(Washington D.C.)- Last fall, the American people demanded a change in direction for this country.  In its very first month, the new Democratic Congress has delivered.  The same cannot be said of the President and past Congresses who refused to ask tough questions about the war in Iraq.  In the past, the President has failed to address vital security issues for the American people, and our collective - not special - interests.

Instead of working to unify our citizens during a time of war, the President has divided our country and often challenged the patriotism of those who disagreed.  He now stands in the shadow of a nation clamoring for him to change in the wake of obvious mounting failures.  Unfortunately the policies pursued with very little oversight or questioning and have made the world more dangerous and America less safe.  The Bush Escalation plan flies in the face of military experts, the bipartisan Iraq Study Group, Democratic and Republican leaders in Congress and the American public.

Our plan is for de-escalation of the war, and the redeployment of troops to stabilize the region not referee a sectarian civil war, and to use our considerable diplomatic might to reach a political solution for stability.  Last weekend alone claimed the lives of 27 Americans serving in Iraq.  Our plan shifts the principal mission of our forces from combat to training, logistics, force protection, and activities of counter terrorism.

We have the best military in the world and we owe our troops a clear mission.  Our men and women in uniform have done their job two and three times over, and our civilian leadership must provide a clear, achievable objective, so they can come home as soon as practicable.

We stand ready to provide real peace of mind for the American people by securing our homeland and changing course in Iraq.

Already, the new Democratic Congress has demonstrated dependable leadership by implementing  bipartisan recommendations of the 9-11 Commission, expanding federal funding for stem cell research, raising the minimum wage, requiring prescription drug cost negotiations to lower costs, repealing subsidies to big oil companies and lessening unreasonable interest rates on student loans.  Working together with the Senate, coupled with real commitment on the part of the President, is what Americans all across our land hope for tonight.  It will require an open mind, a new approach, a willingness to identify with the American people, their needs and their hopes for peace and security.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                     -Russ Carnahan
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Member of Congress 

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