the war accomplish the following: economic and religious issues. construed otherwise. If this surge oc- Moves Iraq closer to a peaceful and sta- Because of the need for such a plan, curs even after we pass this resolution, ble democracy; improves America’s se- earlier this year I laid out a set of rec- we must continue to support our troops curity; ensures the utmost safety and ommendations, and this week I intro- and pray for them every day, so that by best equipment for our soldiers; and duced H.Res. 152 based on these. My God’s grace they can succeed in their provides the shortest feasible time proposal consists of three core rec- mission. frame for their return to their families. ommendations. Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 8 Failure in Iraq will lead to Iraq be- First, encourage achievement of im- minutes to the gentleman from Texas coming a training and staging ground portant goals and national reconcili- (Mr. GOHMERT), a former Army captain. for terrorist groups intent on desta- ation, security and governance by ar- Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, I thank bilizing the entire Middle East and de- ranging a peace conference for Iraq’s my friend from Indiana. I appreciate stroying the United States and our al- ethnic and religious factions, similar the opportunity to engage in this de- lies. to the conference that led to the Day- bate. In closing, I thank and offer my pray- ton Accords. One venue for this would Mr. Speaker, like many others here, ers for all our troops, including those be El Salvador, which has shown a previously I typed up different poten- brave men and women in the Ninth strong commitment to stabilizing and tial remarks for this debate. But as I Congressional District and throughout rebuilding Iraq and has gone through have listened to the debate over the the State of Florida who have answered its own recent history of a bloody civil last couple of days, I kept hearing their Nation’s call to duty. war and ensuing reconciliation. some things being said over and over

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00096 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1767 again, and I started making notes of shocking this President into a new erybody I knew was willing to go and some of the things I just really need to course of action. You shocked him into die because we had been attacked, and address. a new course of action. He said we are that was the first act of war in this war As the old saying goes, we are all en- going to send 21,000 troops over there, involving terror, and we did not re- titled to our own opinion, but we are 21,500. In fact, people like HARRY REID spond. not entitled to our own set of facts. down in the Senate have been calling We did not respond in 1983 when our Facts are facts. for that last fall, maybe even as re- barracks were attacked and our ma- rines were killed. We withdrew 1991, on b 2320 cently as December, but oh, wait, as soon as the President calls for it, then through the 1990s. We have not re- One of the things I have heard over it is a terrible thing; we cannot believe sponded, but I want to touch on one and over the last couple of days, well, that he is doing this. other thing. it goes without saying. Normally in So the President has proposed some- I saw the majority leader come down. reference to we support our troops, it thing new. His commanders in the field I saw it replayed in the wee hours this goes without saying. If there is any- have said we need this, and so it is morning. I did not realize it went on, thing I have noticed since I left the being done. We have got troops already and he came down and challenged what bench and came to Congress is that arriving and more arriving all the HEATHER WILSON, who had left the nothing goes without saying in this time. floor, said, and ultimately said basi- House . Everything gets said and seems I heard another one make reference cally, that anybody that would come like gets said over and over again. to Vietnam, and one in indignation and say, as she did, that there might be Nothing goes without being said. said, have we not learned anything a problem with Democrats being will- But let us talk about that. It goes from Vietnam? I would submit, I be- ing to support and fund the troops as without saying we support our troops. lieve, Mr. Speaker, apparently not, be- needed, and he said to come and say That has stirred up a great deal of de- cause some people want to rewrite his- anything of that nature was just not bate and animosity at one point, and tory; but the fact is, if you go back, the honest. I think it comes close to vio- led usually into things about the lies people were saying get out of Vietnam, lating the rules if it does not, but the the President told before this war, lies get out of Vietnam are the same people fact is HEATHER WILSON had stood right the President told before this war. saying this now in Iraq, and so Presi- here and she had asked her Democratic Well, look, some of us believe in for- dent Nixon tried to get folks out. For friends across the aisle, look, if you are giveness. all his faults, and he did have plenty, really willing to say that, if you are I think there is still potential dis- and you will not hear me say I think he saying that this resolution means we agreement. Obviously we know that was a great President because he lied, will always provide everything that is Saddam had weapons of mass destruc- but one of the things he did try to do, needed to our troops in harm’s way, let tion. He killed thousands of Kurds, he saw the polls and started trying to us put it in the resolution. We will gassed thousands of people. Certainly get people out of Vietnam. have a unanimous-consent amendment, he was killing with mass destruction, When we started the Paris peace we will both agree, and it was not but if you happen to believe really, talks, things broke down. It was not agreed. The Democratic majority honestly, truthfully that the President going well. He decided to bomb North would not agree. The Rules Committee lied, then it is time to forgive Presi- Vietnam. He went on the attack. He did not agree. The Democratic leader- dent Clinton for all those lies. Forgive was carpet-bombing Hanoi, and as SAM ship did not want that in there. Madeleine Albright for all those lies. JOHNSON and those who were in the So, to say it goes without saying All the time, Madeleine Albright and Hanoi Hilton said, they were worried ain’t the way it should be. It ought to Bill Clinton told us over and over again they might be hit by the bombs, but be in print. It ought to be here said in that there were weapons of mass de- they were so glad, finally the United black and white because HEATHER WIL- struction, and if President Bush hap- States was reacting and responding, SON was right: if you really believe pened to have believed President Clin- and as SAM says, when he left, to get that, put it in black and white where ton and Madeleine Albright and those the chronology correct, the bombing our troops can see, and I would just in people that were saying there were went on. They came back to the peace conclusion leave you with this: this weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, talks, and we reached terms, and the resolution for what it does and does well, I guess they just should not have POWs, most of them were coming not do, it is a stay the course, stiffen believed the Clinton administration. home. Sam said one of the leaders at the enemy, start our collapse, and you But there were things that the Clin- the prison said, you know, if you guys look at our friend Mr. MURTHA’s com- ton administration could base that on, had just kept bombing a little longer, ments to say, that is what this starts but we have got to get past that. It just we would have had to surrender com- the process for doing. seems to engender so much hatred. pletely. Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I am very I have heard people say over and over That was a winnable war, but people happy to yield 5 minutes to my col- this is a historic debate because the were not doing what it took to win so league from Missouri (Mr. CLEAVER). Republicans never allowed this debate that we could have a good reputation. (Mr. CLEAVER asked and was given when they were in the majority. I re- If you go look at our enemies and al permission to revise and extend his re- member having discussions like this Qaeda’s, the rhetoric now in Iraq, Af- marks.) twice in the last Congress. We voted on ghanistan, around the Middle East, Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, as I a couple of resolutions, and people they are saying look at what they did began to consider the comments I would say one thing and then end up in Vietnam. They promised their allies would make during this debate tonight voting another on the resolution. they were going to stick with them. on the occupation, escalation and Now, I did hear one of my friends Gerald Ford has been quoted re- gravitation of the U.S. military action across the aisle say something I do cently. What a fine man. I hear people in Iraq, I concluded that my visit to agree with. He said he did not believe it on both sides of the aisle at his funeral this well must somehow echo the was appropriate to tell troops they and after his death. He begged this threat and frustration of the people were coming home on a certain date Congress and this House please do not who sent me to represent them in the and then change that. I agree, and a cut off the funding; we promised them people’s House. number of us have been pointing that funding even after we pulled our troops Tomorrow, the United States of out to those in the military and to the out. But this Congress said, no, we are America should begin a massive and White House. That needs to stop. When cutting the funding, and we have been voter-mandated salvaging operation in you tell somebody who is in harm’s harmed ever since. Iraq. Yes, as bad as conditions have way you are coming home on a certain So in 1979, in Iran, they were bold gotten, there are important and valu- date, they need to come home. We can enough to attack. An act of war, that able things that could be salvaged. A agree on that. is what attacking an embassy is, and I tarnished international image clings to But then I heard another say, we was at Fort Benning at that time. No- a nation like a shadow to a human need to avoid a constitutional crisis by body was dying to go to Iran, but ev- being. It follows a nation to the next

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00097 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1768 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 world crisis. It cannot be blamed for Tomorrow, this Congress must adopt and the other half in hospitals. Some have faulty intelligence, and it spoils oppor- House Concurrent Resolution 63 as bold said that this conflict will last for decades. tunities to influence a world desperate and beckoning to begin salvage oper- Nevertheless, that kind of policy, or lack there- for direction. Henceforth, we must con- ations. of, has caused young Americans to ask, ‘‘Will duct our foreign policy in a manner Mr. Speaker, as I began to consider the we ever see the last of this war, or will it see which salvages our sunken inter- comments I would make during the debate on the last of us?’’ national image. the occupation, escalation, and gravitation of Let me address a part of this debate which Because of the way we launched a the U.S. military action in Iraq, I concluded has frustrated me because of its defective long-range military action in Iraq, our that my visit to this well must somehow echo logic. Over and over again, many of my honor- prestige among the community of na- the fret and frustration of the people who sent able colleagues have stood behind this distin- tions has surely suffered. Nothing de- me to represent them in The People’s House. guished desk and warned that the debate on flates as a punctured international For more than 132 years, the steamboat House Concurrent Resolution 63 will demor- image. We can salvage our image not Arabia lay beneath the fathoms of the waters alize our troops in Iraq. Nothing could be fur- only by de-escalating in Iraq but also of the mighty Missouri River. Not until Bob and ther from the truth. I will never accept the by reestablishing desperately needed Florence Howley committed their life savings premise that U.S. troops are demoralized by dialogue with all the sovereign nations to a massive salvaging operation, did the rust- the debate in a democracy. The President’s in the neighborhood with Iraq. It takes ing of this once stately riverboat cease. Today, stated goal in Iraq is to aid in creating a nation many, many people, and not just one to the salvaged cargo of this retrieved vessel is where citizens and public officials can debate put a policy together. on display in Kansas City’s Historic River Mar- in a robust democracy. And then to denounce Now, with regard to peace in the Mid- ket. Since I first walked into the Arabia Steam- debate in The People’s House as demeaning dle East, it has become crystal clear boat Museum in 1992, I have become a seri- or damaging? My friends, that denigrates the that the United States cannot whistle ous supporter of salvage operations. Anything democracy we so proudly extol and that our a symphony. of great value that is lost or damaged is worth troops valiantly fight to defend. We cannot b 2330 salvaging. lead others to the light while we stand in the dark. It will take an orchestra of many Tomorrow, the United States of America should begin a massive and voter-mandated The Kansas City Chiefs is my team. The international players willing to make General Manager, Carl Peterson, would never music in the same key. The days of the salvaging operation in Iraq. Yes, as bad as conditions have gotten, there are important go to the sports editors of the local media and international soloist or a conductor admonish them not to criticize the game plan without an orchestra are past. We must and valuable things that can be salvaged. A tarnished international image clings to a of Coach Herman Edwards because it will de- salvage our relationship with the fam- moralize the players. Such a warning by the ily of nations. We must salvage what is nation like a shadow to a human being. It fol- lows a nation to the next world crisis, it cannot General Manager would be ludicrous if not left of our Treasury. loonie. Why? Because the players of the Kan- Mr. Speaker, for most Americans war be blamed for faulty intelligence, and it spoils sas City Chiefs are professionals who cannot does not pay, but it must be paid for. opportunities to influence a world desperate be so easily defanged. And friends, neither And, to date, we have spent billions for direction. Henceforth, we must conduct our can the men and women who form the fiercest and billions of dollars that could have foreign policy in a manner which salvages our sunken international image. Because of the fighting force in the history of Planet Earth. been spent for valuable programs to set After all the ethnic and sectarian human this Nation on the right course. We way we launched a Lone Ranger military ac- tion in Iraq, our prestige among the community butchering, after all the billions spent, after all must salvage soldiers. Yes, thousands the children of God killed, after all the maimed of brave young U.S. soldiers have been of nations has surely suffered. Nothing de- flates as fast as a punctured international who have been hospitalized, after all the dis- killed, and Iraqis are dying weekly by senters who have been heard, after all the the hundreds. If this conflict continues, image. We can salvage our image not only by de-escalating in Iraq, but also by re-estab- purple thumbs have been raised, the war there will be only two classes of young drum is still throbbing, the sabers are still rat- people, one half in graves, the other lishing desperately needed dialogue with all the sovereign nations in the neighborhood of tling and the blood is still flowing. Yet, we can half in hospitals. salvage the soul of the nation even though at Some have said this conflict will last Iraq. With regard to peace in the Middle East, this hour we seem to have lost our way. To- for decades. Nevertheless, that kind of it has become crystal clear that the U.S. can- morrow, this Congress must adopt House policy or lack thereof has caused young not whistle a symphony. It will take an orches- Concurrent Resolution 63 as a bold beckoning Americans to ask: Will we ever see the tra of many international players willing to to begin salvage operation. last of this war, or will it see the last make music in the same key. The days of the Mr. BUYER. I would say to the gen- of us? international soloist, or a conductor without an tleman that just spoke, that in 3 years The Kansas City Chiefs is my team. orchestra, are past. We must salvage our rela- Iraq has gone from a repressive dicta- The general manager, Carl Peterson, tionship with the family of nations. torship who enslaved his people to an would never go to the sports editors of We must salvage what is left of our treas- inclusive government chosen by a free- the local media and admonish them not ury. Mr. Speaker, for most Americans, war ly elected Parliament under a popular to criticize the game plan of Coach does not pay, but it must be paid for. To date, ratified constitution. That is a fact. Herman Edwards, because to do so we have appropriated $380 billion for the I would like to yield 5 minutes to the would demoralize the players. Such a armed conflict in Iraq, and the President has gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. warning by the general manager would requested an additional $142 billion in the INGLIS). be ludicrous, if not loony. Why? Be- FY08 supplemental. With this amount of Mr. INGLIS of South Carolina. I cause the players of the Kansas City money, we could have fully funded No Child thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chiefs are professionals who cannot be Left Behind and the COPS program (which Speaker, we face three questions here so easily defamed. And, friends, neither places badly needed police on the streets in tonight: Where are we? Where do we can the men and women who form the high crime neighborhoods). We must salvage want to be? And how do we get there? fiercest fighting force in the history of respect from our noble veterans who, today, First, where are we? We are in phase this planet. are outraged that they are showered with three of a conflict in Iraq. In phase one, After all the ethnic and sectarian praise when they are in battle but blasted with we overran Iraq in response to an human butchering, after all the bil- neglect when they return home. Soon enough, American national security threat. We lions spent, after all the children of they will discover that the President’s recently won. God killed, after all the maimed who submitted budget raises fees on veterans for Then came phase two. We were for- have been hospitalized, after all the their health costs by $355 million in FY08, wardly deployed; the terrorists brought dissenters who have been heard, after $2.3 billion over 5 years, and $4.9 billion over the fight to us; we busted up terrorist all the purple thumbs that have been 10 years. Those who serve—deserve! networks. America was protected from raised, the war drum still throbs, the We must salvage soldiers. Yes, thousands further attacks. We won. sabers still rattle, and the blood still of brave young U.S. soldiers have been killed, Now comes phase three. At best, Iraq flows. Yet, we can salvage the soul of and Iraqis are dying weekly by the hundreds. is engulfed in a sectarian killing spree. the Nation, even though at this hour If this conflict continues, there will be only two At worst, Iraq has descended into a we seem to have lost our way. classes of young people: one half in graves civil war.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00098 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1769 So where are we? We are thankful for caught in the crossfire; and that the number of troops and to continue his the incredible work of our military in surge will end right where it began. In failed conduct of this war is wrong. winning phase one and two. We are fact, that is what happened in Baghdad Escalation of this war will not make aware, and I think all of us are aware, in August and September of 2006. our Nation safer. Escalation of this war that only the Iraqi people can win I am concerned that a surge sends a will not stabilize Iraq. Escalation of phase three. conflicting message. On the one hand, this war will not move us closer to It is a neocon mistake to charge our we are telling the Iraqi leadership, bringing our troops home, and esca- warfighters with building an Iraqi na- ‘‘Hurry up, you don’t have forever.’’ On lation of this war will not better pro- tional consensus. Iraqis must decide for the other hand we are saying, ‘‘No, not tect Americans from those terrorists themselves if they want to live in a to worry. We are increasing the size of who would stop at nothing to bring unified, pluralistic, and peaceful Iraq. the American security umbrella.’’ grave danger to our Nation and our al- No amount of American military might I want all Iraqi factions and all lead- lies. It is for these reasons that the can compel that result. ers of Iraqi factions to worry. I want President’s escalation of the war in So where are we? Thankful for the them to see us reaching for the button Iraq is wrong. successes and the outcomes that we that would bring down that security At a time when so many current and can control; aware of the outcomes umbrella. I want them to imagine the former military leaders, as well as the that we cannot control. click of the button and the feel of the bipartisan Iraq Study Group, recognize Where do we want to be? We want the wind from that descending umbrella. the need for political, rather than mili- Iraqis to take responsibility for their The resolution before us isn’t written tary solutions to the ever increasing own country. The President is wisely the way I would have written it, but it violence, that the President is so pressing them to do so. We want the is the resolution before us. Resolutions gravely misguided in sending more of Iraqi leadership to make some key po- are the way that Congress discharges our men and women into combat in litical decisions that can bring rec- its constitutional responsibility to Iraq. onciliation. We want them to divide up communicate with the President. This Mr. Speaker, this resolution is the the oil fairly, to allow banned resolution says we disapprove of the answer to a simple question: Do you Baathists back into positions of public surge. Parties on both sides have added believe that an escalation of this war trust, and to develop a working model additional and conflicting meaning to will bring our troops home sooner, and of pluralism. We want the Iraqi leader- those words. In the end, I just have to will it help the Iraqis achieve the na- ship to know that they don’t have for- vote on the basis of the words. That is tional reconciliation needed to bring a ever, and that they should settle these why I am going to vote in favor of the lasting peace to their nation? I and the reconciliation questions quickly. And resolution and express my concern majority of Americans do not think so. we want to avoid the error of nation about the effectiveness of the surge. We believe the facts are clear. Esca- building. Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- lation of this war fails to address the The job of the U.S. military is to er, I am very happy to yield 5 minutes administration’s strategic and diplo- crush, kill, and destroy the enemies of to the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania matic failures. It does not move us the United States. They are not nation (Ms. SCHWARTZ). closer to success. builders; they are warriors, and they do Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, on What we now need to succeed in Iraq their jobs very, very well. Monday morning of this week I had the is an overwhelming political and diplo- As commanded, our military entered opportunity to recognize and honor 53 matic force, not more American com- Iraq to destroy what we understand- elderly widows of veterans of World bat troops. Instead, the President ably believed were threats to our na- War II and the Korean War. should be working to end U.S. combat tional security. We were successful in The sacrifices of that Great Genera- involvement in Iraq. To do so, he must destroying those threats and, there- tion are legendary, and they are a re- demand that the Iraqis take charge of after, in interrupting terrorist net- minder of the sacrifice of the current their internal security, should demand works. Those were outcomes that we generation of our military men and that the Iraqi President take the lead could control. women who have heeded the call to in national reconciliation, he should Now, we are rightly asked for inputs service in defense of our Nation. Their engage all the regional parties to pre- that we can control, but we are faced patriotism, their willingness to put vent this war from escalating region- with outcomes that only the Iraqi peo- themselves in harm’s way, possibly to ally and to explore every diplomatic ple can control. It is right to evaluate pay the ultimate price for our Nation, and political solution to end this war. the quality of our force’s inputs, but should give us all pause. Finally, the President must be ac- wrong to hold them accountable for So, Mr. Speaker, I stand here with countable for his actions to this Con- outcomes beyond their control. deep gratitude and respect for the sac- gress and to the American people. Diplomats, statesmen, peacemakers, rifices of all of our troops, but espe- Mr. Speaker, over the first 6 weeks of and everyday Iraqis must work to de- cially for the 3,124 Americans killed in the Democratic control of Congress, we velop a path to progress, a path that Iraq and those tens of thousands in- have begun to move our Nation in a has milestones along the way, and jured. new direction, to restore credibility which has rewards for meeting those I stand here with great sympathy for and ethics in this Chamber and to put milestones and consequences for fail- the mothers and fathers, sons and the interests of everyday Americans in ure. daughters, whose loss is irreplaceable. I the forefront. There is so much more to If the Iraqi people follow the path to stand here tonight firmly and strongly do, here at home, and in our relations progress to a peaceful, pluralistic, and in support of this resolution, in support internationally, to better ensure the unified Iraq, they will have been suc- of the troops, and in opposition to the security and opportunity for all Ameri- cessful. The path may lead to some- President’s escalation of our military cans. thing less. Any lesser outcome is the involvement in the war in Iraq. The war in Iraq overshadows all that responsibility of the Iraqi people. So we do. The war has already cost this we want a path to progress, and we b 2340 Nation so much, young lives lost, hope for the blessings of liberty for Let there be no misunderstanding. greater uncertainty and instability in Iraq. The men and women serving our Na- the Middle East, greater hostility to- Now, how do we get there? The Presi- tion in our Armed Forces will continue wards our own Nation and financial dent has ordered an increase in troop to receive the support they require dur- costs that will take years to repay. So strength in Iraq. He thinks a surge in ing their training, while they are in it is timely and right that we take ac- troops will give breathing room for the theater and when they return home. tion now to change direction and strat- development of a path to progress. I am It is in honor of their service and the egy in Iraq. concerned that a surge will have the sacrifices of their family, and the love I stand with the majority of Congress opposite effect: that we will give of our country that we share that I in support of this resolution, in support breathing room to the death squads; stand to make it clear that the Presi- of our troops, and in opposition to the that our servicemen and women will be dent’s plan for Iraq to escalate the escalation of U.S. combat troops in

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00099 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1770 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 Iraq. This resolution sends the Presi- threatening loss of funding for oper- Yet, in response, what do we offer? dent a very strong message. It is our ations in Iraq, tying the hands of sen- The fortitude of contradiction I say. hope and the hope of the American peo- ior officers, to say nothing of the Com- The Senate unanimously confirms a ple that he heeds it. mander in Chief, and proposing to leg- new multinational force commander, Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- islate the conduct of this war, looks General David Petraeus, whose most self such time as I may consume. worse than cut and run. It feels like be- compelling value is perhaps his reputa- As a good listener of the gentlelady’s trayal of the families who bear the bur- tion for unrivaled understanding for remarks, I would think she would be in dens.’’ his clear grasp of counterinsurgencies. support of the President’s plan. I agree I can remember being in the desert in Yet the authors of the resolution be- with her when she was talking about the first gulf war while this body de- fore us seek to deny our best com- what is necessary for Iraq to govern bated a resolution on the utilization of mander the manpower assets he has itself, but in order for this country to force. I know what it was like to lose a asked for to prevail. What a disturbing begin to govern itself, it also needs to friend in war. I shed the tears of my fa- contradiction. The Senate unani- have security, and the Iraqi people ther when he lost buddies for his Army mously says, this is our best com- themselves must have a belief in the service in Korea. mander. Before they vote and say we support of that new unity government. Challenged by my own Member of are going to send you, he says, I need Now, with regard to the Iraqis them- Congress who voted against that reso- these five brigades. Then this body selves, whom we have been training, lution, I felt betrayed. While I was in drafts a resolution that says, we do not that is, the Iraqi Army and the Iraqi the desert, I felt betrayed, so much so think he should have the five brigades. police force, that is exactly what the that I vowed while I stood at that cem- I suppose we have the Senate and the plan is. The plan is for the Iraqis to etery in Lafayette, Indiana, the funeral House now in complete contradiction. take the lead. of my friend, that I felt I still had a General Petraeus is a decisive man who So the gentlelady’s remarks confuse mission left, and it was to come help has a decisive strategy, and he intends me, because as she says, I want the po- the country again. to reinforce our troops and root out the litical apparatus to do this, but I define So I ran against that incumbent enemy. Aside from the gratuitous Petraeus’ need for additional troops as Member of Congress who I felt betrayed gloom that is smothering the debate on an escalation. Therefore, she advocates me while I was in the desert in the gulf Iraq, moving in reinforced strength to for the status quo, and everybody war. I had never run for any political destroy an enemy is a time-honored knows the status quo is for failure. The office in my life. I was elected in this and frequently successful course of remarks confuse me. body at the age of 32 with so much to military action. The commander on the ground of our learn. It is so especially when conducted by forces in Baghdad just said on January But I have never forgotten about the a capable commander. We have already 26, that this is about Iraqis taking soldier, the sailor, the airman, the ma- agreed that General Petraeus is such a charge of their own security. In order rine and the coast guardsman. I am so commander. Many of us know that this for them to do that, we have to buy proud of them and what they do. is what our troops yearn to do. It is them time to continue to train and for The world of an American soldier is what Americans yearn for us to do, the government to become more legiti- more complex today than ever before, prevail. mate in the eyes of the Iraqi people. with technology, intricate rules of en- Now, lest one of my colleagues is Earlier what I said, the mission is to gagement designed to eliminate the tempted to try some contextual mis- govern, sustain and defend. You have loss of noncombatant life and a tough, chief, we all know that military vic- the political, economic and security innovative and savvy enemy. Our sol- tory with the right strategy is only necessities to accomplish that mission. diers who are in the fight are watching part of the equation of success in Iraq. I think everybody in this body is going and listening. Real success is not a quick, easy affair. to agree. One wrote from Iraq 2 weeks ago: I might offer success as defined by the When I met with President Talabani ‘‘Until victory or until the persever- establishment of a stable, popularly in August, we talked about the estab- ance and the spirit of the American elected government, the rise of the rule lishment of the rule of law, we talked will arose, victory in Iraq is achievable of law, and the stability necessary to about the implementation of the na- by our amazingly capable and deter- foster the growth of a strong middle tional plan of reconciliation, the dis- mined Armed Forces. Their effort will class. tribution of the oil revenue, the mod- only be undercut by self-serving poli- That will take a combined and con- ernization of their electrical grid. Pro- ticking and pointless impatience. If we tinued effort using diplomatic, infor- moting Iraqi unity was really deep on decide we want victory, we will have it. mational and economic levers. But the President’s mind. If we quit on our effort, we will have those levers cannot fully operate with- I wrote a note here after I met with defeat.’’ out security. And that is the challenge him. The note I wrote was I believe the Contending with the complexity of I have in listening to this debate. We in unity federal government has a real today’s battlefield and the ripple ef- Congress have confirmed General challenge. Their challenge is to con- fects of politics 6,000 miles away, our Petraeus and sent him now into battle. vince the Iraqi political, religious and soldiers live and measure value by sim- And what now do some want to do civil society leaders to compromise for ple enduring imperatives. They place a with him? They seek to turn the House a sustainable settlement to support the lot of value in loyalty. They count on floor into a cockpit of battlefield wis- new federalism. That is the challenge. each other, loyal to each other, to dom to disavow his strategy. Some So I am challenged when I hear indi- their commanders and to their oath to may say, go to Iraq, Commander. Dis- viduals say, well, on the security appa- defend the Constitution, and their love regard the strategy that you talked ratus, let’s just get U.S. forces out of of country helps them do their duty. A about in the Senate. Instead use your there, we’ll let the Iraqis take care of warrior bears true faith and allegiance. brilliance to conduct a feckless cam- this. The question is, are the Iraqis paign of status quo. prepared to do it alone? I haven’t heard b 2350 The resolution before us disavows the anybody say they are, that they can do Members of our Armed Forces live human assets our commander needs to it alone. and die by the readiness of their bud- accomplish his mission. But then it The Iraqis in turn said we still need dies to express their loyalty in the con- says, we support the troops. How can coalition assistance, and so the com- duct of faithful duty. They expect no you say we support the troops but you manders on the ground say we need less of their leaders up the chain, don’t give the commander that which these more troops to do this. We are whether they wear the stripes and dia- he says he needs? I do not understand. sending General Petraeus, our best mond of a first sergeant, the eagles of I am a colonel in the Army Reserve. commander, to the field. a colonel, or the stars of an admiral or I have served for 26 years this Nation. Mr. Speaker, a father-in-law of a sol- general, or their leaders in govern- How can you say to me, Steve, I sup- dier wrote this 10 days ago: ‘‘From ment, both executive and legislative port you. I will give you the beams, the where I am sitting, it seems that branches. bullets, the ammo, the water. I will

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00100 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1771 give you anything you need, but do not The President’s plan fails to ac- As Iraq continues to deteriorate into ask me for any troops and good luck on knowledge the lack of willingness and a failed state of endless killing, Presi- your mission. Because you do not get capacity by the Iraqi political and reli- dent Bush has decided not only to stay to ask for reinforcements. You do not gious leaders to achieve these nec- the course but to escalate America’s even get to ask for anybody else. essary goals. Sectarian factions are di- combat presence. As we know the Pelosi-Murtha real vided more than ever. Without the seri- The resolution we debate tonight strategy is to slowly bleed our battle- ous involvement and motivation of the puts Congress in step with the Amer- field commander dry. They know he Iraqi people, the President’s proposals ican people in rejecting the President’s cannot prevail waging a campaign of to send more American troops into escalation of the war. This resolution the status quo. So some will slowly re- harm’s way amounts to little more supports our troops and sends a clear duce funding for his Army in an effort than having 21,000 more soldiers stay message to President Bush that he is for it to wither on the vine. And it to the course. increasingly isolated in believing that me is disgraceful. This I cannot support. The President Iraq’s future can only be salvaged by Ladies and gentlemen, does this fit should consider the views of many ac- sending more Americans into their the definition of loyalty and support of tive and retired military generals who civil war. members of the United States Armed advised him to change his strategy in Let us remember that year 5 in Iraq Forces serving bravely in Iraq? Iraq. Instead of adding more soldiers, will start with over 150,000 U.S. troops Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of he should instead focus on some of the in the midst of an Iraq civil war. Year my time. best recommendations set forward by 5 in Iraq will start with 2,600 Minnesota Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- the bipartisan Iraq Study Group that National Guardsmen and -women who er, I yield 5 minutes to the gentle- he commissioned. woman from Arizona (Ms. GIFFORDS). These recommendations include have already served and sacrificed for a Ms. GIFFORDS. Mr. Speaker, as keeping Iraq rapid reaction and special year, being ordered to serve an addi- Members of the 110th Congress we are operation forces in Iraq to strike al tional 4 months of duty. Year 5 in Iraq about to cast one of our most impor- Qaeda militias, setting performance starts with over 3,100 American troops tant votes yet. Americans in my dis- benchmarks for the Iraqi Government having sacrificed their lives and nearly trict of southern Arizona and across and holding them accountable, pro- 24,000 troops having sacrificed their the country want their Representatives viding economic assistance to Iraq that bodies. to bring closure to the United States’ will help create jobs, strengthen infra- To all of our veterans and their fami- involvement in Iraq. This vote is the structure, and improve the Iraqi capac- lies, I offer my prayers, and I pledge first step towards doing precisely that. ity to be independent and stable. my support in the difficult months and A few weeks ago President Bush gave Last but not least, beginning a new years ahead. With a true sense of hu- a nationally televised speech to the dialogue with Iraq’s neighbors because mility and respect and admiration for American people to announce his new they need to be part of the solution. their service and sacrifices, I thank way forward for Iraq. But it sounded The basic message of the Iraq Study you, I thank your families for what strangely familiar. The President ac- Group and other credible experts and you have endured. knowledged that his policies and plans strategists is that the situation in Iraq Our troops have always done their in Iraq had failed to yield the promised is a political not just a military crisis. jobs with skill, with determination and results, and yet his only suggestion The President’s military escalation courage. And now it is time for the was to do more of the same. plan without a political component is elected leaders of this Nation to re- During my first few weeks in Con- bound to fail. Along with all other pa- spond with courage and skill and fore- gress serving on the House Armed triotic Americans, I strongly support thought to the challenges presented in Services Committee, the Foreign Af- our men and women in uniform who Iraq. It is time for the people of Iraq, fairs Committee, I have been listening, are risking their lives to protect and the diverse ethnic groups, the religious learning, asking tough questions. I defend our Nation. sects, their tribal leaders, to decide for have participated in many hours of Our Armed Forces must have the themselves whether their future is to hearings and briefings with top admin- tools, the training and the support that be one of ongoing murder, revenge, istration officials. they need to be successful in any mis- civil war, or reconciliation, peaceful Those people include Secretary of sion. I have serious concerns, Mr. cooperation and security. It is time to Defense Robert Gates, Chairman of the Speaker, that our Army, Marine Corps, end Iraq’s dependence on U.S. troops Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Peter along with Guard and Reserve forces and to fully transfer the responsibility Pace, Secretary of the Army Francis are being stretched too thin. for security and governance to the Harvey, Secretary of State Condoleezza Iraqis. It is time to start the process of Rice, former Congressman Lee Ham- b 0000 bringing American troops home safe, ilton, co-chairman of the bipartisan Instead of sending 21,000 more young soon. It is time to bring this war in Iraq Study Group commissioned by the American soldiers to Iraq as part of Iraq to an end. Achieving peace in Iraq President. that same failed strategy, the Presi- will require an Iraqi political solution. Since being sworn into Congress, I dent should focus on the Global War on have also been reading dozens of letters Terror. Failure is not an option. Amer- Peace requires a robust, active, tire- sent to me by my constituents, flying ica must prevail against many serious less diplomacy from the United States, home to my district almost every sin- threats around the world, whether in in partnership with Iraq’s neighbors gle weekend to meet with concerned the Middle East or elsewhere. and the entire world community. This citizens. Mr. Speaker, I will vote to support Congress has the opportunity and the Recently I attended a returning war- the resolution before this body because obligation to advance a foreign policy rior event in Arizona for Reservists our brave men and women in uniform vision rooted in the belief that Iraq’s coming back from combat. And last deserve a strategy that honors their future requires shared global commit- week I visited Walter Reed Hospital sacrifices. The President’s plan does ment. here in Washington, D.C. to speak with not do that. Tomorrow Congress will pass this bi- wounded soldiers and their families. Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- partisan resolution. This resolution is These collective experiences have er, I am now happy to yield 5 minutes important because it is the second step made me more confident than ever that to the gentlelady from Minnesota (Ms. in putting the White House on notice. the global war on terror and the situa- MCCOLLUM). The first notice was delivered to Presi- tion in Iraq are more complicated than Ms. MCCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. dent Bush by the American people last President Bush seems to realize. Com- Speaker, there is no more important November when they elected a new ma- mon sense dictates that in order for issue facing our Nation today than the jority to Congress. The American peo- any plan to succeed it must require the prolonged, painful, deadly war in Iraq. ple elected this majority because they Iraqi people to calm the sectarian vio- Next month America’s courageous and wanted this very debate to take place, lence and unify behind a workable po- determined troops start year 5 of com- because they reject the ‘‘stay the litical structure. bat operations inside Iraq. course’’ status quo in Iraq.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00101 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1772 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 Instead of hearing the American peo- patriotic. And now, when the next Sometimes in the middle of debate ple, instead of acting on the rec- batch goes over without the proper when one gentleman refuses to yield to ommendations of the Iraq Study jammers or up-armored kits, we don’t another gentleman, it can be for a vari- Group, instead of learning from his call you unpatriotic. ety of reasons perhaps, but sometimes past mistakes in Iraq, President Bush Now we have called you incompetent. it is because the argument is pretty decided to escalate the war. We said you are incapable, and we said weak. Rather than take the counsel and the you are derelict of your oversight re- So I have listened to this debate. I advice of experienced statesmen and sponsibility. But never, Mr. Speaker, have not heard anybody on this side of trusted military leaders, President have we called anyone in this House the aisle call any of my Democratic Bush acted alone and decided to esca- unpatriotic. colleagues unpatriotic. So the gen- late the war. Now let me speak to the resolution. tleman who just spoke protests too Now our President calls himself ‘‘The This is very simple. It says two things: much. Maybe he has some deep feeling Decider.’’ In America, the people, not We support our troops and we do not inside, has some guilt inside perhaps. I the President, are the ultimate decid- support the escalation. It is very sim- don’t know. I can’t speak to that. Only ers in our democracy, and the people ple and here is why. We have already he can. I would be more than pleased to and this Congress have decided that done this, Mr. Speaker. We have al- yield to him. I would extend the cour- the escalation of combat troops into ready done this. We have already tried tesy to him. But I just don’t recall that Iraq is misguided. This Congress has the escalation and it has not worked. at all. the authority and the obligation to From November to January of 2005, we As a matter of fact, I had to turn hold the President accountable, and escalated by 18,000 troops, boots on the here to some staff that is with me be- this House is ready to exercise its con- ground, and the number of daily at- cause they are just as sensitive about stitutional powers. tacks increased by 17 percent. From this as I am and the seriousness of this The American people are demanding June to October of 2005, we increased debate. action to end this war in Iraq. Let us by 21,000 boots on the ground, and the The gentleman to my left is an Air listen to the American people. Tomor- number of daily attacks increased by 29 Force Academy grad and he is the Air row let us pass this important resolu- percent. And from May to November of Force Reserves, and he flies C–5As tion and begin the process of working 2006, 17,000 more boots on the ground, right into Baghdad. He knows what that is like. together as Americans to end the war and the number of daily attacks in- The two gentlemen right behind me, in Iraq. creased by 80 percent. this gentleman right here, Jeff Phil- Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- This escalation has not worked and it lips, served in the first gulf war, in the er, I am now happy to yield 5 minutes will not work. The number of insur- second gulf war, and has two Bronze to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. gents have increased from 5,000 in 2003 Stars. This other gentleman over here, RYAN). to between 20,000 and 30,000 to October Jim Lariviere, served in Afghanistan Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, as of 2006. So this is very simple. we approach the final day of the debate and wears the Bronze Star. And I want to make just a few more So I turned to all three of these guys on this resolution, I have enjoyed the points, Mr. Speaker. One is this. With and I asked them, Have you heard any- debate thoroughly. I have found it hu- the last vote for the war, regardless of body say or make someone feel as morous at times. Our friends on the what party you were in or how you though they were unpatriotic? And the other side have tried every argument voted, we assumed that the President answer was ‘‘no’’ from these three men. they could possibly muster. They have and the Secretary of Defense would So please don’t come and pollute the talked about President Clinton, they send our troops over there with the debate because it only makes you look have talked about Vietnam, they are proper equipment. But with this esca- silly. trying to bring up Israel, and my friend lation, Mr. Speaker, we know that the ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE from Indiana also mentioned the issue 21,500 troops that are going to go over The SPEAKER pro tempore. The of consistency. And I find it funny that there will not have the proper Humvee Chair must remind Members to address the pro-life, self-proclaimed pro-life kits, the up-armor for their remarks to the Chair. party is the party that wants to keep HUMVEES. They won’t have the prop- Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, it only extending the war. I find it ironic that er jamming devices or enough of them, makes Members look silly if they pol- all of the great budget hawks in the and they won’t have the number of lute the debate. Republican Party want to throw $8 bil- trucks that they need. One thing about war is that you have lion a month to keep going and going b 0010 to improvise, adapt, and overcome. and going as we borrow the money Right? You hear that a lot. We do it You now know it. So if you vote from China. and our enemies do it, and it is ex- against this resolution, you are voting But I have also found the debate, at tremely important. times, disappointing, where Members to send our troops over there without Mr. Speaker, I yield 101⁄2 minutes to of the other side have questioned our the proper equipment before it could be the former veteran of the Arizona Na- excused because we trusted the Presi- side and they have said, whose side are tional Guard, Mr. SHADEGG. we on? And how can we say that we dent, assumed, but now we know. Mr. SHADEGG. Mr. Speaker, I thank support the troops, and that we are, And, finally, Mr. Speaker, we have the gentleman for yielding. somehow, unpatriotic. heard a lot over the last couple of days And just to follow up, I was going to And I would just like to say that about the American Revolution and actually begin my remarks tonight by when the Republican Party and this the Civil War and World War II. Well, noting the tremendous speech I President didn’t send enough troops, Mr. Speaker, our President today is thought that was given by my col- we didn’t call you unpatriotic. And not Washington, he is not Lincoln, and league Mr. MCHUGH, I believe it was when you sent our young soldiers over he is not Roosevelt. So I think our Re- the night before last, in the midst of there without the body armor, we publican colleagues should take the ad- this important debate. And I think this never called you unpatriotic. vice of the Secretary of Defense, and is an extremely important debate. In- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE that is you go to war with the Presi- deed, I think this is the most impor- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. dent you have. You don’t go to war tant debate in my 12 years in the HODES). The Chair must remind the with the President you wish you had. United States Congress and I would as- Members to address the Chair when ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE sert the most important debate this speaking in debate. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Congress may, indeed, ever have. Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, we Chair must remind the Members to ad- But with regard to being unpatriotic, never called the other side unpatriotic dress their remarks in debate to the I want to make my position clear and when they sent our soldiers over with- Chair and not to others in the second I want to reference what Mr. MCHUGH out enough body armor. And when they person. said. didn’t send enough up-armored Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- First, I respect every Member on the Humvees, we never called anybody un- self such time as I may consume. other side of the aisle, and I respect

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00102 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1773 their right to express their views. And, In the debate earlier on this floor I against the laws of God that command quite frankly, the other evening when I asked my colleagues, I asked anyone jihad to last until judgment day or spoke in this debate, I said I respect on either side of the aisle, if you can until the entire Earth is under the rule and share their frustration, both at name for me a single radical jihadi of Islamic law.’’ where we are in this war and how we leader who has said that if America It would be nice if we could ask this got there. leaves Iraq, if America will pull back war to go away, but it won’t. So I ask But the gentleman pointed out that from Iraq, the war will end? I have again, if you do not want to confront he hadn’t heard anybody labeled unpa- asked that question on this floor at radical jihadists in Iraq, then where? triotic. I think Mr. MCHUGH’s com- least twice, maybe three times, and no- And if not now, then when? ments were quite in tone with what I body has taken it up. And the answer is This war did not begin in 2003. It have heard in the portion of this debate because that is not what they want. began not in 2001 with the attack on that I have watched, and I have I listened to the debate here tonight the World Trade Center. No. We have watched a lot. And he said, ‘‘I have lis- and I respect it. As I said, I share the been at war with these radical jihadists tened today with great interest, and I frustration over where we are in this for decades. In 1979, radical jihadists have enormous respect for Members on war. But if you listen carefully to this seized the American embassy in Tehran both sides of the aisle.’’ I have that re- debate, what you hear is: well, if we and held American hostages for 444 spect. I have the respect for the sin- will stop, the war will end. I am afraid days. In 1983, radical jihadists attacked cerity of my colleagues on both sides of it is not that true. I am afraid it is not the Marine barracks in Beirut; 241 were this aisle. We have, however, an impor- that easy. I am afraid it is not that murdered. In 1988, they brought down tant disagreement which deserves to be simple. If we were to stop, the war Pan Am Flight 103, known as the aired. would not end. Lockerbie bombing; 270 were murdered. I think there is an important ques- Listen to the words of al Qaeda, the In 1993, Islamic terrorists attacked the tion that needs to be asked. That ques- words of Osama bin Laden, the words of World Trade Center for the first time; tion is, if we do not defeat radical Ayman al Zawahiri. Over and over and six were murdered. In 1996, they at- jihadists in Iraq, the radical Islamists over again, they have told us that that tacked the Khobar Towers. I have been with whom we are at war there now, if would not be the end of the war. In- to Khobar Towers before it was brought we do not defeat them in Iraq, then deed, it would not end their war down. I saw where they killed 19 U.S. where? And if we do not defeat them against us. servicemen. 1998, al Qaeda attacked the now, then when? Let me talk first about Ayman al U.S. embassies in Tanzania and Kenya. Let me first start by making a few Zawahiri. Here is his quote: ‘‘It is jihad They killed 212 in Tanzania and 11 were points about the record and setting the for the sake of God and will last until murdered in Kenya. In 2000, the Islamic record straight. My colleague from our religion prevails . . . The entire terrorists attacked the USS Cole and 17 Texas pointed out a few moments ago world is an open battlefield for us. We are murdered there. 2001, they attacked that we are each entitled to our own will attack everywhere until Islam New York, Washington and Pennsyl- opinion, but not to our own facts. I reigns.’’ vania and they killed 3,000. would suggest that there is a fact Osama bin Laden: ‘‘The whole world This war is the heart of the war on across this Nation, an accepted fact, is watching this war and the two adver- terror, and if we do not confront them which is flat untrue. And it was re- saries; the Islamic Nation on the one now, then when? If we do not confront ferred to in the debate here just a few hand and the United States and its al- them in Iraq, then where? moments ago. And that is the notion lies on the other. It is either victory There have been parallels to prior that Shia and Sunni have been at war and glory or misery and humiliation.’’ wars. I would suggest that this debate with each other for hundreds of years b 0020 is similar, very similar, to the debate and killing each other for hundreds of that led up to our involvement both in years. Ayman al-Zawahiri again: ‘‘The jihad the World War I and World War II. Men Today, the bipartisan Antiterrorism in Iraq requires several incremental of goodwill do like not to engage in Caucus met, and we heard from an ex- goals; expel the Americans from Iraq, war. It would be nice to have been able pert from Brookings, and he said that establish an Islamic authority or to believe that Hitler would go away, is simply not true. The notion that we amarat, extend the jihad to secular and well-meaning Americans argued are in the midst of a civil war that has countries neighboring Iraq, and then that we should stay out of that war. gone on for hundreds of years simply is the clash with Israel.’’ But ultimately we couldn’t, because ul- not true. It is not a fact. And last, Osama bin Laden: ‘‘Hos- What is a fact is that we face an ex- tility toward America is a religious timately the Japanese empire attacked traordinary enemy, an enemy that duty. We hope to be rewarded by God us at Pearl Harbor and we recognized hates us, an enemy that has been for it. I am confident that Muslims will that we had to be involved in that war. taught a set of beliefs that requires be able to end the legend of the so- I would suggest to you that that is them to kill us; that requires them to called superpower that is America.’’ where we are now, and I would suggest kill all Americans, all Westerners, all There is no end to this war simply to you that there is no such thing when unbelievers; indeed, a radical jihadist because we choose to stop fighting. It you are at war as a nonbinding resolu- sect that calls for them to kill many will not go away. tion, and there is no such thing as a Muslims and to do so without excuse. Let me refer again to Mary Habeck resolution that does not do damage to To break all law in doing so. To ignore and ‘‘Knowing the Enemy,’’ which, Mr. the morale our troops. international law in doing so. Speaker, I hope you have read and all Let me conclude, if I might, just by I would call my colleagues to read others who participate in this debate pointing out that this resolution may this book, ‘‘Knowing the Enemy’’ by will read. send a message to the White House, Mary Habeck. I read it after she spoke ‘‘The three main jihadist ideologues and I understand and sympathize with to the bipartisan Antiterrorism Cau- make clear a central point of the ongo- the desire to do that. But the more im- cus. I want to read a few paragraphs ing war with falsehood: That it will portant message it will send is to our out of this book because I believe it is continue until Islam has liberated the allies around the world that America important to understand: ‘‘Jihadist entire world from darkness, tyranny cannot be trusted, that America can- ideologues use this generally accepted and servitude. Jihadists thus neither not be relied upon, that America is an belief to argue that their interpreta- recognize national boundaries within ally that will leave. tion of Islam is also intended for the the Islamic lands, nor do they believe Osama bin Laden has said it over and entire world, which must be brought to that the coming Islamic state when it over and over again: Attack them, recognize this fact peacefully if pos- is created should have permanent bor- fight them. Ultimately they will grow sible and through violence if not.’’ ders with unbelievers. The recognition weak and they will back down. We have been told over and over and of such boundaries would end the ex- Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- over and over again that these pansion of Islam and stop offensive er, I yield 6 minutes to the gentleman jihadists, the radical jihadists, hate us. jihad, both of which are transgressions from Florida (Mr. MEEK).

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00103 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1774 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 (Mr. MEEK of Florida asked and was what? They are not going to give up. great passion. I was not a member of given permission to revise and extend They are not going to give up, and they the military, but doggone it, I am a his remarks.) are not going to say, well, we are leav- Member of Congress. I am not going to Mr. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ing. They are not going to say that. let any Member of Congress make me am excited about being here. I want to So if our mission is to stay there as believe or any other Member believe thank the gentlelady for yielding. But long as the last insurgent is there, so that they are less of a Member because I am going to put my prepared notes to someone would not be looking at they do not have the credentials that the side here, because I don’t think troops leaving on the plane saying we the next person has. that is needed at this point, because we won, if that is the issue, then we have What I do know is that someone are well into debate now, Mr. Speaker, to readjust our thinking here. woke up early Tuesday morning at 7:00 on this very issue of Iraq. Let me just share something with a.m. to vote for representation in this I would like to disclose to the House you. I said to the President, ‘‘Yes, this U.S. House of Representatives, and that I am not a member of the armed is nonbinding, but it means a lot. It doggone it, they are going to get, and services. I have never served in a for- sends a message to the country that we those troops are going to get it. ward area. I wasn’t even a member of heard them last November.’’ So tomorrow it is going to be judg- the ROTC. But I am a Member of the You know the reason why this House ment time. Either you are with going U.S. Congress, and I have been federal- is in the majority for the Democrats in the old direction or in the new direc- ized to come here to represent my con- this time? You know why? Because the tion. stituents and the people of this great rubber stamp Republican Congress rub- And the only reason that I have com- country. ber stamped everything that the Presi- fort, Mr. Speaker, tonight is the fact I know sometimes we say some dent sent to this House and to the Sen- that I know that there is going to be a things on the floor that we don’t really ate. And if this was about politics, I bipartisan vote on that board, just like mean, and then there are some things would just go home and sit and watch it was on the minimum wage, just like we do really mean. this debate on television and talk to it was as it relates to prescription I had the opportunity to go to the my wife and tell my wife, guess what, drugs, just like it was in cutting back White House today to speak to the sweetheart? The Democrats are about interest rates on student loans. All President on this very issue, and I to gain a greater majority, because the these bipartisan votes, and this is shared with him, delivered the message American people are going to continue going to follow the number of those bi- from the majority of the Members of on a bipartisan way, not just Demo- partisan votes. I know that we are this House of Representatives on a bi- crats, Republicans, independents, those going to start having the kind of over- partisan basis, Republicans and Demo- that never voted before, will start vot- sight we have to have on this war. crats that have come to this floor and ing because they think that we are not I do not believe that it would be a said they are going to vote in the af- listening. full pull out of troops, and I am not Now, I am going to share this also firmative on this resolution because even looking for that, but I am looking with you, what is very, very important. they don’t believe in the escalation of for management of this war in Iraq, I said, ‘‘Mr. President, it is nonbinding, troops. and I am glad that we are having this but you are going to have a supple- A supermajority of the Members of debate. mental that is going to come through, the House have not served in the mili- Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- and there has to be language in there tary. Now, do we respect and honor er, I yield 6 minutes to the gentle- that speaks to the point of readiness, those that allow us still to salute one woman from Florida (Ms. WASSERMAN speaks to the point of the fact that if flag? You are 110 percent right as it re- SCHULTZ). you say we are going to send 20,000 Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. lates to my feelings towards that. And combat troops and 3,000 support per- Speaker, I am going to bring it back I respect those Members who have been sonnel, that they have what they need down a notch for a minute. in the ROTC and came up through col- to carry out the mission.’’ lege and what have you and joined the The President heard what I had to On Tuesday, I had the privilege to Reserves and active duty. I trust their say and came right back and said, spend time with some of our Nation’s judgment. They have the right to say ‘‘Kendrick, do you believe for a minute finest. I traveled to Walter Reed Army what they want to say when they want that I would put troops in harm’s way Medical Center and talked with some to say it. if the military commanders did not tell of our soldiers who dedicated their But I shared with the President that us what we had?’’ lives to protect our Nation and gave this will pass. And he shook his head Respectfully I told the President, ‘‘It their hearts, souls and bodies to the and said, ‘‘I believe it will pass too, has happened before.’’ I have sat next cause of freedom. Kendrick.’’ to Mr. RYAN in the Armed Services As I was driving out to the hospital, I said, ‘‘Mr. President, here is some- Committee and watched four star gen- I reflected upon the changes in Iraq in thing else that we have to be together erals answer the question, ‘‘Do you the year-and-a-half since my first visit on, and there has to be some level of have what you need?’’ ‘‘Yes, we have to Walter Reed. During that visit, IED compromise.’’ it.’’ was not a regular part of the American Yes, this is a nonbinding resolution, Then we went to Iraq twice. Not vocabulary, Mr. Speaker. Fatalities but this is the first time that the once. Not when somebody told me that were shocking. The mounting death President has ever had any, any, any got off the plane that came back from toll was disturbing. pressure from the Congress on his Iraq and said, ‘‘Kendrick, guess what.’’ Today, there are insurgent attacks original thoughts and what he says In Mosul, in Baghdad, folks getting almost every day. Iraq has descended military commanders call for. ready to go out on patrol did not have into a deadly civil war, and almost Now, since folks have been talking up-armored vehicles. And I am a Mem- every American has become familiar about who they are here on this floor ber of Congress. You would think some- with the term IED and the deadly im- and what they have done and chest one would bring up-armored vehicles pact they have on the young men and beating and all, I have been a member out because they have Members of Con- women that we send to fight for us in of the Armed Services Committee. I am gress there. And people are there say- this war. a member of the Ways and Means Com- ing, and the troops are there saying, The terms of war that my good friend mittee now and still on Armed Services soldiers, in the field, 18 months on the from Indiana so well knows, the casual- on a waiver. second deployment, saying, ‘‘Congress- ties, death, kidnappings, injuries, heli- I said I wanted to go back to Armed man, I know what you think, but let copter crashes, bombs, amputations, Services because we are at war and we me tell you something: We don’t have good-byes, sorrow and pain have all be- have to make sense here in this House. what we need.’’ come commonplace. We just can’t say we are there and we We hear that another helicopter was got to stay there as long as we got to b 0030 shot down or that three more soldiers stay there, until the last insurgent They still do not have what they died today in Iraq, and soon enough we says that they give up. Well, guess need. So I come to this floor, yes, with become numb to the true impact that

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I cannot help but think about vember 7 and move this country in a is not mentioned, the lives, limbs, the way this war is affecting not only new direction, which unfortunately hopes and dreams. my generation, Mr. Speaker, but the you have neglected to do. They are soldiers like a young man I generations following mine. They, too, Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming met Tuesday who was travelling on recognize the sacrifices that our men my time, I have neglected to do? foot with his convey when an IED ex- and women in uniform are facing. Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. You ploded, and as he put it, blew him up. Students from two schools in my dis- collectively. He had served in Iraq twice before, and trict, Nob Hill Elementary and Silver Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, are you on his third tour of duty, Mr. Speaker, Ridge Elementary, made Valentine’s questioning my motives he became a double amputee, lost his Day cards for the soldiers, and I got a PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY arm and leg. Clearly, his total experi- chance to deliver them Tuesday during Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, parliamen- ence will change him completely. my visit to Walter Reed. One of these tary inquiry. Is it proper for one Mem- Another young soldier was spending cards reads, the one right here: ‘‘Thank ber to try to question the motive of an- time with his family when I visited. He you for protecting our country and me. other Member? has a 6-year-old little boy who talked You’re the best. I would never have had b 0040 to me excitedly about how his daddy the guts to fight with guns anyways. was finally going to come home forever You are my hero. Forever and ever. Get ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE after August. He, too, had two previous well very, very soon.’’ The SPEAKER pro tempore. Even in tours and fell severely ill this third These young children recognize the heated debate, the Members should be time. Amazingly, this soldier hopes to service and sacrifice that these war- more orderly in the process of yielding go over and finish his tour with his riors are making. As Members of Con- and reclaiming time. company when he is better. gress, we owe them no less. Mr. BUYER. I thank the Speaker. I As a mom of 7-year-old twins, my It is our responsibility to provide for am thankful that the gentlewoman first thought when meeting this de- the common defense, and that includes gave the answer to her question, and lightful little boy was that his dad had vigorous debate, informed discussion the answer was that it was implicit. missed half his life so far, half his life. and responsible public policy. It is very easy in debate to come I could not help but worry that if we do I support this resolution because it down and to create a straw person and not get it right soon in Iraq it will not does just that, and Mr. Speaker, I sup- then attack the straw person. If the be long before this little boy and my port this resolution because the gen- gentlewoman has felt that way, that is twins will be part of this conflict. tleman from Indiana knows better. completely unfortunate. But please And finally, there are soldiers like It does not require words to question don’t say you have been called unpatri- the young man who shared so much patriotism. We have had plenty of im- otic. That is the exchange I had with with me and who sincerely explained to plication throughout this debate on an earlier speaker. Don’t accuse Repub- me that he was actually glad that he this floor on the other side of the aisle, licans of such things. I am disturbed by was badly injured, as opposed to his and death by a thousand cuts is the that and very bothered. gunner, because his gunner had a wife same as direct words. It is irresponsible Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Would and kids and he did not want his bud- and unconscionable that the other side the gentlewoman yield? dy’s family to have to look into his of the aisle has questioned the patriot- Mr. BUYER. I am more than pleased eyes like that. He told me he wants to ism of the Members who disagree. to yield to the gentlewoman. run for office one day, and our Nation It is Congress’ job to disagree. It is Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Does will be better for it. our role in the system of checks and the gentleman not understand that America’s future depends upon this balances, as our Founding Fathers en- when words are used, that they don’t generation of Americans, but while visioned them, unfortunately a role actually have to be exact words to sug- they fight to protect our country, they that was absent for the last 12 years. gest a particular opinion on the part of are depending on us to protect them. Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- the Member? And do you really think They are counting on us, the United self such time as I may consume. that it is beyond question that any of States Congress and this President, to I would like to, on my time, yield to the Members on your side of the aisle have a plan, a strategy that gets us the gentlewoman. I would like to yield as they engaged in this discussion and somewhere and to help get them home to the gentlewoman on my time, since debate did not question the patriotism and not endlessly commit their lives she would not yield on her time. Would of our Members? I mean, me thinks and their families’ lives to this war. the gentlewoman please identify by thou dost protest too much, as the gen- So, Mr. Speaker, today I join an over- name a Republican who has called a tleman stated earlier. I yield to the whelming majority of the American Democrat in this debate unpatriotic? gentleman. people, a bipartisan majority of Con- Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Mr. BUYER. I thank the gentle- gress and some of the President’s own Speaker, will the gentleman yield? woman for her remarks. military leaders to raise my voice and Mr. BUYER. I yield to the gentle- Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Would the gen- to be the voice of the constituents, the woman from Florida. tleman yield? thousands of people who I represent in Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. I Mr. BUYER. I am more than pleased the 20th district of Florida, against es- thank you for yielding. to yield to the gentleman from Ohio. calating this war in Iraq. I was just taking my opportunity. Mr. RYAN of Ohio. As I was watching But more importantly, I raise my You have had more than 45 minutes to the debate prior to my speech, I wrote voice for my generation and for all the an hour of your own time to discuss down a quote that was stated by the little boys and girls in America whose your own view, and each us would like gentleman from Indiana looking at the mommies and daddies are in Iraq and that same opportunity. It is 12:40 in the Democrats saying, How can we say we Afghanistan fighting for this country morning. So I appreciate you yielding. support the troops? Question mark. and for freedom. I can tell you, as I just mentioned in Now, if that is not questioning the This President owes the American my remarks, that it does not require patriotism of our side, I don’t know people, but more importantly, these express words. By implication, there what is. brave troops, a strategy that makes are many Members on your side of the Mr. BUYER. Now I seek to reclaim sense, that will do the job and that will aisle who have questioned the patriot- my time, because that is a legitimate help get them home. The President’s ism of any of us who disagree with the question. policy fails that 6-year-old little boy President’s policy. The President’s pol- As the commander in the field, if you with a heart of gold and a smile that icy is inappropriate, and it is Congress’ say to the commander, ‘‘I support

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Amidst the embarrassing overabun- sure that you have been properly Now, your party and your President, dance of thorny foreign policy ques- trained, that you have your uniform, the Republican Party, Mr. Speaker, tions before this House currently, the that you have your ammunition, you and the Republican President are the question before this Chamber tonight have your helmet, you have your body ones who sent our kids to battle with- is a fairly simple one: Do we agree with Kevlar. You have what is necessary to out armor, without body armor. And it the Nation’s military establishment, accomplish your mission. But do you? took JACK MURTHA months to uncover with the country’s foreign policy com- If the commander says, ‘‘I need more it, and then to finally get it paid for munity, with popular opinion, and re- troops to accomplish that mission,’’ and distributed. It was the Republican ject this President’s very wrongheaded you say, ‘‘But you can’t have those.’’ Is Party, Mr. Speaker, who sent kids into plan to send 21,000 more troops into that then supporting the commander? battle without up-armored Humvees. Iraq? Or do we remain silent in homage That is why I pointed out the con- Now, nobody questioned the Repub- to Congress’ past and allow this poten- tradiction in that the Senate says to lican Party’s patriotism, and nobody tially disastrous escalation to move General Petraeus, ‘‘We agree, you are asked them if they supported the forward? our best commander to go over there.’’ troops. Again, we called you incom- I think the question answers itself. And before they took that vote, he petent, we said you were incapable, we And I am proud today to stand here in said, ‘‘I need those five brigades.’’ So said you were derelict in your duty, we support of this resolution, and register they passed the vote and they sent said you should have provided over- my strong support of our troops and General Petraeus over. sight and you didn’t. But we never my strong opposition to escalating this Now we are faced with a vote that called you unpatriotic. war. Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- says I support the troops, I support the As we finish the debate tonight, I er, I now recognize Mr. CHRIS MURPHY members of the Armed Forces. have been joined in these final remarks of Connecticut for 5 minutes. He will be How can we say, ‘‘I support you, but, by some of the younger colleagues in our last speaker, and, as we all know, Mr. Commander, we are not going to the House of Representatives. And I he is a veteran of the Iraq war. give you the troops’’? That is the point Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. Mr. think our unity is significant. I should of the question. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for remind other Members of this House So please don’t try to spin it into yielding. I often get confused with my that we are discussing the fates of something that says, oh, you are call- good friend from Pennsylvania. many young men and women, my class- ing me unpatriotic. That is what I Let’s just touch for one minute, be- mates, my friends, that are this hour think is rather peculiar. fore I address the resolution on the fighting and dying in a country half- Mr. Speaker, does the gentlewoman question that our friends from the way around the world. have any other speakers? other aisle brought to us today and Mrs. DAVIS of California. Yes. Mr. that Mr. RYAN was so good enough to b 0050 Speaker, we have one additional speak- talk about as well, that is this notion er. As younger Members we also serve as that in order to support the troops, you reminders that our duty here is not Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 have to support the commander of the seconds to the gentleman from Texas just to set policies to secure the safety troops. of our country in terms of months or (Mr. GOHMERT). Well, having spent the last 2 years years but also in terms of decades. Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, when walking around talking to every sector Mr. Speaker, I have never fought in a people on the other side of the aisle of the constituents of the Fifth Dis- war. I haven’t shot another man on the wonder how we can ask, Do you really trict of Connecticut, having a sense of battlefield nor have I been wounded support the troops? How about this where the American people came down myself. But I have been allowed the quote that was contributed to Mr. in November on this question, the MURTHA? ‘‘They won’t be able to con- American people seem to agree with privilege to represent my constituents tinue. They won’t be able to do the de- folks on this side of the aisle, which in this body because of the selfless ployment. They won’t have the equip- says this: There is a difference between bravery of those men and women ment. They don’t have the training. supporting the troops and supporting around this country that made a dif- They won’t be able to do the work.’’ the commander. ferent choice than I did, those that vol- There is no question in my mind. It is not an issue of patriotism nec- unteered to go overseas and fight and On his Web site that has now been essarily, it is an issue of differentiating defend this country. It is my duty to taken down, it says, ‘‘Chairman MUR- between the brave men and women who stand here today and thank them for THA will describe his strategy for not are over there fighting and dying for their service, thank their families for only limiting the deployment of troops this country, and the man who sends their service, but also to be their advo- to Iraq, but undermining other aspects them into battle. You can disagree cate here tonight. Because the Presi- of the President’s foreign and national with him and you can support the dent is asking a cadre of our bravest security policy.’’ troops. You can do that out in the pub- young men and women to go house to He is the Commander in Chief. That lic as a matter of your private advo- house in Baghdad to root out an insur- is undermining the President. cacy, and you can do that here on this gency while he does virtually nothing Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- floor. to address the systematic causes of er, I just want to inquire of our re- That is where the American public that insurgency. One hundred thousand maining time. came down on election day. They said troops may not be able to do the job The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- loud and clear that day, ‘‘We support that the President is asking 21,000 to tlewoman from California has 18 min- the troops.’’ They go every day to cele- do. Escalating the number of troops in utes. The gentleman from Indiana has brations of those troops when they Baghdad hasn’t worked in the past and 16 minutes. leave and when they come home. They it most likely won’t work here. Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- go to much more somber ceremonies Through his actions, the President is er, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman when they don’t return home. And then putting our soldiers’ lives at unneces- from Ohio (Mr. RYAN). on election day they come out and they sary and unconscionable risk. There is Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, it is say this: ‘‘I support those troops. I a resolution in Iraq but it’s a political entirely possible and welcomed under don’t support the man who put them solution. It’s not a military resolution. the Constitution of the United States into harm’s way in the manner that he And we owe it to our soldiers who have to have disagreements about how we did that.’’ done everything that we have asked need to handle troops deployments, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank them to do to stand up to a President how we need to handle our situation in Speaker PELOSI and Leader HOYER for who would ask them to do a job that

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When you move and as a House Permanent Select Com- atively young age because I was fearful in to counterinsurgency and then the mittee on Intelligence report stated, that the decisions that were being enemy begins to use roadside bombs to Federal authorities have shut down at made here today would have dramatic attack our Hummers, what do we have least 25 charities contributing to ter- consequences for the world that my fu- to do? We respond. That is why I made rorist activities since September 11. ture children and grandchildren will the comment of what does our military That is here in our own country. grow up in. And I came here to begin a do? They improvise, they adapt and In South America there is a strong al conversation that acknowledges that they overcome, and that is exactly the Qaeda presence in the tri-border area of what will make this Nation safe for same thing which our enemies do. So it Argentina, Paragiau and Brazil. In Western Europe, where there have generations is not a Nation built on was a very peculiar comment to say, well, we didn’t attack you because. I been recently uncovered plans for at- bullying, not a strategy based on scat- tacks against Great Britain and the don’t know. It’s so peculiar, I don’t tershot military intervention but a United States and where insurgent fi- even want to comment anymore on it. comprehensive foreign policy that nancial networks and planning cells combines American might with Amer- What I would like to comment on is the nature of the enemy and the sig- flourish throughout Europe supporting ican diplomacy. In order to secure this insurgent activities. nificance of Iraq and the global war Nation for the next generation, we In the Southern Pacific, where the need to acknowledge that the most im- against militant Islamists. Bali bombings in October 2002 were at- Mr. Speaker, at this time I would portant question we must ask is not tributed to an al Qaeda-linked cell. who do we attack next, but instead how like to turn our attention to the nature In the Ibernian Peninsula and North do we reset our place in this world in a of the enemy we face and the signifi- Africa where North Africans were way that would prevent the forces who cance of Iraq in the global war against blamed for the May 2004 Madrid bomb- would do America harm from becoming militant Islam. We often use the term ings and where there have been bomb- stronger? ‘‘global war on terrorism’’ to describe ings in Casablanca, Morocco and Tuni- Mr. Speaker, we need to come to our efforts since the September 11 at- sia. grips with the fact that we live in a tacks. I believe this is a misnomer. In In the greater Middle East, where world in which our own supposed allies reality, we are engaged in a campaign there are ongoing Islamic insurgencies create societies that foster extremism to counter a global, radical Islamist in- in Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and violence amongst their most surgency, a global jihad. This global in- Yemen, Turkey, Lebanon and Israel/ marginalized members. At the same surgency is, in fact, a diverse confed- Palestine. time our Nation often strangely views eration of Islamic movements that uses In East Africa, where simultaneous cultural and political global detach- terrorism as only one of its many tac- bombings in October 1998 in Kenya and ment as a virtue rather than a weak- tics in their war against the West. Tanzania were coordinated from the ness. This combination causes those On February 23, 1998, Osama bin Sudan. that speak different tongues and those Laden, leader of al Qaeda, declared war The Caucuses and European Russia, that worship different gods to look on the United States, Israel and the where nationalist insurgencies in upon our great Nation with undeserved West in his statement ‘‘World Islamic Chechnya, Georgia, and Azerbaijan derision. This must change. Front Declaration of War against Jews have been co-opted by Islamic mili- For my mind, we do that in three and Crusaders.’’ Subsequently, bin tants. parts. First, we must pass this resolu- Laden’s deputy, Ayman al-Zawahiri, South and Central Asia, where the tion in order to pivot to a much broad- issued a statement after September 11 Taliban and al Qaeda continue to oper- ate in Afghanistan and in Pakistan’s er conversation. And in that conversa- announcing a two-phase strategy for al federally administered tribal areas. tion in the coming days and months, Qaeda’s war. First, reestablish the Is- lamic Caliphate, the historical and And in Southeast Asia, where Islamic we must redeploy our troops both to insurgencies continue in Indonesa, the home and to fights that are central to temporal authority of all Muslims that existed from 632 A.D. until 1924 A.D, Philippines and southern Thailand. the war on terror, such as in Afghani- These Islamic insurgencies share a and, second, use the Caliphate as a stan. The gentlemen from the other common goal. They are oriented to- launch pad for a jihad against the side of the aisle are right. This battle ward the overthrow of the current with terrorists who may do harm to West. world order and its replacement with a No one believes that Osama bin this country does not end no matter pan-Islamic Caliphate. They wish to Laden directly controls this worldwide what happens on the ground in Iraq. change the status quo using violence insurgency. Rather than a single mono- But we must focus on our energies and subversion in order to initiate a there. Lastly, we need to begin, going lithic movement, al Qaeda is but one clash between Islam and the West. forward from today, to renew that mul- movement that symbolizes a broad and They use terrorism, subversion and tilateral spirit that once made this diverse confederation of militant Is- propaganda to further their goals and country great by proving ourselves in lamic movements that operate around initiate open warfare. the future to be both a strong America the world. This insurgency includes It will come as no surprise that most and a humble America. such wide-ranging organizations as the of the active Islamic insurgencies take Mr. Speaker, I stand here today in Egyptian Islamic Jihad, the Libyan Is- place either within the historical support of this resolution. lamic Fighting Group, the Islamic bounds of the Caliphate, meaning Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- Army of Aden, al Qaeda in Iraq, the Is- North Africa, Spain, Turkey and the self such time as I may consume. lamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Middle East, or in areas claimed by the There was a peculiar comment a bit Abu Sayyaf Group in Malaysia and the new broader pan-Islamic Caliphate, ago from the gentleman from Ohio Philippines. In addition, Iran, a major- South Asia, Southeast Asia and Indo- when he said, well, I didn’t call you un- ity Shia country, backs numerous rad- nesia. These insurgencies contribute to patriotic when you sent troops into ical Islamic groups, including what is called an arc of instability that battle and they didn’t have their up-ar- Hezbollah and Palestine rejectionist reaches from Indonesia across South mored Humvees. What a weird state- groups such as Hamas and the Pales- Asia and the Middle East to North Af- ment to say. tinian Islamic Jihad. These wide-rang- rica. You see, we prepare our force. So, for ing and disparate groups are loosely Where does Iraq fit into this global example, when myself and Colonel linked ideologically, linguistically and jihad? Iraq has become the front line in Phillips in the first Gulf War, those culturally. They use family ties, per- the open warfare of the global insur- Hummers that we took in, they didn’t sonal relationships and financial links gency. In many ways, Iraq is a micro- even have doors on them. We didn’t to coordinate their efforts. Thus, the cosm of the complex worldwide Islamic

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00107 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1778 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 insurgency. The centrality of Iraq to In 1998, 225 people killed in bombings b 0110 the insurgency became clear in a July at our U.S. embassies in Tanzania and We failed to do that, and we can’t fail 2005 letter to the late Abu Musab al- Kenya. to do that any longer. Zarqawi from al Qaeda’s deputy Ayman In 2000, al Qaeda’s attack on the de- So what we bring to the table and al-Zawahiri. In discussing Iraq, stroyer USS Cole kills 17 American what we bring to this discussion and Zawahiri stated: sailors. this debate, and I think it has been a ‘‘I want to be the first to congratu- In 2001, September 11, killed 2,973. good debate, Mr. Speaker, is I think it Until 2001, we failed to properly react late you for what God has blessed you is important, as a lot of my colleagues to this threat. The enemy perceived us with in terms of fighting battle in the have said on both sides of the aisle, as weak and believed that we lacked heart of the Islamic world, which was that we represent the people of our formerly the field for major battles in the will to fight. This resolution before us, if ap- community. Islam’s history, and what is now the I often go into schools and talk to proved, will signal our lack of resolve place for the greatest battle of Islam in students about what representation and I am troubled. It will be inter- this era.’’ means and tell them that it would be preted, I believe, by the forces of the Zawahiri went on to outline the larg- really impossible to take their entire global jihad that the United States er strategy for Iraq. First, expel the class to Washington and have every- Americans from Iraq. Second, establish lacks the will to persevere against the forces of radical Islam. It will give body there to speak on the floor of the an Islamic authority and reestablish House. Well, we are honored, and I the Caliphate. Third, extend the jihad comfort to their thoughts, for they will know that we in Congress are uncer- know that my colleague is too, to be in neighboring secular Islamic countries. the House, to be able to make those Fourth, eliminate Israel. Thus we see a tain and irresolute. In a war where in- presentations, and we do it for people clear statement from the number two formation and willpower are more im- who actually sometimes disagree with man in al Qaeda that Iraq is centrally portant than firepower, we must con- us as well as agree with us. But it is important to the global jihad. tinue to send the signal that we cannot Al Qaeda is not alone in operating in and will not cease to fight the enemy’s important that we do that. I think what we bring to this debate Iraq. There have been extensive Iranian vision of the world. You see, even if is to try and understand what these involvement that has been alleged re- you have your way and you say we are strategic risks are today. You made my cently. On March 14, 2006, General John going to withdraw the troops, whether case, and I appreciate that, because Abizaid told the Senate Armed Serv- they come back to the United States or there are many conflicts, and we need ices Committee that ‘‘Iran is pursuing whether they go to an over-the-horizon to understand them. That is why only a multitrack policy in Iraq, consisting position and this new infancy govern- of covertly supporting the formation of ment fails, we cannot cower to the se- focusing on a troop escalation, which a stable, Shia Islamist-led central gov- curity of America. This front con- isn’t 20,000 troops, Mr. Speaker, we ernment while covertly working to di- tinues. know there are probably another 15,000 minish popular and military support The Bible states, ‘‘If the trumpet in support troops, and those 15,000 for U.S. and Coalition operations gives an uncertain sound, who shall troops, which are there for support of there.’’ prepare himself to the battle?’’ If the combat troops, sometimes get in the While the full extent of Iranian sup- trumpet is uncertain, who will follow? way. We know that, and we know we port is unknown, it appears that at a This resolution, I think, sends the have had many deaths from our sup- minimum Iran is supporting the 20,000- wrong signal to our friends and to our port troops as well. So we need to man Badr Brigade as well as the 2,000- enemies and I urge my colleagues to think about this as a much larger man Wolf Brigade which is an offshoot. support those troops, sound the certain troop escalation. Just this week, administration officials trumpet, and defeat the resolution. But the reality is we need to utilize announced that Iran was the source of Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of all of our other tools, and we want to deadly explosive form projectiles being my time. put the pressure on our country, on used in Iraq. Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- this administration, on the Iraqi people Iraqis also grasp that Iraq is central er, I yield myself as much time as I and its government and all of our in this global struggle. Iraqi Prime may consume. friends around the world to help us and Minister Maliki told us here in a joint Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my col- step up to the plate; not to just rely on session of Congress, ‘‘I know that some league on the other side of the aisle, our military, not to just rely on our of you here question whether Iraq is because in many ways he has really treasure. We believe that is essential to part of that war on terror, but let me made the case for us. The argument on make the statement. be very clear. This is a battle between his side has been that we can’t just use So I want to close, Mr. Speaker, by true Islam, for which a person’s liberty our military, the tools that they bring saying that this has been a good de- and rights constitute essential corner- us, the great treasure that we have in bate. It will continue. It will continue stones, and that of terrorism, which them. We cannot solely look to them. into tomorrow. Then Members will wraps itself in a fake Islamic cloak.’’ And I think our great consternation have an opportunity to vote and to let The centrality of Iraq in the larger over this war has been that we have their constituents know how and why global Islamic insurgency cannot be not used our political, our economic they chose to do that. disputed. Our enemies and our friends and our diplomatic tools to represent Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, if the gen- in the region grasp its significance. To the great Nation that we are. tlewoman will yield, I just want to fail in Iraq is to fail in the larger strug- I have to tell my colleague that I was compliment her for her civility and the gle. And our enemies are watching. really saddened when the veterans of way she led the debate. It was a good They remember what America did not my community asked me, and I have discussion, and it is exactly what the grasp the scope of the threat posed by asked our generals and I have asked American people are looking for from radical Islam. Yet the signals were the President, are we in fact a military this body. I congratulate the gentle- there: at war and not a Nation at war? The woman. In 1979, 66 American diplomats taken generals told me that we are a military Mr. WALSH of New York. Mr. Speaker, I hostage, held in Iran for 444 days. at war. I think the President disagreed rise today in support of this resolution for- In 1983, a truck bomb kills 241 Ma- with that. But the reality is that we malizing this body’s resolve to support and rines at their barracks in Beirut. have not brought our Nation to this ef- protect the men and women in the United In 1988, Pan Am flight 103 bombing fort in the way that I think is appro- States Armed Forces in Iraq and disapproving kills 270, including 189 Americans, over priate to have done. And so when we of President Bush’s decision to deploy Lockerbie, Scotland. talk about the strategic risks that are 20,000+ additional combat troops to Iraq. In 1993, six killed at the first World there, when we talk about the fact that Like the overwhelming majority of my col- Trade Center bombing by militant Is- we need to understand those risks, we leagues in the House and Senate, in 2002 I lamic terrorists. are doing it in a context that we know voted to authorize the use of force in Iraq In 1996, 19 U.S. servicemembers were that when we went to this war, we should the President deem such force nec- killed at Khobar Towers. didn’t properly assess those risks. essary.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00108 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1779 Since then, the men and women of our ington to represent them, to vote on their be- But these are facts. President Bush is more Armed Services have carried out their mission half, and to ensure that their voices are heard interested in cockamamy theories. with great courage and bravery, and they suc- in every national debate. And as Members of In the run-up to the war, Bush speculated cessfully achieved every military objective we Congress we do so with a unique balance of that Iraq possessed nuclear weapons. When set forth. personal belief and public will. intelligence officers suggested that might not They removed a tyrannical, oppressive dic- The President is the Commander in Chief. be the case, he ignored them. To date, no tator who brutally slaughtered his own people, That is a fact. But he is not the sole decider. weapons of mass destruction have been including innocent women and children. We—the other elected leaders of our govern- found. They rebuilt schools and replaced a crum- ment—have a responsibility to express the will Bush also hypothesized that the attack bling infrastructure. of the American people as we perceive it. would turn Iraq into a liberal democracy. When And they provided security for the Iraqi peo- The people of my New York district over- academic scholars wrote that Iraq’s history ple to successfully conduct interim elections, whelmingly supported this mission at its start, and culture didn’t suggest such an outcome to write a new constitution, and to democrat- as did I. We still support its goals. We will al- was likely, he dismissed them. Today, despite ically elect and install new national leadership. ways support our troops. But we do not sup- the election of an Iraqi Assembly and forma- The remaining objectives articulated at the port the continued build up of U.S. troops in tion of an Iraqi government, the country is in outset—conflict resolution between Sunnis and Iraq. a full-fledged civil war. Shiites and national peace and stabilization— This resolution states the House’s disagree- During the past four years, the President can only be achieved for the Iraqis, by the ment with the President on this strategy, and has repeatedly theorized that America was Iraqis. Their success will take personal will I support this 97-word resolution before us. making progress in Iraq, and that ‘‘success’’ and political compromise from all domestic But I also say today clearly and without was just around the corner. I remember, in parties involved. equivocation that I will not support any pro- particular, Bush’s summer 2003 statement that Mr. Speaker, success in Iraq today requires posal to cut funding to our troops while they ‘‘major combat operations in Iraq have a political solution, not a military one. Twenty are in harm’s way. ended,’’ his summer 2004 claim that we were thousand more armed American men and America has kept her promises to the peo- ‘‘turning the corner’’ abroad, and CHENEY’s women on the ground in Iraq will not change ple of Iraq. Over 3,000 American soldiers have summer 2005 reference to an insurgency in its the determination or alter the strategy of the given their lives to ensure those promises ‘‘last throes.’’ Despite these promises, the situ- warring factions and militants our troops now were kept, and their families now go forward ation in Iraq has gotten worse every year, not face. with a constant reminder of the price of their better. The addition of more American forces will sacrifice. My favorite declaration came this past sum- certainly not encourage the Iraqi Forces to This resolution confronts the reality that mer, when the President said that the forma- take responsibility for their nation’s security. there are defined military objectives, defined tion of a new Iraqi government represented a This premise never became clearer than when diplomatic objectives, and defined political ob- ‘‘turning point.’’ GEN. John Abizaid told the Senate Armed jectives that can only be achieved by a sov- Unfortunately, the body count in Iraq con- Services Committee, ‘‘I believe that more ereign and selfsustaining people. tinues to grow. This past July, an average of American forces prevent the Iraqis from doing This resolution, ultimately, is about the role 110 Iraqi adults died each day, the deadliest more and from taking more responsibility for and the responsibility of the Iraqi people. This month of the war for Iraq. In October, militia their own future.’’ resolution does not call for us to step out— attacks spiked 22 percent. In December, more He continued, ‘‘I’ve met with every divisional American troops there need to remain and than 100 American troops were killed, the third commander—General Casey, the corps com- take on a different role. Rather, this resolution deadliest month of the war for the United mander, General Dempsey—we all talked to- calls for Iraq to step up. States. gether. And I said, ‘in your professional opin- For that reason, it has my support. But the November elections did represent a ion, if we were to bring in more American Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I voted against turning point—in the United States. The Bush troops now, does it add considerably to our the original resolution authorizing President administration no longer has a Republican ability to achieve success in Iraq?’ And they Bush to take military action against Iraq. As a Congress to lick its boots. What’s more, voting all said no.’’ Member of the Out of Iraq and Progressive on this resolution will soon suggest President Today’s U.S. military role in Iraq should be caucuses, I have and will continue to call for Bush doesn’t even have the support of his to assist in support and training initiatives, not the immediate withdrawal of American troops. own party. to lead the charge. We must remember that I rise today in strong opposition to the Presi- When the President in January suggested this democracy does not belong to us, but to dent’s proposal to send more than 20,000 ad- sending additional troops to Iraq, Members of the Iraqi people who are responsible for pro- ditional United States combat troops to Iraq. Congress from both sides of the aisle criti- tecting and enhancing it. Today’s non-binding resolution is an important cized his foolhardy proposal. Senator CHUCK If an increase of troops is needed to sta- first step. After its passage, I will encourage HAGEL, Republican from Nebraska, termed it bilize specific regions, those troops ought to my colleagues in Congress to take further ‘‘Alice in Wonderland’’ thinking that would be Iraqi troops. At last count there were steps to end the War in Iraq. ‘‘represent the most dangerous foreign policy 325,000 trained, equipped and fielded Iraqi When a scientist uncovers facts that con- blunder since Vietnam.’’ Security Forces. At some point in time, these tradict a theory, he or she throws out that the- Retired military personnel weren’t much Iraqi Forces have to lead security efforts. ory. But when President Bush learns of facts more enthusiastic. Former General Barry What better time than now? What better op- that contradict his theories, he throws out the McCaffrey called the surge ‘‘a fool’s errand.’’ portunity could there be for the Iraqis to mani- facts. As a member of the reality-based com- Retired Colonel Paul Hughes said ‘‘sending fest their national pride and commitment to de- munity, I continue to be amazed by this Presi- more troops to Baghdad is like pouring more mocracy by concrete actions? The Iraqis are dent’s disregard for objective truths. water in the sands of Al-Anbar. It’s just going ready and the U.S. needs to stop enabling The President, however, isn’t just a scientist to disappear without accomplishing anything.’’ their dependence. experimenting with chemicals in a laboratory. I couldn’t agree more. The President’s pro- Recently, the 174th Fighter Wing of the New He is an executive whose decision to take us posal to escalate the war in Iraq in the naive York Air National Guard based in my home- to war under false pretenses has adversely af- hope of winning a lasting peace is another town of Syracuse returned from a support tour fected the lives of millions of Americans and cockamamy theory that contradicts all avail- in Iraq, and I’m proud that a young member of Iraqis. The costs of the nearly four-year old able facts. my staff deployed with them. Dozens of other conflict are grave. I strongly urge my colleagues to vote ‘‘yes’’ young men and women from New York’s 25th More than 3,100 brave American service- and take this important first step to end the Congressional District have fought in Iraq and men and women, including at least 325 from War in Iraq and bring all of our troops home. Afghanistan. I am deeply proud of them and my home state of California, have already died Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, every member of their remarkable service to our country. in the war. An additional 23,000 plus have this Congress, every member, regardless of Mr. Speaker, I stand before you as a mem- been wounded. Estimates of the number of political party, and regardless of their position ber of the greatest deliberative body in the Iraqi civilians killed since the invasion run on this war, or the resolution before us now, greatest representative democracy in the even higher, from 47,000 to 70,000. All at a is equally committed to the security of this na- world. We are the people’s House. We are all cost of $379 billion to the American people. tion, our communities, and our families. And I elected—chosen—every two years by citizens That’s more than $1250 for every man, believe every member of this Congress sup- across this land to converge here in Wash- woman, and child currently living in the U.S. ports our troops and their families while they

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00109 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1780 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 are deployed. We must all support our vet- How will we pay for it? How will you manage needed services for our veterans and their erans and their families when they return internal conflicts among the Iraqi’s them- families when they return home. It is irrational home. selves? What will be the impact on our overall and inaccurate to believe that securing Iraq is Since this war began, I have attended, as security elsewhere in the world? the real key to keeping our nation safe from many of my colleagues have, deployment The fact is this administration has never an- terror, or that if we withdraw from Iraq the only ceremonies as we send the troops off to fight. swered any of those fundamental questions possible outcome is for our nation to be more I have been on the tarmac in the cold and honestly or fully. Never. Either they knew the vulnerable. It is immoral to leave our soldiers dark mornings when they’ve come home to answers and refused to give them, or they did dying and bleeding in the middle of a cen- their families. I have been many times to Wal- not know and went ahead anyway. If the first turies old religious conflict that is not of our ter Reed to visit the wounded. I have been to is true, they were being dishonest. If the sec- creation and is not within our power or respon- funerals for the fallen and held the hands of ond is true, they were incompetent. Sadly, it sibility to resolve. loved ones left behind. appears likely that both incompetence and du- For far too long we have given this Presi- Over the past weeks, months, and in the plicity were at work. dent far too much credibility, far too much years since this conflict began, I have heard Unfortunately, very little has changed since power, far too many lives and far too much from constituents on all sides of this issue, in- this war began. As we consider the proposed money. It is time to stop. cluding members of our armed forces who escalation of the occupation in Iraq, none of Having said how I will vote, the sad but sim- have served or are now serving in Iraq. Some the most important questions has been an- ple truth is this, neither moving forward with of our troops support the war in Iraq, others swered. the President’s proposed troop increase, nor oppose it, some support an increase, others I voted against this war from the outset and voting for this resolution of disapproval, will don’t. To suggest that opposing the Presi- believe to this day that was the right vote. But really do what is needed to secure our own dent’s planned escalation means not sup- once we were committed and engaged, I be- nation, solve the problems in Iraq or bring real porting the troops would imply that many of lieved, as most of my colleagues and most stability to the region. There are, in fact, better the troops themselves and many of their loved Americans, that we had a responsibility to alternatives to the administration proposal and ones back home don’t support the troops. support the troops and try our best to help the those of us who oppose the President’s plan That suggestion simply makes no sense and Iraqis rebuild their nation, establish a demo- should spell out what we think is the better we should put it to rest for good. cratic republic, and try to restore stability. I, course. The real question today is not whether or along with most members of this Congress, This is where I believe that better course not we are committed to security, or whether voted repeatedly to provide our troops the should take us: or not we support the troops. The real ques- needed resources to succeed, and I fervently 1. We must renew our focus on securing tion is how we believe protecting security is hoped the mission would be successful. To a and rebuilding Afghanistan and increase both best achieved. On that, there is legitimate dis- degree, there have been successes. We de- troop strength and financial investment in that agreement, which is, or should be, what this termined there were no weapons of mass de- nation along with our allied partners. The fight debate is about. To have that debate is not struction. Saddam Hussein has been removed in Afghanistan was the real and most impor- only a right, but a responsibility of the elected from power, and is now dead as a result of a tant fight against the terrorists of September representatives in a republic such as ours. In- public and open judicial process. There have 11th. It was justified from the beginning and deed, it is to defend that very right that our been free and open elections, and Iraq has a remains just today, and it has the support of troops are being asked to serve and sacrifice constitution and elected government. the world. We cannot let the Taliban regroup not just in Iraq, but around the world. Those are good things. But the costs have and reinstate their reign of terror and extre- I saw the Pentagon explode from my office been horrific and the key questions still have mism there and we still have a chance, though window on September 11th. We all knew that never been, perhaps cannot be, answered by it is slipping fast, to help the Afghanis estab- thousands of our fellow citizens were dying this Administration. As we consider the Presi- lish a successful, tolerant and secure nation. before our eyes and I was worried about the dent’s latest proposal we must ask again: How 2. In Iraq, the administration should meet safety of my own family. None of us need to many more lives? How much more will this confidentially with the Iraqi leaders and give be reminded through floor speeches or Presi- cost? How will we pay for this? What will it do them a timeline with key benchmarks by which dential homilies about the threat of terrorism. to the rest of our security internationally and at our forces will withdraw. The timeline and But let us also not forget that the terrorists of home? benchmarks should be sufficient to ensure the that day did not come from Iraq. And let no Because these questions are at the core of safety or our forces and give the elected Iraqi one forget that, with only one exception, the whether or not this policy will enhance or jeop- government a reasonable time to train their entire House of Representatives, Democrats ardize our troops and our security, and be- forces and strengthen their political processes, and Republicans alike, all voted to authorize cause the administration to this day is unwill- but there must be a timeline so there is real the use of force to destroy the Al Qaeda ing or incapable of answering these basic pressure for real progress. The process of bases and the Taliban who harbored them in questions honestly, I must vote in favor of this conveying this information and the timeline Afghanistan. That is where the terrorists of resolution, and oppose further troop increases. itself should be confidential. The elected Iraqi September 11th were based, that is where the It is irresponsible to allow a commander in government should then announce that it is central focus of the fight against terrorists was chief, who has not been honest or accurate they who are asking us to begin withdrawal, focused, and we were united, along with vir- from the outset, to continue sacrificing the thereby strengthening their credibility and tually the entire world, in that fight. lives, bodies and families of our troops to a leadership while giving our nation a graceful Iraq is different, and the focus on Iraq has mission that lacks a clear objective or any way to exit at their request. Frankly, this distracted and detracted from the mission in foreseeable endpoint. should have been done by the administration Afghanistan and the real battle against terror- It is recklessly dangerous to permit a com- before the Iraq Study Group report and before ists. Administration suggestions aside, none of mander in chief to jeopardize our nation’s se- this debate in Congress, but it is still not too the terrorists of September 11th came from, or curity by letting our military equipment, readi- late. were trained in Iraq, and there were no weap- ness and troop morale continue to decline. It 3. While beginning a measured and stra- ons of mass destruction. is shortsighted and unwise to leave our Na- tegic redeployment of our forces from Iraq, we President Bush and the rest of the adminis- tional Guard and Reserve unprepared and should increase our support for infrastructure tration took this Nation into an unnecessary under-equipped to respond to other challenges repair and shift increasing responsibility for and ill conceived war based on false threats or crises abroad or within our own borders. It that effort to Iraqi companies and workers and and with a deeply flawed plan. Our soldiers, is wasteful and foolhardy to build the largest away from foreign contractors. their families, our economy, our overall military embassy in the world in this very small nation. We should, however, maintain close over- readiness, the Iraqi people, friends in the re- It is dangerous and strategically unsound to sight of the spending to ensure the resources gion, and our coalition partners, have all suf- concentrate more of our intelligence assets in are being used as intended and we should link fered as a result of the administration’s misin- this one city, leaving the rest of the world and continued financial support to real political and formation and miscalculations. other dangerous threats less covered. It is security progress on the part of the Iraqis. Fur- Before this war, I, and many others, asked unsustainable for our economy to keep pour- ther, we should prevail upon wealthy neigh- the administration to answer fundamental ing out money, forgoing needed investments bors in the region, notably the Saudi Arabians questions. How many troops will this take? at home, and piling debt onto our children with and others, to expend some of their own vast How many lives will be sacrificed? How long no real plan to pay for it, and no real end in funds to enhance the infrastructure effort. We will we be there? What will it cost financially? sight. It is a breach of trust to not provide the should also dramatically reduce the size of the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00110 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1781 embassy complex that is now under construc- 11. Finally, but importantly, for far too long however, question the wisdom of considering tion in Baghdad and we should pledge to no our energy policy and dependence on petro- a resolution which will have no practical effect, permanent U.S. bases in Iraq. leum has distorted our foreign policy and but will have serious and inevitable con- 4. To help fund the infrastructure and secu- thereby endangered our national security, our sequences for the men and women who have rity activities within Iraq, and to give every economy, and our environment. We must rec- been asked to serve. Iraqi a stake in the success of their political ognize that energy policy is coupled with na- While we consider this resolution, our en- process. An equitable means of distributing oil tional security and we must change both poli- emies, in prosecuting their side of this war— revenues should be created that ensures all cies or we will never have real and lasting se- will little note its allegedly non-binding char- Iraqis will benefit from the oil resources and, curity. acter. In that sense, Mr. Speaker, this is very simultaneously, that all Iraqis will lose eco- I urge my colleagues to consider this much a binding resolution. It binds this House nomically if insurgents damage those re- course, but before I conclude, I must respond irreversibly to a statement of disapproval. But sources. to those who suggest that if we do not give it will do nothing to change the situation to 5. We should encourage the Iraqis to work unquestioning support to this administration which it is nominally addressed, because it more closely with moderate Arab neighbors, regardless of what they ask for, regardless of does not bind our words to any actions. notably Jordan, Egypt and others in the region history, and regardless of the evidence on the General Peter Pace, in his testimony before to help with the training of the security forces ground, we are somehow empowering the ter- the Armed Services Committee displayed con- and with the reconstruction effort. This assist- rorists or undermining our troops. The Presi- fidence in our armed forces. He said that he ance has been offered since the beginning of dent himself has implied that any questioning believes our men and women in uniform un- the conflict but the Iraqis have not taken ad- of his policies is ‘‘politically motivated’’ and derstand the intricacies of our democracy and vantage of that offer to any real degree as of anything short of further escalation is sending the nature of our vibrant debate in this Con- yet. a message that our Nation will ‘‘cut and run’’ 6. Because the Iraq conflict has had a dev- gress. Mr. Speaker, I would add that while when things get tough. they may understand our prerogatives, they astating and destabilizing economic, political I believe the evidence suggests the oppo- and social impact on friendly and moderate will seek to decipher our intent and the resolve site. The evidence from this war is clear, while of this Chamber to support them in this fight. nations such as Jordan, Egypt and others, we there may be differences of opinion about pol- should provide additional financial aid to those I also believe that they will rightfully see this icy, this Congress, and the American people resolution for what it is—mere contradiction. nations, particularly to help them deal with the have, and will continue to support our troops influx of refugees, the high costs of energy, re- Without our continued commitment to the to the fullest. The evidence is also clear that young democracy in Iraq, the political and se- ductions in trade and tourism, and other ad- our troops will serve valiantly and effectively verse impacts. We cannot leave our friends to curity situation in that country will suffer tre- whenever and wherever they are called. mendous setbacks. Without support from suffer from this conflict, and we dare not let For the elected representatives of the peo- American troops and our allies, there is a the instability spread to nations that have been ple of this great nation to exercise their con- greater chance of failure in Iraq. General models of change and moderation. stitutional responsibility and demand change is 7. We must also reach out once again to Petraeus, Commanding Officer of Multi-Na- not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of the our traditional allies in Europe, Asia and else- tional Force-Iraq, last month described what strength of our own republic. Perhaps more where in the world, openly acknowledge past failure in Iraq would look like when he said importantly, it is a sign of the strength of our mistakes, spell out this new direction, and ask that ‘‘Sectarian groups would obviously begin very form of government itself, which is, after for their financial, diplomatic, and, if nec- to stake out their turf, try to expand their turf. all, what we are hoping to promote in Iraq and essary, military help in making it succeed. They would do that by greatly increased ethnic elsewhere in the world. The rest of the world, 8. While supporting and working with friend- cleansing.’’ our allies and adversaries alike, understand ly and moderate nations in the region and Defense Secretary Robert Gates in a press this and understand that the strength, char- elsewhere, we should engage in direct discus- conference last month said that if we fail, acter, courage and commitment of this Nation, sions and negotiations with other nations in ‘‘One would see an emboldened and strength- its people, and the Congress are separate the region, notably Iran and Syria. We dis- ened Iran, a safe haven and base of oper- from, and stronger than the flaws, and mis- agree profoundly with these nations on many ations for jihadist networks in the heart of the issues, and we must not be naive or overly takes of any one President or administration. We are not turning away from the fight Middle East, a humiliating defeat in the overall optimistic, but it is in our best interests to at campaign against violent extremism world- least engage in a dialogue and search for against terrorists or terrorism by changing course in Iraq. We are changing the course of wide, and an undermining of the credibility of areas where we may find common ground. the United States.’’ Mr. Speaker, these results The administration’s refusal to do this, even a strategy that has been wrong from the be- ginning and has not gotten better. Our Nation, are not acceptable to Americans because they through back channels, is misguided and are not in America’s interest and because counterproductive. our Armed Forces, and our Congress are fully willing to sustain a tough fight when the fight more turmoil in Iraq or the Middle East will un- 9. It is dishonest to not include the full costs acceptably threaten our national security. of this war and the associated increases in de- is right and the strategy is sound. But our re- Mr. Speaker, we know that among the fense spending as part of the annual budget public, our people, and this Congress are also strengths that our men and women in uniform and deficit projections. We must at last fully strong enough, wise enough and courageous possess is the courage to carry on. They are account for the costs of this war and fully fund enough, to recognize the truth and change di- armed with the notion that no matter what in- our commitment to veterans when they return. rection when the time comes. That time is 10. Our focus on the Iraq situation should now. spires our enemies, we fight in defense of not cause us to lose sight, as it has for too Mr. MCKEON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to human dignity and natural rights. This cham- long, of the real goal, which is promoting speak against the motion under consideration. ber, which would say that it supports our broad security, stability and moderation in the As the House debates this so called non-bind- troops, should not do anything that would lead region for the sake of that region itself and in ing resolution concerning the recently imple- those troops to question the meaning or sin- the interest of our own security. Even if we mented troop surge in Iraq, I think it is impor- cerity of our support. could fully secure Iraq with this surge of tant to remind my colleagues exactly what is I therefore encourage my colleagues to join troops, which is highly doubtful, if we do not being sought by this resolution and what is to me in opposing this dangerous resolution, improve our overall image and relationships in be accomplished with its passage. which in two short paragraphs declares prin- the region and the world, and if we do not do This ill-conceived resolution seeks to do two ciples while avoiding the actions those prin- more to support moderate and friendly na- incompatible and indeed conflicting things; it ciples seemingly require. tions, we will see continued and worsening attempts to speak for this chamber in dis- Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Speaker, in the 230-year threats from extremist groups and rogue na- approving the proposed troop increase. And it history of our country, the United States has tions. simultaneously claims to support those troops, fought in conflicts both at home and abroad A key part of this effort will be playing a whose devotion to duty is essential, in pros- that have tested the resolve and unity of the constructive role in working to resolve the con- ecuting a mission which is, in part, renounced American people. During that time, the pur- flict between the Israelis and Palestinians. We by this very same resolution. view of the Commander in Chief has justly also have important and necessary work to do Mr. Speaker, I do not question that the been scrutinized and questioned. These de- to improve our image and relationships within members who serve in this chamber do so bates are a part of our past and will be a part our own hemisphere and we must not ignore with integrity and with a high regard for the of our future as long as we send our men and or neglect that work. men and women who serve in uniform. I do, women into battlefields to fight for our country.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:41 Apr 19, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00111 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD07\H15FE7.REC H15FE7 hmoore on PRODPC68 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1782 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2007 Today’s debate is no exception. The ques- did not ‘‘want the smoking gun to be a mush- APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO tion we must answer for ourselves is a funda- room cloud.’’ according to the Washington THE COMMITTEE TO ATTEND FU- mental one that speaks not to our approval of Post. We now know that these assertions NERAL OF THE LATE HONOR- the War in Iraq but rather to our commitment were a fiction created by this administration to ABLE CHARLIE NORWOOD to the men and women fighting this war. It is justify the unjustifiable. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- a commitment we must reaffirm without ques- U.S. Central Command Gen. Tommy ant to House Resolution 159, and the tion or doubt. With commitment and unity. Franks, the war’s operational commander mis- order of the House of January 4, 2007, Now it seems to me that we have two judged the interests of our Afghan allies. He the Chair announces the Speaker’s ap- courses of action we can take regarding the ran the war from Tampa with no commander pointment of the following Members of War in Iraq. We can pull our troops out imme- on the scene above the rank of lieutenant the House to the committee to attend diately and leave the stability of the region up colonel. According to another Washington the funeral of the late Honorable Char- to an increasingly violent insurgency, thereby Post April 17, 2002, article; The first Ameri- lie Norwood: admitting defeat, or we can send in further re- cans did not arrive until 3 days into the fight- The gentleman from Georgia, Mr. inforcements to work with Iraqi Security ing. LEWIS Forces to seize control of their country. As a representative from NY whose con- The gentleman from Ohio, Mr. We can all agree that a change in the status stituents resent the lies and deception thrust BOEHNER quo must be made. With an increased level of upon us to justify this war and creating a dis- The gentleman from Missouri, Mr. violence between Sunni and Shia insurgent traction away from the homeland security we BLUNT groups, an escalating cost, and the loss of all desire the question is: When will Osama The gentleman from Georgia, Mr. American lives, it is imperative that we have a bin Laden be brought to justice. BISHOP legitimate and substantive debate on the di- The article continues by identifying that The gentleman from Georgia, Mr. rection of this war. Osama bin Laden slipped through the cordon DEAL However, if we are to succeed in Iraq and ostensibly placed around Tora Bora as U.S. The gentleman from Georgia, Mr. complete the mission, then the United States aircraft began bombing on Nov. 30. More pre- KINGSTON House of Representatives should not waste its cisely, bin Laden was in Tora Bora on Nov. The gentleman from Georgia, Mr. time debating a nonbinding resolution criti- 26, spoke to his fighters about ‘‘holy war’’ LINDER cizing the Commander in Chief. This resolu- then, as quickly as he had come, bin Laden The gentleman from Georgia, Mr. tion offers no real policy alternatives for Iraq vanished into the pine forests with four of his GINGREY and does not bring our men and women home loyalists walking in the direction of Pakistan. The gentleman from Georgia, Mr. any sooner. It is a political shot aimed at the bin Laden escaped according to the Christian MARSHALL President, but it is really our troops who suffer Science Monitor, somewhere between Nov. 28 The gentleman from Georgia, Mr. most from these grandstanding tactics. to Nov. 30 as confirmed by Arabs and Af- SCOTT I recently visited Walter Reed Hospital to ghans in eastern Afghanistan. The gentleman from Georgia, Mr. hear from the wounded who have been to Iraq Mr. Speaker, I support our troops and that BARROW and sacrificed so much for their country. I is why we must commence the redeployment The gentleman from Georgia, Mr. talked to a wounded soldier who had a bone of our troops today. Thus far: PRICE infection that prohibited him from returning to There are 135,544 troops in Iraq today. The gentleman from Georgia, Mr. Iraq. He was not concerned about his physical 3127 or 2.3 percent of U.S. soldiers have WESTMORELAND well-being but instead he was upset that he been killed in service to our country. The gentleman from Georgia, Mr. could not go to finish the job that he had start- Seventeen percent or 23,279 U.S. soldiers JOHNSON ed. His feelings reflected the thoughts of many have been seriously wounded in service to our The gentleman from Wisconsin, Mr. of the soldiers that I had the privilege to sit country. SENSENBRENNER and talk with that day. The gentleman from Texas, Mr. BAR- The fact is we face a moment of unparal- Twenty percent of the troops wounded have received serious brain or spinal injuries; 30 TON leled opportunity to, in voice, in one vote, fulfill The gentleman from North Carolina, percent of U.S. troops develop serious mental our promise to our troops—the promise that Mr. COBLE health problems within 3 to 4 months of re- we will give them the resources, the armor, The gentleman from Texas, Mr. GENE turning home. the manpower and reinforcements they need GREEN During the President’s tenure, he has re- so that they may safely and effectively win the The gentleman from Michigan, Mr. quested a cumulative total of more than $700 War on Terror and come back home. HOEKSTRA Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today be- billion to pay for the war effort in Iraq; $9 bil- The gentleman from Illinois, Mr. lion of U.S. taxpayers money is unaccounted cause I am very supportive of our troops MANZULLO around the globe and in particular those who for. The gentleman from California, Mr. are in harms way in Iraq. I wholeheartedly The State of New York has lost 143 sol- MCKEON support H. Con. Res. 63. diers, 16 from Brooklyn. U.S. troops continue The gentleman from Florida, Mr. Mr. Speaker, in the President’s January 29, to die from improvised explosive devices MICA 2002, State of the Union address, in regards (IEDs) have been sent to Iraq with poorly con- The gentleman from New Jersey, Mr. to protecting America, responding to the ter- structed and poorly armored equipment. Pen- FRELINGHUYSEN rorist threat and capturing Osama bin Laden, tagon war planners have created a high level The gentleman from Washington, Mr. he said (meaning Iraq): . . . This is a regime task force that has spent $6.7 billion on how HASTINGS that agreed to international inspections—then to combat IEDs. The gentleman from Illinois, Mr. kicked out the inspectors. This is a regime that Thousands of Americans are dead, thou- LAHOOD has something to hide from the civilized world. sand more will die if we don’t get our troops The gentleman from Iowa, Mr. States like these, and their terrorist allies, home and get them redeployed today. I op- LATHAM constitute an axis of evil, arming to threaten pose the President’s call for 21,000 more The gentlewoman from North Caro- the peace of the world. By seeking weapons troops to go to Iraq. I support our troops and lina, Mrs. MYRICK of mass destruction, these regimes pose a that’s why I want them home where they be- The gentleman from Arizona, Mr. grave and growing danger. They provide these long. SHADEGG arms to terrorists, giving them the means to Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- The gentleman from Kansas, Mr. match their hatred. They could attack our al- er, I thank my colleague for that, I TIAHRT lies or attempt to blackmail the United States. thank the entire body, and I thank The gentleman from Mississippi, Mr. In any of these cases, the price of indifference you. WICKER would be Catastrophic. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of The gentleman from Alabama, Mr. Secretary Rice, after being named Secretary my time. ADERHOLT of State to succeed Colin Powell, Secretary The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- The gentleman from Pennsylvania, Rice warned six months before the invasion of ant to section 3 of House Resolution Mr. PITTS Iraq that Saddam Hussein could deploy a nu- 157, further proceedings on the concur- The gentleman from Texas, Mr. SES- clear weapon, saying that the administration rent resolution will be postponed. SIONS

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