Joe Baca: “I come before this Chamber with a heavy heart, because I know that I am making one of the most difficult decisions in my…”

“I come before this Chamber with a heavy heart, because I know that I am making one of the most difficult decisions in my life. Like my colleagues in Congress and every American, I have debated whether unilateral military action in Iraq is the best thing to do. I have carefully weighed and considered all options. I pray to God that I am making the right decision. I have not been able to sleep. I think about the mothers and fathers I have met who have asked me, how long will this war last? How many lives will be lost? Could our children be drafted? How many of those children will come back with deformities, with cancer or mental illness? I think about our many sons and daughters that will be affected by our decision. I wonder how many will not make it home to their parents. I think about the many veterans that already have served our Nation but still have not received access to the benefits of our country that has promised them that. I think about the innocent Iraqi children who will be caught in the crossfire. I think about how this war could make us more suspicious of others based on the color of their skin. I have talked to bishops, clergy, community leaders. All of my constituents have written and voiced their concern about the war. Is the price we will pay in lives worth the security we might gain by eliminating only one of countless threats? In our Nation's history, we have never fired the first shot, so why now?”