Wendy Sherman: “we all support the troops. We all want to see Iraq built, or at least restored. There is only one issue that is in…”

“we all support the troops. We all want to see Iraq built, or at least restored. There is only one issue that is in doubt: whether the $18 billion goes to Iraq as a loan or as a gift. Now, we will have two chances to vote on that issue, at least two. First, the rule will come before this House. A vote for the rule is a vote to say that we will never get an explicit vote on whether this should be a loan or a gift. If you are in favor of an $18 billion gift out of the hides of the American taxpayer, you have to vote for the rule. If you vote against the rule, that opens it up to having a protected amendment, like one that I and others are proposing, to convert the $18 billion from a loan to a gift. The second opportunity will be on the Rohrabacher amendment, and there will be other amendments, when we can strike the $18 billion. People should understand that does not mean that we do not build Iraq. Instead, that means the administration has to come forward with a loan package. So what is at issue in those votes, the only major issue that is going to be close on this floor, is whether the $18 billion is a loan or a gift. Now, what happens if we make it a loan? I have a plan. Step one, renounce the $100 billion that Saddam Hussein borrowed. Step two, loan $18 billion to Iraq. Result: Iraq has $18 billion of debt. The other approach, is to not renounce the $100 billion except that portion, that tiny portion, which is voluntarily forgiven.”