John Shadegg: “I welcome this debate, and I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise in opposition to terrorism and in support of…”

“I welcome this debate, and I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise in opposition to terrorism and in support of honoring our commitments. I rise in support of this resolution. It is clear that one-half of those engaged in this debate believe we need to get out of Iraq and believe we need to get out soon. In support of their position, they cite mistakes that were made leading to the war and mistakes that have been made in conducting the war, and they cite the recent increase in terrorist attacks and incidents. Let me make it clear, Mr. Speaker, reneging on our commitment to defeat terrorism in Iraq now would be a mistake of monumental proportions for which future generations would pay and pay deeply. Of course mistakes have been made. In every human endeavor, mistakes are made. That is the nature of human endeavors. I personally am convinced we had too few troops in Iraq when Baghdad fell. I joined my colleague John McCain in visiting Iraq. I have been there multiple times, and it was obvious to me we needed more troops there. I have joined his call for sending more troops repeatedly, and I join those who call for sending temporarily more troops now to take advantage of the death of Zarqawi as an opportunity to crush the insurgents. And no doubt, other mistakes have been made. But whatever mistakes have been made, they do not justify cutting and running.…”