Chris Dodd: “On March 20, President Bush ordered U.S. forces to begin attacking Iraqi installations. There are currently 225,000…”

“On March 20, President Bush ordered U.S. forces to begin attacking Iraqi installations. There are currently 225,000 American service men and women in the Persian Gulf region. Two hundred thousand members of the Reserves and National Guard have been called to active duty. Several thousand Connecticut residents are doing their part--1,500 members of Connecticut's National Guard; 750 deployed to the Middle East and another 750 activated to participate in homeland security related responsibilities. There are also 2,778 of Connecticut's sons and daughters serving in the Navy--active members and reservists, 532 in the Army, and 310 in the Air Force. Dozens of Connecticut's police officers and firefighters have been called up for active duty. I thank each and every one of them. And say to them that I am proud and honored to represent them in the United States Senate. As is always the case, these young men and women stand ready to obey the orders of the Commander in Chief--the President of the United States--to take up arms and risk their lives in defense of all Americans and the values of freedom, liberty, and democracy. I greatly admire the courage and professionalism of our service men and women who are now engaged in this dangerous conflict far away from home and loved ones. Americans stand as one in support of these brave individuals. I also want to express my gratitude to the family members of our soldiers.”