Robert Wexler: “while I strongly believe Congress should pay tribute to the victims of 9/11 and honor our brave troops and first…”

“while I strongly believe Congress should pay tribute to the victims of 9/11 and honor our brave troops and first- responders for their valiant service to America, this resolution unequivocally exploits the victims of 9/11 for narrow political purposes and perpetuates erroneous claims connecting 9/11 to the war in Iraq. The bi-partisan 9/11 Commission declared--in no uncertain terms--that there was no connection between 9/11, al Qaeda and Iraq. For those who support this resolution, I must ask--is Congress disputing the findings of the 9/11 Commission? Does Congress believe al Qaeda operated in Iraq prior to the U.S. invasion? And is Congress pleased with the insufficient coalition assembled by President Bush that has led America to carry an overwhelming economic and military burden in Iraq? The facts show that these claims are distortions at best, blatant lies and manipulations at worst, and the American people deserve the truth. The truth is that America took its eye off the ball in Afghanistan, allowing terrorists such as Osama bin Laden to reconstitute their forces and operate freely. By transferring our military resources from Afghanistan to Iraq--when Iraq posed no imminent threat and had no weapons of mass destruction--this Administration failed the American people and weakened our efforts in the war against terror.”