Sam Farr: “a safe and democratic Iraq is a goal I share with every American. Congresswoman Woolsey's amendment is critically…”

“a safe and democratic Iraq is a goal I share with every American. Congresswoman Woolsey's amendment is critically important for reaching this goal. The amendment urges the administration to lay out a plan for withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq. This amendment does not demand the U.S. troops be withdrawn from Iraq immediately or prematurely. It simply requests that the President establish a plan for when he will begin to bring our soldiers back home. The best way to make Iraq a strong and democratic country is to give Iraqis the training and education necessary for them to assume responsibility for their own security needs and to develop their civil society infrastructure. Iraqis yearn for freedom and democracy, and ownership of their own country. American soldiers, sailors and marines want to return home to be reunited with their families. A withdrawal plan is in the best national security interests of the United States and in the best interests of a democratic Iraq. I urge my colleagues to support the Woolsey amendment. The CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey). The question was taken; and the Chairman announced that the noes appeared to have it.”