April 26, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5161 family. I know they are still searching This statement is just as true today as it was minded of President Lincoln’s remarks for answers. But I hope the reverence nearly 150 years ago, as I am certain that the as he addressed the families of the fall- and respect this Senate shows Sergeant impact of Shaun’s actions will live on far en soldiers in Gettysburg: longer that any record of these words. Tackett will remind them that he lived It is my sad duty to enter the name We cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, and served as a hero, and his country we cannot hallow this ground. The brave of Shaun M. Blue in the official RECORD men, living and dead, who struggled here, will forever honor and remember his of the Senate for his service to this sacrifice. have consecrated it, far above our poor country and for his profound commit- power to add or detract. The world will little I ask my colleagues to keep the fam- ment to freedom, democracy, and note nor long remember what we say here, ily of SGT Joseph M. Tackett in their peace. When I think about this just but it can never forget what they did here. thoughts and prayers. I know they will cause in which we are engaged and the This statement is just as true today be in mine. unfortunate pain that comes with the as it was nearly 150 years ago, as I am f loss of our heroes, I hope that families certain that the impact of Neil’s ac- HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES like Shaun’s can find comfort in the tions will live on far longer that any words of the prophet Isaiah who said, record of these words. 1ST LIEUTENANT SHAUN M. BLUE ‘‘He will swallow up death in victory; It is my sad duty to enter the name Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, it is with a and the Lord God will wipe away tears of David Neil Simmons in the official heavy heart and deep sense of gratitude from off all faces.’’ RECORD of the United States Senate for that I honor the life of a brave young May God grant strength and peace to his service to this country and for his man from Munster. Shaun Blue, 25 those who mourn, and may God be with profound commitment to freedom, de- years old, died on April 16 while de- all of you, as I know He is with Shaun. mocracy, and peace. When I think ployed in Al Anbar Province on Oper- PRIVATE FIRST CLASS DAVID NEIL SIMMONS about this just cause in which we are ation Iraqi Freedom. With his entire Mr. President, it is with a heavy engaged, and the unfortunate pain that life before him, Shaun risked every- heart and deep sense of gratitude that comes with the loss of our heroes, I thing to fight for the values Americans I honor the life of a brave young man hope families like Neil’s can find com- hold close to our hearts, in a land half- from Kokomo. Neil Simmons, 20 years fort in the words of the prophet Isaiah way around the world. old, was killed on April 8th while de- who said, ‘‘He will swallow up death in Shaun was a lifelong Hoosier, grad- ployed in , when his convoy victory; and the Lord God will wipe uating among the top 10 students of his encountered an improvised explosive away tears from off all faces.’’ class from Munster High School in 2000. device and insurgent fire. He had been May God grant strength and peace to He joined the military because, as his in for less than 2 weeks. With his those who mourn, and may God be with high school principal said, ‘‘He was one entire life before him, Neil risked ev- all of you, as I know He is with Neil. of those kids who did things everyone erything to fight for the values Ameri- SPECIALIST JASON J. BEADLES else was afraid to do.’’ His valor over cans hold close to our hearts, in a land Mr. President, it is with a heavy the course of his service in Iraq exem- halfway around the world. heart and deep sense of gratitude that plifies Hoosier values and courage. His Neil attended Kokomo’s North- I honor the life of a brave young man track and field coach at Munster High western High School and followed the from La Porte. Jason Beadles, 22 years described Shaun as a mentally tough example set by his father and uncle by old, died on April 11th while deployed kid saying, ‘‘The fact that he chose the enlisting in the Army a few months be- in Baghdad on Operation Iraqi Free- career path that he did didn’t surprise fore graduating in 2005. He enjoyed the dom. With his entire life before him, me. It was perfectly suited for him.’’ structure of the military and felt a Jason risked everything to fight for Shaun was killed by an improvised sense of duty to serve his community the values Americans hold close to our explosive device while serving his and country. His father described Neil hearts, in a land halfway around the country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. as ‘‘an avid outdoorsman who was world. He was a member of the 2nd Battalion, happy and always had plenty of Jason has been a lifelong Hoosier, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Divi- friends.’’ graduating from La Porte High School sion, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Neil was killed while serving his in 2003. He had been interested in tech- based in Twenty-nine Palms, CA. country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. nical engineering throughout high Today, I join Shaun’s family and He was a member of the 2nd Battalion, school, earning his welding certificate friends in mourning his death. While 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade from A.K. Smith Career Center before we struggle to bear our sorrow over Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, in graduating. Army Specialist Beadles this loss, we can also take pride in the , GA. Neil’s father re- enlisted in the Army as an engineer example he set, bravely fighting to flected on his son’s death, asking, after the attacks of 9/11. His valor over make the world a safer place. It is his ‘‘What’s the odds of, among 160,000 the course of his service in Iraq exem- courage and strength of character that troops your only child is there 1 week plifies Hoosier values and courage. He people will remember when they think and gets killed?’’ Private First Class decided to enlist because as his welding of Shaun, a memory that will burn Simmons leaves behind his father, instructor put it, ‘‘he was always con- brightly during these continuing days David, and uncle, Jim Simmons. cerned about other people.’’ Jason en- of conflict and grief. Today, I join Neil’s family and joyed the military, and he believed Shaun was known for his dedication friends in mourning his death. While that throughout all the hardships they to his community and his love of coun- we struggle to bear our sorrow over faced he and his company were helping try. Today and always, Shaun will be this loss, we can also take pride in the the Iraqi people. Jason died while serving his country remembered by family members, example he set, bravely fighting to in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was a friends, and fellow Hoosiers as a true make the world a safer place. It is his member of the 887th Engineer Com- American hero, and we honor the sac- courage and strength of character that pany, 326th Engineer Battalion, 101st rifice he made while dutifully serving people will remember when they think Airborne Division (Air Assault), in his country. of Neil, a memory that will burn brightly during these continuing days Fort Campbell, KY. As I search for words to do justice in Today, I join Jason’s family and honoring Shaun’s sacrifice, I am re- of conflict and grief. Neil was known for his dedication to friends in mourning his death. While minded of President Lincoln’s remarks his family and his love of country. we struggle to bear our sorrow over as he addressed the families of the fall- Today and always, Neil will be remem- this loss, we can also take pride in the en soldiers in Gettysburg: bered by family members, friends, and example he set, bravely fighting to We cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, fellow Hoosiers as a true American make the world a safer place. It is his we cannot hallow this ground. The brave courage and strength of character that men, living and dead, who struggled here, hero, and we honor the sacrifice he have consecrated it, far above our poor made while dutifully serving his coun- people will remember when they think power to add or detract. The world will little try. of Jason, a memory that will burn note nor long remember what we say here, As I search for words to do justice in brightly during these continuing days but it can never forget what they did here. honoring Neil’s sacrifice, I am re- of conflict and grief.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:25 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S26AP7.REC S26AP7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S5162 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 26, 2007 Jason was known for his dedication we struggle to bear our sorrow over He was a member of the 2nd Battalion, to his community and his love of coun- this loss, we can also take pride in the 152nd Infantry Regiment, 76th Infantry try. Today and always, Jason will be example he set, bravely fighting to Brigade, Marion, IN. Master Sergeant remembered by family members, make the world a safer place. It is his Bill Wallen, King’s supervisor, told friends, and fellow Hoosiers as a true courage and strength of character that local media, ‘‘he was a heck of a human American hero, and we honor the sac- people will remember when they think being, he’s what everybody else needs rifice he made while dutifully serving of Richard, a memory that will burn to be in this world.’’ Staff Sergeant his country. brightly during these continuing days King leaves behind his wife Adrian and As I search for words to do justice in of conflict and grief. 15-month-old son, Daethan. honoring Jason’s sacrifice, I am re- Richard was known for his dedication Today, I join Bradley’s family and minded of President Lincoln’s remarks to his community and his love of coun- friends in mourning his death. While as he addressed the families of the fall- try. Today and always, Richard will be we struggle to bear our sorrow over en soldiers in Gettysburg: remembered by family members, this loss, we can also take pride in the We cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, friends and fellow Hoosiers as a true example he set, bravely fighting to we cannot hallow this ground. The brave American hero, and we honor the sac- make the world a safer place. It is his men, living and dead, who struggled here, rifice he made while dutifully serving courage and strength of character that have consecrated it, far above our poor his country. people will remember when they think power to add or detract. The world will little As I search for words to do justice in of Bradley, a memory that will burn note nor long remember what we say here, honoring Richard’s sacrifice, I am re- brightly during these continuing days but it can never forget what they did here. minded of President Lincoln’s remarks of conflict and grief. This statement is just as true today as he addressed the families of the fall- Bradley was known for his dedication as it was nearly 150 years ago, as I am en soldiers in Gettysburg: to his family and his love of country. certain that the impact of Jason’s ac- We cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, Today and always, Bradley will be re- tions will live on far longer that any we cannot hallow this ground. The brave membered by family members, friends record of these words. men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor and fellow Hoosiers as a true American It is my sad duty to enter the name hero, and we honor the sacrifice he of Jason J. Beadle in the official record power to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, made while dutifully serving his coun- of the United States Senate for his but it can never forget what they did here. try. service to this country and for his pro- This statement is just as true today As I search for words to do justice in found commitment to freedom, democ- as it was nearly 150 years ago, as I am honoring Bradley’s sacrifice, I am re- racy, and peace. When I think about certain that the impact of Richard’s minded of President Lincoln’s remarks this just cause in which we are en- actions will live on far longer than any as he addressed the families of the fall- gaged, and the unfortunate pain that record of these words. en soldiers in Gettysburg: comes with the loss of our heroes, I It is my sad duty to enter the name We cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, hope families like Jason’s can find of Richard P. Langenbrunner in the of- we cannot hallow this ground. The brave comfort in the words of the prophet ficial RECORD of the Senate for his men, living and dead, who struggled here, Isaiah who said, ‘‘He will swallow up service to this country and for his pro- have consecrated it, far above our poor death in victory; and the Lord God will found commitment to freedom, democ- power to add or detract. The world will little wipe away tears from off all faces.’’ racy, and peace. When I think about note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. May God grant strength and peace to this just cause in which we are engaged those who mourn, and may God be with and the unfortunate pain that comes This statement is just as true today all of you, as I know He is with Jason. with the loss of our heroes, I hope that as it was nearly 150 years ago, as I am PRIVATE FIRST CLASS RICHARD P. families like Richard’s can find com- certain that the impact of Bradley’s LANGENBRUNNER fort in the words of the prophet Isaiah actions will live on far longer than any Mr. President, it is with a heavy who said, ‘‘He will swallow up death in record of these words. heart and deep sense of gratitude that victory; and the Lord God will wipe It is my sad duty to enter the name I honor the life of a brave young man away tears from off all faces.’’ of Bradley D. King in the official from Fort Wayne. Richard May God grant strength and peace to RECORD of the Senate for his service to Langenbrunner, 19 years old, was killed those who mourn, and may God be with this country and for his profound com- on April 17 while deployed in all of you, as I know He is with Rich- mitment to freedom, democracy and Rustamiyah, Iraq. With his entire life ard. peace. When I think about this just before him, Richard risked everything STAFF SERGEANT BRADLEY D. KING cause in which we are engaged, and the to fight for the values Americans hold Mr. President, it is with a heavy unfortunate pain that comes with the close to our hearts, in a land halfway heart and deep sense of gratitude that loss of our heroes, I hope that families around the world. I honor the life of a brave young man like Bradley’s can find comfort in the Richard was a lifelong Hoosier, grad- from Gas City. Bradley King, 28 years words of the prophet Isaiah who said, uating from Northrop High School in old, was killed on April 2 while de- ‘‘He will swallow up death in victory; 2006. He completed basic training this ployed in Al Amiriyah, Iraq, when a and the Lord God will wipe away tears past January and was deployed just a roadside bomb exploded near his from off all faces.’’ few weeks later. He is remembered for Humvee. With his entire life before May God grant strength and peace to his love of people, life, and adventure. him, Bradley risked everything to fight those who mourn, and may God be with ‘‘He was so happy and excited about his for the values Americans hold close to all of you, as I know He is with Brad- future before he graduated,’’ said a our hearts, in a land halfway around ley. former classmate. ‘‘He joined the mili- the world. SPECIALIST CODY A. PUTMAN tary because he wanted to drive a Bradley attended Mississinewa High Mr. President, it is with a heavy tanker.’’ Richard enlisted in the Army School, enlisting in the National Guard heart and deep sense of gratitude that just before graduating high school. His in 1997, a year before his graduation in I honor the life of a brave young man valor over the course of his service in 1998. Bradley enjoyed the military and from Lafayette. Cody Putman, 22 years Iraq exemplifies Hoosier values and felt a sense of duty to serve his com- old, was killed on April 11th while de- courage. munity and country. The day before he ployed in Baghdad on Operation Iraqi Richard died while serving his coun- was deployed, Bradley told his mother Freedom. With his entire life before try in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was that he felt ‘‘called to serve in the him, Cody risked everything to fight a member of the 2nd Battalion, 69th military for his country.’’ His aunt de- for the values Americans hold close to Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd In- scribed Bradley as ‘‘a responsible our hearts, in a land halfway around fantry Division, stationed in Fort young man determined to do his best the world. Benning, Georgia. for the people he loved.’’ Cody was a lifelong Hoosier, grad- Today, I join Richard’s family and Bradley was killed while serving his uating from Twin Lakes High School in friends in mourning his death. While country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. 2003. He is remembered for his love of

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:25 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S26AP7.REC S26AP7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY April 26, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5163 people, life, and adventure. ‘‘He was Sieger of Layton, UT, who died of inju- This was not the first time SFC someone who was always looking to ries suffered while conducting oper- Douglas Stone had gone in harm’s way have a good time with others,’’ said a ations in Iraq. He was a remarkable for his country. He also was a part of former teacher. ‘‘He joined the mili- young man who overcame much adver- the fuel re-supply effort during the tary because of the teamwork.’’ Cody sity in his life. On March 9 of this year, First . enlisted in the Army after high school, he would have turned 19 years old. However, his life’s most important and his valor over the course of his Part of the 1st Cavalry Division, Spe- work undoubtedly was as a family service in Iraq exemplifies Hoosier val- cialist Sieger was also a member of a man. Sergeant First Class Stone was ues and courage. A month before he very special family. I understand that husband to his wife, Mary, and father died, Cody had been home on leave for his parents, Wolfgang and Krista, have to two boys Nathan, 13, and Cameron, 2 weeks vacationing with his family in 15 children, 6 of whom were adopted, 10. Florida. Cody is survived by his father, including the Specialist. Early life was SFC Douglas Stone was also a mem- Harry Putman, and his mother, Pam not easy for the Specialist but that all ber of Fort Douglas’s Honor Guard. I Mow. He also leaves behind his wife, changed when he was adopted at the understand that Rick Edginton, one of Molly Putnam, 20, and 3-year-old age of 11 by the loving Sieger family. his fellow Honor Guardsmen who par- daughter Madelyn. I have been informed that Specialist ticipated at his friend’s funeral said, Cody died while serving his country Sieger enjoyed running, being with his ‘‘for me, probably one of the toughest in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was a friends, building and fixing things. He moments was when I was standing at member of the 1st Squadron, 40th Cav- had a girlfriend whom he met while the head of the casket and I looked alry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat stationed at Fort Hood, TX. Shortly over to the side and I saw a note from Team, 25th Infantry Division, based in before his passing, Specialist Sieger his sister on the flowers that were Fort Richardson, AK. was able speak to his mother on the there. It said, ‘‘To Doug, my brother, phone. His mother said, ‘‘They spent Today, I join Cody’s family and and my Hero.’’’’ most of the time laughing and joking friends in mourning his death. While No truer words have been written. we struggle to bear our sorrow over with each other.’’ Specialist Sieger’s father said, ‘‘He SFC Douglas Stone was a hero. He this loss, we can also take pride in the was dutiful in wanting to do what is served his country with pride and an- example he set, bravely fighting to right.’’ swered its call when it needed him make the world a safer place. It is his Undoubtedly, this led him to become most. All of Utah shall remember him courage and strength of character that a member of the Civil Air Patrol as a and will be praying for this hero and people will remember when they think teenager and enlist in the Army at 17. his family. of Cody, a memory that will burn Military service is a calling for other SERGEANT BRANDON A. PARR brightly during these continuing days members of the Sieger family, as well. Mr. President, today I wish to pay of conflict and grief. Currently, one of his sisters is also de- tribute to SGT Brandon A. Parr. Ser- Cody was known for his dedication to ployed to Iraq, another sister is pre- geant Parr was a member of the 630th his community and his love of country. paring to deploy, and a brother is a Military Police Company and gave his Today and always, Cody will be remem- member of the Air National Guard. life with two other servicemembers bered by family members, friends, and I would like to conclude my remarks when their vehicle was struck by an fellow Hoosiers as a true American by quoting the words of Specialist improvised explosive device. hero, and we honor the sacrifice he Sieger’s mother and father. Krista There are certain pictures that define made while dutifully serving his coun- Sieger stated, ‘‘He felt since he was in a time and a moment in our Nation’s try. the Army, since he took the oath, he history. Such examples can be found in As I search for words to do justice in has to do everything he was asked to the raising of Old Glory over Mount honoring Cody’s sacrifice, I am re- do. And he did.’’ Wolfgang Sieger said, Suribachi, Iwo Jima. I respectfully sub- minded of President Lincoln’s remarks ‘‘I would call him a hero. He is defi- mit that a picture taken during Ser- as he addressed the families of the fall- nitely a hero in my sight. I honor him geant Parr’s funeral should be added to en soldiers in Gettysburg: as a hero.’’ that category. In that photo, Sergeant We cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, I do not know of any higher praise Parr’s wife, Shannah, is seen holding we cannot hallow this ground. The brave that parents could give a son in mili- the hand of their young son, Nicholas. men, living and dead, who struggled here, tary service. Specialist Sieger and his Nicholas, standing on some steps, is have consecrated it, far above our poor family will always be in my prayers. power to add or detract. The world will little wearing the camouflage uniform of an SERGEANT FIRST CLASS DOUGLAS C. STONE note nor long remember what we say here, American soldier—a young son’s trib- but it can never forget what they did here. Mr. President, I wish to honor one of ute to his fallen father. This is an Utah’s fallen sons, SFC First Class This statement is just as true today image that I will remember for all my Douglas C. Stone. days and a fitting tribute to a true as it was nearly 150 years ago, as I am SFC Stone had a lifelong connection certain that the impact of Cody’s ac- hero. to our Nation’s military. His father Sergeant Parr enlisted in the Army tions will live on far longer that any served in the Air Force. Yet, SFC in 2003, and this was his second tour in record of these words. Douglas Stone joined the Army Re- Iraq. He was involved in one of the It is my sad duty to enter the name serve later in life. As his mother Dolo- most critical tasks in this war: train- of Cody A. Putman in the official res Feigley said about her son, ‘‘I think ing Iraqi police and providing security record of the United States Senate for he was the oldest at boot camp.’’ his service to this country and for his However, his maturity was only to be to the Iraqi people. By all accounts, profound commitment to freedom, de- an asset to his country, which was af- Sergeant Parr preformed these assign- mocracy, and peace. When I think firmed when he became a full-time re- ments at the highest standards of our about this just cause in which we are servist. Over the past 6 years, SFC Nation’s military. engaged, and the unfortunate pain that Douglas Stone assisted in the prepara- Shannah Parr said of her husband, comes with the loss of our heroes, I tion of reservists from the 96th Re- ‘‘He was very laid back and very funny. hope families like Cody’s can find com- gional Readiness Command for deploy- He made everyone feel good.’’ fort in the words of the prophet Isaiah ments in support of Operations Endur- His mother, Teota Dangel said, ‘‘I who said, ‘‘He will swallow up death in ing Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. As my think he would have gone (to Iraq) victory; and the Lord God will wipe good friend, MG Peter S. Cooke, the even if he knew this was going to be away tears from off all faces.’’ commanding officer of the 96th Re- the outcome.’’ Words like this can only May God grant strength and peace to gional Readiness Command said about be spoken of a true hero and patriot. those who mourn, and may God be with SFC Stone ‘‘There wasn’t a unit or in- Sergeant Parr and his entire family all of you, as I know He is with Cody. dividual sent from our headquarters will always be in my prayers. SPECIALIST ERIC R. SIEGER that SFC Stone did not personally as- CORPORAL STEPHEN KOWALCZYK Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, today I sist in preparing for their mobilization Mr. President, I wish to pay tribute wish to pay tribute to SPC Eric R. or deployment.’’ to CPL Stephen Kowalczyk, a member

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:25 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S26AP7.REC S26AP7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S5164 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 26, 2007 of the 1st Calvary Division, who re- war to a more targeted mission, one fo- Kirkuk, nor Basra, nor Tikrit, nor Najaf, nor cently lost his life while on patrol in cused on counterterrorism, training , without heavily armed protection. Iraq. and equipping Iraqi forces, and force This supplemental bill provides the Upon learning of about his life, I was protection for American troops. Congress and the White House a chance struck by all the adventures that Cor- The supplemental bill that was voted to do their part to ensure success in poral Kowalczyk had undertaken. He on today offers a path away from the our mission in Iraq. It brings to an end had been the captain of the swim team current quagmire in Iraq, a state of the ‘‘stay the course’’ mentality that at Macalester College, traveled exten- bloodshed and chaos which is straining defined our approach for the past 4 sively throughout Europe, the Middle the U.S. Army, diverting our attention years in at least three ways. East, including working as a handyman from a resurgent al-Qaida in Afghani- First, the supplemental revises our in Jerusalem. I understand that he stan and elsewhere, and finally sacri- mission in Iraq away from policing a even leapt from an iceberg and swam in ficing too many of our finest men and civil war toward training and equip- the frigid waters of the Arctic Ocean. women. ping Iraqi security forces, protecting Clearly, this was a young man that We must never forget the enormous U.S. forces, and conducting targeted seized all that life had to offer. personal sacrifices our troops are asked counterterror operations. Three years ago, at the age of 29, he to make every day. As of today, 162 Second, it initiates a phased rede- began a new adventure and joined the Pennsylvanians and more than 3,300 ployment of our troops no later than Army. According to his family he loved Americans as a whole have given their October 1 of this year, with a goal of it. lives in Iraq, with tens of thousands removing all combat troops by April 1 During a recent memorial service in more suffering lifelong injuries, includ- of next year. These steps were called Iraq, one of his comrades SSG Richard ing amputations, severe burns, and for in the bipartisan Iraq Study Group Coombes stated: ‘‘He was a man who traumatic brain injuries. On Monday, and represent the will of the American people. I am pleased that the Congress taught me that there was still beauty nine members of the 82nd Airborne Di- is finally following suit. in our everyday life, even in Iraq. I vision gave their lives when a suicide Third, the supplemental at least looked at him and wondered if he had bomber infiltrated their outpost in holds the Iraqi Government account- already figured life out. He was in such Diyala Province, the deadliest single able by setting measurable and achiev- peace and harmony.’’ CPT Kevin Brad- attack on U.S. forces in Iraq since De- able benchmarks on the Iraqi Govern- ley would often notice that Corporal cember 2005. ment for ending the sectarian conflict, Kowalczyk would look from the roof- We pray today for our fallen heroes— political reconciliation, and improving tops at the area around him. When today and always—but we also pray for the lives of ordinary Iraqis. asked why, he reportedly would reply, ourselves that we may be worthy of If the Iraqi Government refuses to ‘‘You should see it up here. It’s beau- their valor. meet these benchmarks, they will put tiful.’’ Another friend remembered him Our troops have done all they can. at risk future U.S. assistance and the as ‘‘a gentle, kind soul, I cannot think They have deposed Saddam, and they continued presence of U.S. troops. We of anybody who did not love this man.’’ fought insurgents and foreign terror- have repeatedly seen past benchmarks And yet he never forgot why he was ists. They spent the last 4 years established by the Bush administration deployed to Iraq—to help the Iraqi peo- partnering with their Iraqi counter- and the Iraqi Government come and go ple. This commitment was reflected in parts in a courageous effort to estab- without progress and without con- the letters that he would write home lish the foundation for democracy and sequence. Just this week, a revealing asking for history books that he could a free society. They have been asked to article in USA Today highlighted the give to Iraqis that he met, and pencils, mediate disputes and protect innocent growing lack of confidence among Iraqi notepads, and Hershey bars for Iraqi civilians as targets in a crossfire of a Parliamentarians in the al-Maliki gov- children. civil war. ernment, and one legislator was quoted What a fine man. What an extraor- So our troops have done their part. as saying: dinary life. Now it is time for the Congress and the This government hasn’t delivered and is I will always remember him and his White House to do their part. As re- not capable of doing the job. family in my prayers. tired military generals, experienced This bill, once and for all, establishes Mr. President, I yield the floor. diplomats, and scholars with intimate a series of accountable benchmarks. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. knowledge of Iraq have declared and as Finally, the supplemental recognizes NELSON of Nebraska). The Senator a bipartisan Iraq Study Group con- the toll this war has taken on our uni- from Pennsylvania. cluded just last winter, any success in formed military, especially the Army Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I ask Iraq requires a political and diplomatic and Marine Corps. It establishes a set unanimous consent that following my solution and cannot be achieved of troop-readiness standards that es- remarks, Senator DORGAN be recog- through military might alone. tablish minimum levels between de- nized to speak. Just ask General Petraeus, who, upon ployments for our troops and limits the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without assuming his new command in March, duration of those deployments. objection, it is so ordered. declared: The legislation includes a Presi- f There is no military solution to a problem dential waiver authority, but it would SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS like that in Iraq, to the insurgency of Iraq require the President to certify that . . . A political resolution of various dif- the continued strain on our military Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I stand ferences . . . will determine, in the long run, forces is in our national interest. These today in strong support of H.R. 1591, the success of that effort. provisions will force the President to the congressional supplemental bill. In GEN Barry McCaffrey recently re- think long and hard about the impact casting our votes on this important turned from his latest trip to Iraq. One of the on the readiness of our measure, all of us must ask a funda- of our most widely respected former military to handle other pressing chal- mental question: Do we support a military officers, General McCaffrey lenges, including the need to fight and change in course in Iraq or do we want fought in with distinction, kill al-Qaida terrorists wherever we more of the same? commanded a division in the gulf war find them. This supplemental bill delivers over in 1991, and led U.S. operations in The congressional debate that has $100 billion in necessary funding, an in- Latin America. He submitted a formal helped produce this supplemental bill crease of $4 billion over the President’s report on his trip, which is very sober has been attacked by the President and request for our military forces in Iraq reading. One line stands out for me, his supporters. However, our Secretary and Afghanistan, fully meeting the and I quote from General McCaffrey’s of Defense last week described our de- President’s request. More important, report: bate as helpful in ‘‘communicating to the bill establishes a change in course No Iraqi Government official, coalition sol- the Iraqis that this is not an open- for our policy in Iraq by transitioning dier, diplomat, reporter, foreign nongovern- ended commitment.’’ the mission of American troops away mental organization, nor contractor can Two of my distinguished colleagues, from involvement in a growing civil walk the streets of Baghdad, nor Mosul, nor on a recent visit to Baghdad, explicitly

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