Washington, D.C. – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose) spoke on Tuesday, February 13 on the House Floor as part of the full House of Representatives debate on a Resolution supporting American troops but opposing the President’s escalation plan for the Iraq War.

Below is an excerpt from Rep. Lofgren’s statement:

“I rise today in strong support of this resolution that supports our troops but opposes the President’s escalation plan.  My opposition to this war has been clear and consistent, beginning in October 2002 when I voted against giving the President the power to pursue a war in Iraq.

“The failure in Iraq is not a failure of our fighting men and women.  It is a failure of command, a failure of political leadership.  We must provide our troops and their families with a new exit strategy instead of a new deployment.

“We must step up our diplomatic efforts in the region, as recommended by the bipartisan Iraq Study Group.  America should call upon neighboring states in the Middle East to take strong measures to avoid a spread of the conflict beyond Iraq.  With the help of the entire region, we can push the Iraqis to help themselves. 

“The American public has long been ahead of Congress in their opposition to this war.  I am here tonight to tell the American people that they are being heard.  I stand with the majority of Americans who say they’ve had enough. We will not give the President a blank check.  We will not stand by idly while the President plans to endanger more Americans for no strategic gain.  It is time we bring this war to an end.”

To see a video of Rep. Lofgren’s full remarks on the House Floor, click on the picture below: