Cord Byrd: “President Bush marked the fourth anniversary of his announcement that major combat operations in Iraq have ended by…”

“President Bush marked the fourth anniversary of his announcement that major combat operations in Iraq have ended by vetoing war funding legislation because he claimed it limited his ability to prosecute a war unconditionally and indefinitely. Our Armed Forces are now well into their fifth year of combat operations--longer than the U.S. was involved in World War II-- and the time is overdue to examine and update U.S. policy in Iraq. The legislation, which President Bush vetoed, would have set a responsible, new course for the war that was a balanced and fair proposal that I was pleased to support. Sadly, the President continues to believe peace and stability can be forced on the Iraqi people at the point of a gun. He was wrong in 2002 when he sought authorization to go to war, and he is wrong today. However, now that the President has insisted on continuing down this failed path, it is our responsibility to discuss alternatives that can become law. The Congress is not an ATM, spitting out billions whenever the President requests it. It is a policy arm of the Government, as well as its banker. The Constitution says the Congress shall have power to provide for the common defense. It is the Congress--yes, it is the Congress--that is given the sole power to declare war. The Congress is sworn to raise and support armies. The Congress and the people of the United States have a right to expect clarity in our mission and a foreseeable end to this conflict.”