Combat Terrorism, Redeploy From Iraq

Floor Speech

COMBAT TERRORISM, REDEPLOY FROM IRAQ -- (House of Representatives - July 25, 2007)

(Mr. ELLISON asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, the National Intelligence Estimate makes it clear that the United States confronts grave challenges to our national security. Al Qaeda grows stronger with each passing day and remains intent on inflicting harm on the American people and others around the world.

The NIE confirms what many of us in this Chamber already know: the war in Iraq has stretched resources thin and continues to distract from the global war on terror. It is nearly 5 years since President Bush proclaimed ``mission accomplished.'' In that time, over 3,600 Americans have lost their lives and 26,000 more have been wounded. Despite the courageous efforts of our men and women in uniform, Iraq today is a distraction from our mission to destroy the al Qaeda network. How many more lives must be lost until the President and our colleagues realize that we must change course?

Mr. Speaker, around the world right now, our brave troops are fighting to protect this country and win this war. If we are going to prosecute the war to the best of our ability, it is time to face facts and reevaluate our strategy and begin a gradual redeployment of our troops.

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