Walberg Weekly Wrap-Up, 2/16
WALBERG WEEKLY WRAP-UP
This week Members of the House debated a non-binding resolution introduced by the Democrat leadership disapproving of the new strategy in Iraq. Sadly, the measure passed the House 246-182.
As I stated in my floor speech, the debate forced Members to ask themselves a simple question: "Will we choose to go forward with the resolve and determination needed to win the war on terror by supporting our brave troops serving overseas, or will retreat in Iraq and wait for fight to return to American soil?"
As I considered whether I should support this resolution, I came across a quote from Winston Churchill, which read, "Never believe any war will be smooth and easy, or that anyone who embarks on the strange voyage can measure the tides and hurricanes he will encounter."
Reading Churchill's quote and pondering its implications made me realize I could not support this resolution which amounts to a retreat.
While the war in Iraq is not going as well as we in south-central Michigan had hoped or wanted, this resolution says America has already lost and the leaders of our country no longer believe our troops can come home victoriously. It tells other nations that we are an unreliable ally, and they can no longer count on us in times of distress.
As Americans we are reluctant warriors, but throughout our rich history, whenever our troops have been in harm's way, America has supported the men and women in uniform and made certain our troops have the necessary resources to accomplish their mission.
My son proudly served in the Army, and during his time of service, I got to know many of his peers in uniform. I am not prepared to say to these men and women, "I support you, but I don't support the mission you serve and the blood you shed on the battle field was in vain."
My wife and I pray for all men and women in uniform, and grieve for the loss of lives and injuries inflicted on these heroes who proudly serve our nation. I, as much as anyone else, want this war to be over.
Without a doubt, mistakes have been made in Iraq, and these mistakes are important to acknowledge, but we must go forward with a new strategy in Iraq based on quantifiable goals and measurable results.
This week I also co-sponsored the National Science Education Tax Incentive for Business Act (H.R. 37) and the National Science Education Tax Incentive for Teachers Act of 2007 (H.R. 36). Both of these significant bills were introduced by Rep. Vern Ehlers of Grand Rapids.
I've always believed education is best addressed at a local level, but this is one example of how the federal government can make a helpful impact on education.
By passing these important bills, Congress can provide valuable training and necessary supplies for hard-working teachers in south-central Michigan and across the country.
Providing civic-minded businesses the opportunity to receive tax credits for supporting local schools will encourage innovation in our classrooms and foster future community stewardship of education.
http://walberg.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=58491