Providing for Consideration of HR 1591, US Troop Readiness, Veterans' Health, and Iraq Accountability Act, 2007

Floor Speech

PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1591, U.S. TROOP READINESS, VETERANS' HEALTH, AND IRAQ ACCOUNTABILITY ACT, 2007

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Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, this week Congress takes up its obligation to finally change course in Iraq. This week as we enter the fifth year of the Iraq war, more than 3,200 American lives have been lost, tens of thousands more are wounded, and sectarian violence threatens to spill over into the entire Middle East with no prospect for a stable, constitutional democracy in Iraq in sight. We must judge this war not for what we wish it were, but for what it has so clearly and tragically become, a mistake of historic proportions.

I believe America should be sending a clear signal by beginning to reduce our troop levels now so the Iraqi Government takes responsibility and diplomacy can begin for real. I support phased redeployment over the next year and will seek every opportunity to mandate such change in law. Let us serve our men and women fighting overseas and recognize their sacrifices by charting a new course in Iraq.

By voting for this supplemental appropriations bill, we vote for accountability in Iraq. We vote to force a change in policy and in law, requiring a phased, responsible redeployment of our troops over 12 to 18 months. There are too many lives at stake here, and, personally, I have crossed the Rubicon on this war.

Regardless of whether this bill is blocked by a filibuster from Senate Republicans or a threatened veto from President Bush, we must support this bill today. Passing this bill in the House will be the first formal act, the first step toward requiring a new course in Iraq. We all know our troops will do anything their country asks. But let us make sure their courage and their sacrifices advance a mission that enhances our security and our interests.

We need to begin reducing our troops and pursuing a new strategy in order to achieve a stable Iraq, a peaceful Middle East, and a more secure America.

That is our obligation. Let us honor it by voting in favor of this supplemental bill.

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