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EXPRESSING SUPPORT AND APPRECIATION FOR THE PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES PARTICIPATING IN OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM -- (Extensions of Remarks - March 26, 2003)
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SPEECH OF
HON. HILDA L. SOLISOF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2003
- Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the courageous men and women serving in our Armed Forces.
- As we speak tonight, over 200,000 American soldiers are facing the reality of war straight in the eye. Thousands more here at
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home and around the world are also protecting us from harm and defending our freedoms. We honor all of them today for their dedicated service to our country.
- Two weeks ago, I was proud to join my colleagues in voting for a resolution to commend our troops. The resolution was passed unanimously.
- With the outbreak of war upon us, we should send another clear message to the troops that we stand united behind them. I am very disappointed, however, that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have chosen to use this resolution not simply as an opportunity to express our gratitude to the troops, but also as a political tactic to bolster the President's war agenda. This resolution contains political praise for policies that have brought us to war. This language was unnecessary in a resolution
designed to commend our troops.
- Last fall, I joined over 120 of my colleagues in voting against authorizing the President to use military force against Iraq. The concerns that led me to oppose that authorization remain.
- I continue to be troubled by the policies that have led to this war, particularly the doctrine of preemption and the lack of broad international support. We need to repair our diplomatic relations with our allies and countries with which we have had good relations.
- We will need a strong coalition of allies to rebuild Iraq. These partnerships are also valuable to our global war on terrorism.
- In my home state of California, over 8,000 National Guard members and 10,000 reservists have been called to duty. These individuals have left their Jobs, postponed their education, and said goodbyes to their loved ones to serve their country in a time of war. They've put their lives on hold to go to serve their country during a time of war.
- Recently, I visited some of these reservists who were being deployed from my district. They were men and women from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Men and women who never imagined that they would find themselves being deployed to fight war. I could see the fear of war in their eyes. I also saw determination, the strength of a soldier ready for battle.
- Tonight, I think of these men and women and the thousands of others that have left their homes and families to serve their country. They're our husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, nieces and nephews, and granddaughters and grandsons.
- We must let our loved ones know that we support them, especially at this critical stage in this military conflict. That is why I will support this resolution despite my strong disagreement with some aspects of it. I want the troops to know that I stand behind them and commend them for their commitment to defending freedoms here and abroad.