Cord Byrd: “the Senate will vote today to commend the U.S. Armed Forces for their efforts in Iraq. I will support this amendment, as…”

“the Senate will vote today to commend the U.S. Armed Forces for their efforts in Iraq. I will support this amendment, as I have supported other amendments and resolutions to commend our military personnel serving overseas for their service and commitment. I oppose the policy that sent our troops to Iraq, but I stand by our servicemen and servicewomen 100 percent. However, I am concerned that the amendment may have unintended consequences. Previous statements that boast of substantial victories in Iraq have been proven wrong at the cost of American lives. Declaring victory because of the elimination of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi could be a costly mistake. I agree with the President's comment on June 9, 2006, in which he said, ``I don't want the American people to think that a war is won with the death of one person.'' Our troops are still facing daily attacks in Iraq. I thank them for their service, and I am particularly proud of the efforts of the West Virginia National Guard in Iraq, Afghanistan, and many other locations around the world. Instead of seeking a lofty sounding but largely meaningless resolution from the Congress, the President should instead be working to send Congress a plan to start bringing our troops home with the honor and the thanks they have earned from this grateful Nation. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, the hour of 12:15 p.m. having arrived, the Senate will proceed to a vote on amendment No. 4208.”