Statement on Iraq War Resolution Disapproving of President Bush's Decision to Escalate the War

February 13, 2007

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Skelton Resolution disapproving President Bush's policy to send more than 20,000 additional troops to Iraq. I do so because I am strongly against escalating the war in Iraq.

This is not so much a policy, as a hope that additional troops will some how make right the long list of poor decisions by this administration regarding our involvement in Iraq. Putting 21,500 more U.S. soldiers on the ground only gives President Bush a little more time to resist the conclusion that the vast majority of Americans have already reached, that events in Iraq have moved beyond our ability to impact them in a meaningful way militarily.

It is important to note, that we have reached this point not because of some failing of our men and women in uniform who continue to sacrifice all for the United States of America. Indeed, our respect and admiration for our troops is matched only by their bravery.

Regrettably - but not unpredictably - the plan for post-war Iraq was woefully inadequate, and the Bush administration, instead of taking responsibility for its failings, continues to insist that victory is just around the corner. It is not. A civil war is raging in Iraq, and our troops are caught in the crossfire. The grand designs of the Bush administration are not attainable now, if they ever were. It is time to admit it and move forward.

This is not to say that we should abandon the region. Far from it, the United States must continue to work with the countries of the Middle East – of the world – to stabilize Iraq and its neighbors. I have said for months that I believe the best way to get the rest of the world to take responsibility for what is happening on the ground in Iraq may be to remove our troops, and I am convinced that this is the necessary course of action. We can maintain a strong presence in the region, but we cannot make the hard political decisions that the Sunnis, Shiites and others must make to save Iraq, and they will not make them as long as our military is there.

Mr. Speaker, the American people do not support sending more troops to Iraq. In fact, the American people want us out of Iraq, and the people of Iraq want us out as well.

I commend the sacrifices and service of our men and women in uniform – and commend Chairman Skelton for bringing this resolution to the floor.