Expressing Sense of House that Deployment of Forces in Iraq be Terminated Immediately

EXPRESSING SENSE OF HOUSE THAT DEPLOYMENT OF FORCES IN IRAQ BE TERMINATED IMMEDIATELY -- (Extensions of Remarks - December 06, 2005)

* Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this politically-motivated resolution. I believe this resolution does a disservice to the courage my colleague from Pennsylvania has shown in seeking to open a dialogue on one of the most important issues facing our country today--how we can be successful in Iraq while putting in place a process that begins to bring our troops home.

* And let there be no mistaking my colleague's motivations. Congressman Murtha is a highly decorated Marine veteran and a Vietnam War hero. His love for and loyalty to the brave men and women who wear our Nation's uniform is sincere. It is profound.

* I agree with his characterization of the war in Iraq--specifically how errors by this administration and negligent Congressional oversight have compromised our mission there and put our troops in harm's way.

* And I agree that next year must be a time of transition in Iraq, allowing Iraqis to take control of their country. America cannot support another year of ``staying the course'' with no end in sight, as the president continues to propose.

* The time has come for the Bush administration to implement a new strategy for Iraq--one that both safely brings our troops home and brings stability and security to the country and throughout the region. To get there, we must consider the various proposals for success in the Congress.

* Mr. Speaker, that is a discussion we in this body have waited far too long to have. Now is not a time for the partisanship this majority has shown in bringing this political resolution to the floor. The American people expect better from their representatives in Congress--particularly on a matter such importance. They deserve better.

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