Phil Gingrey: “I rise today, firmly and resolutely opposed to both this rule and the underlying conference report. I regret to say that…”

“I rise today, firmly and resolutely opposed to both this rule and the underlying conference report. I regret to say that the Democratic leaders have once again demonstrated that it is either their way or the highway, except this time it is our fighting men and women who are left stranded in the middle of the road. Mr. Speaker, I am truly saddened and, in truth, even angered by the majority's insistence on putting this war, our generals, and our war fighters on auto pilot with a forced retreat and an inflexible timetable. The consequences of this decision, should it become law, will echo long beyond this date, this year, this decade. Defeat should not be an option, and yet it seems that this majority believes it is the only option. We are at a critical juncture in history when the defenders of liberty and freedom have to stand firm against tyrants and terrorists. And I will remind the gentleman from Virginia that just spoke, indeed, the famous quote says, 'There are times in our history when the tree of liberty must be nourished by the blood of patriots.' Sure, without question, this war has been hard fought every step of the way, and it will continue to be. But few things worthwhile in life are ever easy. Regrettably, this majority was bought and paid for by MoveOn.org and liberal extremists, and now they have come to collect, unfortunately, at the expense of our military and our security, today, tomorrow, and for decades to come.”