Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I, too, will oppose the Paul amendment for the repeal of the authorization for the use of military force in Iraq for a number of reasons, but I think mainly there are just too many unknown, uncertain consequences of repealing this authority, including the need to protect our troops. I am unwilling to take this risk during the critical transition period and not knowing precisely what will happen after that transition either. By the way, I take this position as someone who opposed the use of military force in Iraq to begin with. Back in October 2002 when Congress voted on the authorization to use military force in Iraq, I did not support it. I thought it was a mistake to do that and offered an alternative resolution that would have authorized the use of force if the United Nations Security Council supported that use of force. So I take a position here opposing the repeal of the authorization although I opposed the authorization itself in the first instance. It is an unusual position to be in. I want to explain why it is that I oppose the repeal of this authorization. First, the drawdown appears to be on track to be completed by December 31, but there can always be unforeseen circumstances that could delay that date. There is no provision in this bill for the possibility of an extension or a modification of that date. I would be reluctant to see it modified or extended.…”