Cord Byrd: “this afternoon we take up legislation making emergency supplemental appropriations for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan…”

“this afternoon we take up legislation making emergency supplemental appropriations for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and to help Americans cope with a sagging economy. One year ago, Congress sent the President a war funding supplemental that included clear direction to bring our troops home, home, home, sweet home, from Iraq by December of 2007. The President chose to do what? Shame. He chose to veto that bill. If he had signed that bill, most of our troops would be home, home, home, sweet home today. Instead of bringing our troops home, the President demanded an increase in our commitment of U.S. troops--shame--and treasure to this terrible, awful war that has now entered its sixth year--sixth year. How long? How long, O Lord, how long? Mr. President, 4,081 American soldiers have died--died. One can only die once. Over 30,000 U.S. soldiers have been wounded. By the end of 2008, the war in Iraq will have cost over $608 billion--over $608 billion. That is more than $608 for every minute since Jesus Christ was born. Today we are considering the President's request for another $178 billion--another $178--billion for the wars at a time when the U.S. economy is in trouble. Well, one thing is clear. Yes, I am sorry to say one thing is clear in this request: American fighting men and women-- your brothers and sisters and mine--will continue to be in Iraq when the Presidency of George W. Bush ends on January 20, 2009. Shame.”