On the recordMay 6, 2004
Since April 1, 163 soldiers died in Iraq, bringing the total to 767. Yesterday, the administration announced that it will keep our current troop level through 2005, and that we will need another $25 billion on top of the $112 billion already spent. But while we name post offices and congratulate sports teams, our constituents are asking us the whys and the hows of Iraq. When the chairman of the Committee on Armed Services and the majority leader refuse to hold hearings, they are failing America. As President Kennedy once said, "An error does not become a mistake until you refuse to correct it. Without debate, without criticism, no administration and no country can succeed, and no republic can survive." Mr. Speaker, to govern is to choose. We can name post offices, or we can ask the hard questions about the direction of our country, and we might even be able to do both in this House.
Source
govinfo.gov
