U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Health, And Iraq Accountability Act, 2007

Floor Speech

U.S. TROOP READINESS, VETERANS' HEALTH, AND IRAQ ACCOUNTABILITY ACT, 2007 -- (Extensions of Remarks - March 28, 2007)

* Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, you cannot legislate victory in a military conflict--but you can legislate failure. This legislation abandons our troops and sets an arbitrary timetable for our withdrawal.

* Although America's commitment in Iraq is not unlimited, this legislation sends the wrong message to our troops. Also, this bill contains unrelated spending such as subsidies for spinach farmers, and payments to citrus and peanut farmers.

* I fully support the funding for BRAC and I was disappointed when the majority stripped $3 billion from the FY07 continuing resolution and replaced it in this legislation.

* We have a Commander in Chief, who has replaced the military leadership, from the Secretary of Defense down to the Commanders on the ground. A new military strategy has been developed, based upon a strategy and commitments made by the Iraqi Government. Additional forces are being provided to support the Iraqi forces. This supplemental pulls the rug out from under the feet of our military commanders--and our troops. This legislation does not give the new commanders, the chance to succeed. It imposes restrictions and a deadline for withdrawal.

* We've talked about supporting the troops. We need to provide the troops with tools, equipment, and moral support necessary for success. The legislation tells the troops, despite your sacrifices, we will not wait for you to get the job done. It tells our enemies to be patient, you only have to wait until August 2008. It tells our allies that the United States is not committed to peace and stability in the Middle East. I, for one, am opposed to sending that type of message.

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