Wendy Sherman: “today I voted present on H. Res. 612. I vote present when a resolution appears well-meaning but its language is flawed.…”

“today I voted present on H. Res. 612. I vote present when a resolution appears well-meaning but its language is flawed. H. Res. 612 is referred to as the ``Iraq Victory Resolution.'' The term victory means many things to different people. This resolution does not define ``victory'' and is therefore unacceptably vague. The resolution concludes that the House has ``unshakable confidence'' that the United States will ``achieve victory.'' Some would define victory as attaining all of the results promised by the administration at the time U.S. forces invaded. I am not absolutely certain that we will achieve all of the results promised by the administration in the winter of 2002-2003. Mr. Speaker, I join with my colleagues in congratulating the Iraqi people for electing a new parliament that will govern Iraq for the next 4 years, and for doing so in the face of great danger. I especially commend our troops for their heroism in Iraq and for their tremendous sacrifice for their service to our country. Mr. Speaker, we had the opportunity to send a strong bipartisan message to the people of Iraq and to our troops. I am afraid that this resolution falls short. Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, once again, the House Republican leadership refuses to allow an honest debate over the future of the U.S. military presence in Iraq.…”