Phil Gingrey: “I represent Fort Benning, the home of the Infantry in Columbus, Georgia, and I rise in support of the resolution to pay…”

“I represent Fort Benning, the home of the Infantry in Columbus, Georgia, and I rise in support of the resolution to pay tribute to those Americans serving in uniform who have brought liberty to 24 million Iraqi citizens. It is their courage, commitment, and endurance that made possible the unprecedented success that we have witnessed halfway across the world. While soldiers are hunting down leaders of Saddam's regime, Americans and Iraqis are working together to construct hospitals and schools and establish a new Iraqi government. As a physician, I know what it takes to provide health care for a large number of patients. That is why it amazes me to learn 52 clinics have been renovated and over 600 have been reequipped to provide primary health care. Mr. Speaker, I call attention to this chart which shows that more than 22 million doses of vaccines have been delivered to 4.2 million Iraqi children and 700,000 pregnant women. In fact, by the end of 2004, over 90 percent of Iraqi children under the age of 5 will be immunized against diseases such as polio, tuberculosis, and measles. In February alone, 800 tons of high-protein meals were delivered to malnourished children. Sadly, those who oppose us are not idle. I do not know how long the war on terrorism will last, but I know America is right and our military and humanitarian efforts must continue until this evil is eradicated not only in the Middle East but in the entire world.”