Doris Matsui: “As the war in Iraq continues, our military personnel, veterans and their families face a myriad of hardships. Our troops…”

“As the war in Iraq continues, our military personnel, veterans and their families face a myriad of hardships. Our troops in Iraq have lacked adequate body armor and armored vehicles to keep them safe. Their families have to scrape by because of the pay disparity between serving in the military and in civilian life. When the troops return home, they do not have the health care and benefits they have earned through their service to our country. Republicans proposed a resolution to supposedly honor our troops. But it does not truly acknowledge the real hardships our troops and their families face. It merely 'commends the members of the United States Armed Forces and Coalition forces for liberating Iraq and expresses its gratitude for their valiant service.' Republicans also say in their resolution we are safer now that Saddam Hussein has been removed from power. But we cannot claim the mission is accomplished. We must continue to fight the battle against terrorism to ensure safety and stability in Iraq. And we must be honest about the true task ahead of us, or risk America's credibility with our international partners diminishing further. Ironically enough, on the same day Republicans claim to honor our troops, they approved a budget proposal for the next year that would slash funding for military pay, health care, education and training for military personnel, veterans and their families.”