Cliff Stearns: “Today I rise to support the actions of the world's greatest fighting force, the United States Armed Forces, which is…”

“Today I rise to support the actions of the world's greatest fighting force, the United States Armed Forces, which is currently about 360,000 men and women deployed overseas defending our freedom. Though the terrains may differ greatly, their overall objectives remain the same. From the sweltering jungles of Colombia and South Korea to the barren moonscapes of Iraq and Afghanistan, U.S. forces put life and limb in harm's way to maintain the security of our great country. War is a concept not easily understood, never black and white, its ramifications always permanent and, of course, severe. The fighting men and women of the United States know the consequences of war, yet continue to place upon their shoulders this great mantle of responsibility. Though victory in war always comes at a price, our efforts in the Iraqi theater have yielded great success. Our Armed Forces have liberated thousands of Iraqis and have begun the delivery of much needed humanitarian support. Saddam's regime seems to be on its knees, ready to collapse. In what has been a historic campaign, U.S. Marines, a sea-based service, have marched inland to Baghdad in what has been the deepest land penetration ever by its air-ground team of planes, helicopters, troops and tanks. American troops have Baghdad surrounded.”