Hank Johnson: “simply put, I strongly oppose this war and have done so since its inception. I stand ready to do whatever needs to be…”

“simply put, I strongly oppose this war and have done so since its inception. I stand ready to do whatever needs to be done to bring this conflict to a responsible end--and I have been working toward that goal since the first day I stepped onto this floor. As a Progressive, my first inclination was to vote against this supplemental. I still believe it's important to loudly proclaim that this war should end, but I've come to the conclusion that a vote against this bill is not the most effective way to make that statement. Even though this supplemental does not push for an immediate end, it is our best hope in the Progressive struggle to bring our troops home and finally allow the Iraqis to determine their own future. I am also strongly supportive of the funds provided in this bill to fund the S-CHIP shortfall. Georgia's PeachCare program needs immediate relief and this bill will ensure children in need in my state continue to receive the health insurance we promised them, at least for the short term. Make no mistake, I do not consider this bill to be the final statement on the war in Iraq--or the PeachCare program for that matter. But it is a good start and I will support it today.”