Political Quotes

“I bring an amendment here to the floor that strikes section 9012 from the bill. The bill language under 9012 says: ``None of the funds made available in this Act may be used by the Government of the United States to enter into a basing rights agreement between the United States and Iraq.'' Mr. Chairman, I believe that we should not foreclose our options in Iraq, and H.R. 5631 prohibits the United States from entering into any military base agreement with Iraq. If we rule out all bases, we forego a critical part of diplomatic relations. My amendment would strike this section from the bill. Historically, basing rights agreements have been a necessary part of diplomatic relations with foreign governments. These agreements outline guidelines and conditions for operating American military bases worldwide. It is both common and responsible for the United States to enter into, and periodically renegotiate, basing rights agreements with countries hosting American troops. This has been done with every country hosting U.S. troops including Afghanistan. The newly elected democratic government of Iraq should be no exception, and it is likely and appropriate that basing agreements will soon be negotiated. In this way, my amendment respects Iraqi sovereignty. Prohibiting these negotiations will not make the problems go away. Rather, by refusing to enter into a sensible diplomatic dialogue, the United States would neglect its diplomatic duties.…”