Cord Byrd: “along with my Democratic colleagues, I intend to vote for the Reid resolution, S.J. Res. 9. I have some concerns with…”

“along with my Democratic colleagues, I intend to vote for the Reid resolution, S.J. Res. 9. I have some concerns with the approach in this resolution--I firmly believe that the Congress must address the open-ended 2002 authorization to use force in Iraq, which is not dealt with in this resolution--but I certainly agree with the Reid resolution's intent. There is a diversity of views in both parties about our policy in Iraq, but a majority of the American people are united in the firm belief that a change of course is long overdue. Fifty-nine percent of Americans believe that the United States made a mistake in sending troops to Iraq. Sixty percent favor withdrawing all U.S. troops by the end of next year. The American people are speaking, and finally their Representatives in the Congress are listening. Some of us may disagree about the best way to effect a change of course in Iraq, but this debate shows one thing--it is time for a new plan, time for a real discussion, not more empty rhetoric about 'stay the course' versus 'cut and run.' This administration is fond of referring to the powers of the Commander in Chief, but surely the most important responsibility of any Commander in Chief is to provide solid leadership.”