Lynn C. Woolsey: “I rise to give my 288th Special Order on the subject of the occupation of Iraq. The first 287 cited the terrible death…”

“I rise to give my 288th Special Order on the subject of the occupation of Iraq. The first 287 cited the terrible death and destruction that the occupation was causing and the damage that it was doing to America's moral standing in the world. But this Special Order, number 288, is different from all the rest. That's because we woke up this morning with new leadership in the White House, President Obama. President Obama is meeting with his military advisors today. He is planning for the withdrawal of our troops from Iraq, something that the American people have been demanding for many years. And today, the Senate is meeting to confirm the nomination of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who firmly believes that America should emphasize peace and diplomacy over war. President Obama has pledged to withdraw our troops within 16 months. He must not hesitate for a moment to make good on that pledge. He must make sure that the withdrawal is complete, that it is safe, and it is meaningful. There must be no residual forces, no military contractors left behind. And if his advisors urge him to change his mind about withdrawal, he must not waiver or go wobbly. I don't think President Obama will. Just listen to yesterday's inaugural address. President Obama said that it is time to 'leave Iraq to its people.' I've said for years that Iraq must have its national sovereignty and must have it back soon, so those words were very welcome to this Member of Congress.”