Floor Statement by U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum

As we all know, our elected officials at the federal level spent an exorbitant amount of time debating a non-binding resolution meant to undermine our President, and the morale of our troops. This, according to Senator Murtha's plan, will eventually lead to a slow bleed of the resources needed to fight the war in Iraq. No more supplies or reinforcements or funding. Forcing an end to our involvement in Iraq. Remember that when we left Vietnam millions died.

The Democrats say that they too "Support the Troops." But can such undermining activities such as this truly support them? I believe that this has become nothing but an empty slogan for them and they will do and say anything it takes to bring down our President. Nothing else matters to them. Not you. Not me. Not our national security. Only whatever it takes for them to stay in power.

I heard someone ask last Saturday why I may call someone "Evil." To me, all it takes is the lack of respect Miss McCollum has for our constitutional rights. For instance, last year she voted against making it illegal for police and National Guardsman to confiscate law abiding citizens firearms during a national disaster. Remember hurricane Katrina? This very thing happened in New Orleans. Thankfully the NRA filed suit and had this put to a stop. Also, she voted for federal funding for embryonic stem cell research and then voted "no" for funding for other types of stem cell research. As is well known, no research yet has yielded positive results from embryos. All positive results so far have been from nothing but adult stem cells. It's embryos or nothing for Betty.

God bless Michelle Bachman!!

Anyway, here it is. the floor statement from Betty. She can sling it with the best of them, but one thing you can be assured of, she will vote the party line every time. It's as if she has no mind of her own.

Floor Statement by U.S. Representative Betty McCollum

in Support of "Surge Disapproval"

Iraq War Resolution (H Con Res 63)

(To be delivered on the floor of the U.S. House between 10:00 and 11:00 pm EST)

Madam Speaker, there is no more important issue facing our nation than the prolonged, painful and deadly war in Iraq. Next month, America's courageous and determined troops will start year five of combat operations inside Iraq. as Iraq continues to deteriorate into a failed state of endless killing, President Bush has decided to not only stay the course, but to escalate America's combat presence.

The resolution we debate tonight puts Congress in step with the American people in rejecting the president's escalation of the war. this resolution supports our troops and sends a clear message to President Bush that he is increasingly isolated in believing that Iraq's future can only be salvaged by sending more Americans into their civil war.

Let us remember that year five in Iraq will start with over 150,000 U.S. troops in the midst of an Iraqi civil war. Year five in Iraq will start with 2600 Minnesota National Guardsmen and women who have already served and sacrificed for a year being ordered to serve an additional four months of duty. Year five in Iraq starts with over 3100 American troops having sacrificed their lives and nearly 24,000 troops having sacrificed their bodies.

To all our veterans and their families, I offer my prayers and pledge my support in the difficult months and years ahead. With a true sense of humility, respect an admiration for the service and the sacrifices you and your families have endured -- thank you.

Our troops have always done their jobs with skill, determination and courage.

Now, it is time for the elected leaders of this nation to respond with, courage, skill and forethought to the challenges presented in Iraq.

It is time for the people of Iraq, the diverse ethnic group, religious sects and tribal leaders, to decide whether their future is to be one of on-going murder, revenge and civil war or reconciliation peaceful cooperation, and security.

It is time to end Iraq's dependence on U.S. troops and to fully transfer responsibility for security and governance to the Iraqis.

It is time to start the process of bringing American troops home--safe and soon.

It is time to bring this war in Iraq to an end.

Achieving peace in Iraq will require an Iraqi political solution. Peace will require robust, active and tireless diplomacy from the United States in partnership with Iraq's neighbors and the entire world community. This Congress has the opportunity and the obligation to advance a foreign policy vision rooted in the belief that Iraq's future requires a shared global commitment.

Tomorrow, Congress will pass this bipartisan resolution. This resolution is important because it is the second step in putting the White House on notice. The first notice was delivered to President Bush by the American people last November when they elected e new majority to Congress. The American people elected this new majority because the wanted this very debate to take place, because they rejected the "stay the course" status quo in Iraq.

Instead of hearing the American people, instead of acting on the recommendations of the Iraq Study Group, instead of learning from his past mistakes in Iraq, President Bush decided to escalate the war. Rather than take the counsel and advice of experienced statesman and tested military leaders, President Bush acted alone and decided to escalate the war.

Now, our president calls himself "the decider." But, in America, the people, not the president, are the ultimate deciders. And, the people and this Congress have decided the escalation of combat troops into Iraq is misguided.

This Congress has the authority and the obligation to hold the president accountable and this House is ready to exercise its constitutional powers.

The American people are demanding action to end the war in Iraq. Let us listen to the people. Tomorrow, let us pass this important resolution and begin thew process of working together, as Americans, to end the war in Iraq.

Madame Speaker, I yield back my time.